[gfisher99]

Hi all - Wondering if anyone here could chime in on an issue that's come up on my 2020 X3M (non-comp). Recently, when driving at low speeds, generally after the car has sat overnight, I get an audible clunking in the front end that I can ever so slightly also feel in the steering wheel. This seems to happen mostly on uneven pavement, where there are slight dips or imperfections. It does not happen on bigger bumps where the suspension is really being taxed. It seems to go away at speeds over 50mph, but this just may be due to wind noise, etc drowning it out.

It also sometimes happens when taking off from a stop. I have not found a way to straight up reproduce it, like turning the wheel quick side to side, bucking the brakes at a stop, etc. It just takes driving it for a little bit to hear and feel it. It sounds like something is binding or is loose. Mostly it sounds like its coming from the driver side (US), but I think I've heard it from the other side as well. It's really intermittent, but consistent in that it happens on every drive after it's sat overnight.

I have an appointment to take it to the dealer (still under warranty) but that's not until 7/25. I have a 400 mile round trip jaunt to go on next week.

Just curious if anyone has dealt with this problem. Everything is 100% stock, with the stock 20" wheels, new Pirelli Scorpion All Seasons, 29K on the clock.

Thanks in advance for any help...

[thestimp]

I'm guessing its the AWD engagement when acceleration is applied. Mine does that and its annoying.

[KHATTI]

I had this problem on my 2020 Comp. Turns out it was a bad control arm. Replaced under warranty along with a 4 wheel alignment. Went away after repair. Passenger side front.

[knali8]

I read somewhere that this could also be a loose brake calliper.

[gfisher99]

Thanks guys.. I appreciate the info. I'll take a look at both the calipers and the control arms and see if it's obvious. I would assume it won't be and probably takes a lot of force to reproduce it from underneath. If it's a control arm, I assume it'd be one of the bushings has gone bad, eh?

[thephenomgg]

I have the exact same issue on my '21

[gfisher99]

Originally Posted by thephenomgg

I have the exact same issue on my '21

Super annoying isn't it? Mine just started a few weeks ago. Grinds my gears every time it does it. Hoping the dealer can fix it on the first try when I can finally take it in. Also hope it's not unsafe to drive for now.

[danniexi]

check control arm and/or thrust arm bushings.

[thephenomgg]

Originally Posted by gfisher99

Super annoying isn't it? Mine just started a few weeks ago. Grinds my gears every time it does it. Hoping the dealer can fix it on the first try when I can finally take it in. Also hope it's not unsafe to drive for now.

Yeah. Im going to go over everything with a fine tooth comb when im putting my JB4 on this weekend...

[gfisher99]

Let me know if you see anything obvious like a cracked or broken bushing. I haven't had time to look at mine yet.

[FSociety]

Keep us posted

[thephenomgg]

Update is... I found nothing. Took it to the dealer and they couldn't find anything...

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by thephenomgg

Update is... I found nothing. Took it to the dealer and they couldn't find anything...

Noise still there?
Maybe should take it to the track and do some launches

[thephenomgg]

Yup. Everything in the suspension is tight. Starting to suspect axle, steering, etc... There was a TSB for an axle that sounds like a similar complaint, however, I do not know if it applies to my VIN yet.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by thephenomgg

Yup. Everything in the suspension is tight. Starting to suspect axle, steering, etc... There was a TSB for an axle that sounds like a similar complaint, however, I do not know if it applies to my VIN yet.

Have a link to that so I can check my VIN ?

[thephenomgg]

I have seen a lot of people talking about the TSB, but have yet to actually find the bulletin itself. I have my SA looking into it and will report back.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by thephenomgg

I have seen a lot of people talking about the TSB, but have yet to actually find the bulletin itself. I have my SA looking into it and will report back.

Keep me posted

[gfisher99]

I'm the OP and mine went into the dealer on Monday. They haven't touched it yet. They said they are backed up 4-5 days. My SA sat and looked thru all the TSBs while I was with him and there was nothing for this for the X3M. He said there was another one that applied to a different vehicle, but didn't say if that was a base X3 or a completely different model.

Hoping to hear something tomorrow or Friday. I will keep the thread updated.

[schembree]

I have a new '22 X3MC. I've noticed the "clunk" at low speeds in reverse, and sometimes forward, with the steering at lock. At first I thought it was rubbing, but it is a different noise and sensation. I just hit 2k miles, and it seems to have corrected itself. I haven't noticed it for a couple of weeks.

[JP30]

I have the same issue on my 2021. It seems to be when I first drive in the AM after the car has sat overnight. I have a speedbump in my complex and its when I go over it every morning I feel this "clunk" in the steering wheel.
It is very subtle but weird/annoying

Seems like bringing it into the dealer will be a waste of time....

[OEMJumper]

I have experienced the same issue. in my case, I have swapped to ceramic brake pads and realized the pads needed some more lube on the backs of them, odd..yet that was the issue. it was surely coming from the calipers.

[gfisher99]

Originally Posted by OEMJumper

I have experienced the same issue. in my case, I have swapped to ceramic brake pads and realized the pads needed some more lube on the backs of them, odd..yet that was the issue. it was surely coming from the calipers.

So your noise started after you switched to new ceramic pads?