Clunking noise during acceleration!

[P55-TT]

Hi,
I have a 2005 4.4i sport, only done 2500 km.
This morning when I try to do a fast over-taking, while the car was slowing down to 10-20 km/hr, I flick the gear selector to s-mode and step on the gas paddle; As soon as I depress the gas paddle, I heard a clunking noise (maybe from tranny) and felt like the car was hitting something, then the car pulling smoothly all the way to 4,500 rpm.

Same noise happened in the afternoon. When I approach a traffic circle, the car was traveling less then 10 km/hr, then I gently hit the gas to enter the traffic circle, I heard and felt the same noise but not as loud as this morning.

I have only experienced this kind of noise ONCE from my old E39 528i after 120,000 km in a raining day.

But with a new vehicle on dry road, it happened to me twice !

Can any one give me some suggestions ? it is normal ? or something is wrong with the tranny?

Thanks

[BMW Fahrer]

It sounds like a similar problem I'm experiencing. I've had a nasty clunk sound from the front suspension for a few months now, but mine occurs whenever I steer. The problem is replicable when you suddenly put a thrust load to the front suspension. It could be a coincidence since 2004 is the first year for the X-drive. Recently, the dealer changed the steering rack thinking that there's excessive pinion lash. That wasn't the problem. I now suspect that there's a major problem with a bushing somewhere in the suspension. The clunk sound really resonates in the steering and throughout the vehicle and it's annoying.

My '04 X5 has only 9k miles as I'm bringing it in for the same problem for the 3rd time next week. My advice to you is to bring in your X5 for service. I've noticed some previous threads in the past to a clunk or popping sensation in the suspension a few months ago, but I haven't seen any postings about this issue since.

Please post if you have any ideas or have had this suspension clunk resolved. Thanks.

[Daniel B]

It sounds like a similar problem I'm experiencing. I've had a nasty clunk sound from the front suspension for a few months now, but mine occurs whenever I steer. The problem is replicable when you suddenly put a thrust load to the front suspension. It could be a coincidence since 2004 is the first year for the X-drive. Recently, the dealer changed the steering rack thinking that there's excessive pinion lash. That wasn't the problem. I now suspect that there's a major problem with a bushing somewhere in the suspension. The clunk sound really resonates in the steering and throughout the vehicle and it's annoying.

My '04 X5 has only 9k miles as I'm bringing it in for the same problem for the 3rd time next week. My advice to you is to bring in your X5 for service. I've noticed some previous threads in the past to a clunk or popping sensation in the suspension a few months ago, but I haven't seen any postings about this issue since.

Please post if you have any ideas or have had this suspension clunk resolved. Thanks.

What kind of suspension do you got?

[BMW Fahrer]

sport suspension with x-drive and 18" wheels

[Daniel B]

sport suspension with x-drive and 18" wheels

Ok
What i did mean was, do you have Adjustable ride height?
Or do you got springs?

[BMW Fahrer]

Sorry - I have Adjustable Ride Height

[Daniel B]

Sorry - I have Adjustable Ride Height

My dealer will change my steering gear next week they thought that its the problem.
But if we got the same prob it looks like it will be no better...
I got also a clunking noise from the steer wheel when im stand stil and makes small moves with the steering wheel..will put up a video that shows it.

[BMW Fahrer]

After they change your steering gear, make sure that they also re-align your X5!

I've found some interesting threads in regards to the 'Clunk' when performing a search last night:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79889&highlight=clunk

You may want to refer to this if the steering gear replacement isn't your solution. I'm pretty certain now that it's a bushing or tie rod somewhere, but which one is the culprit that's making the nasty clunk? I'll post an update after my visit to BMW next week.

[yankee rider]

Just today, July 20th, I just posted a fairly long complaint list about this very same vehicle model. My major problem is this very same one with the transmission - read my posting and take solace that you are not alone - and we aren't the only two out there. The link might be the Sport Package - hopefully we'll hear from others. Last Friday I faxed BMW North America (Tom Purves, CEO @ 201-307-4095) about this problem and five days later I haven't heard diddly-squat. If I do not get an acceptable response by this Friday I'm filing a "Lemon Law" complaint with the state as it's been in for service four times for this issue. Good luck with your problem.

[AndrewL]

if it wasn't a bmw..this sure sounds like a u joint or something like that connected to the driveshaft

[troytricky]

I have a 2001 X5 and I experience the same problem. The "clunk" does seem to come from the transmission and is not coming from the suspension. It happens during double down shifts (i.e. from 5th to 3rd gear). It is more apparent when the car is under load, but even then does not happen all the time. The problem is hard to duplicate, and therefore, impossible to troubleshoot at this time. I'm hoping the tranny does not blow out!