Rear suspension noise (not rear shock mounts)

[Hogfisch]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum although not new to BMW ownership (E30 320SE, E36 328 Touring and currently an E36 320) and am having problems locating some rear suspension noise on the 320 which I thought was rear shock top mounts.

Having replaced them, the noise is still there - almost like a constant rumbling when going over even small bumps, seems to get worse at lower speeds although doesn't seem to change much in noise with change in direction (would this rule out anti-roll bar links?). The rear suspension seems to have quite a lot of bushes - could one of these be worn (the car is a 1991 model 4 door with 150k miles)?

I have tried a search on the topic but am getting an error message every time. Is there anyone that can help? From experience of owners forums they are normally THE place to find knowledgable folks.

Many thanks

Howard

P.S. Happy Xmas

 

[Kenny2g]

How old is your springs and shocks?

 

[sarahj12]

Hi I have the same problem in my E46 323 Coupe

The sound is like a rattle, as though something is loose and it appears to be getting louder. It's more pronounced at very slow speeds but doesn't appear there at higher speeds eg. 80 km/hr.

I was thinking it might be a faulty shock absorber however the car doesn't seem more bouncy than normal.

I took it to a mechanic who said he didn't know what it was but it didn't sound too dangerous.

 

[CTBMW]

Same sounds here, let us know what you find out-it's way down my "fix" list. Doesn't seem to be a problem YET, perhaps a warning sound?
I don't hear it at higher speeds either-I suspect road/tire/wind noise cancels it out? Maybe stereo will cancel it out at lower speeds !!
-Mel

 

[Hogfisch]

Turns out the rear shocks were bad. Although no visible signs (leaks etc.) or the classic bounce test showed nothing on rebound, when bouncing the back end, you could feel on both shock bodies some thumping from inside. Would also explain why I thought it was top shock mounts - the noise was transmitting up the shock to the mount itself.

Anyhow, I changed both rear shocks - no more noise!