323i Coupe Auto Clonking/Knocking HELP!!

[hendrixwoman]

Hi Guys,
I've just arrived at work after experiencing a rather strange out of the blue knocking noise this morning that appears to be coming from the rear of the car?
It only happens when I go over a bump or round a bend. I also noticed on a couple of occasions that when I put my foot down slightly it would start grinding.
I've never had this problem before, it was fine last night. Do you think the ice could have froze something?
Just want to make sure that I'm gonna be ok getting back home tonight. I live 20 miles away.
Any help will be appreciated!

[keykey]

Be sure to check the rear shock mounts, i've heard they're a common cause of this noise.

The mounts (old and new):


The shocks with the mounts on them (old/new):


My old ones were pretty bad but they hadn't begun making noises yet when i replaced them. Kinda easy to replace if you have a lift/jack+jackstands. The mounts are located under the carpet in the trunk on the sides on top of each wheel well. Bolted to the car with 2 nuts and to the shock with 1 nut+washers.

Edit: also if it grinds when accelerating, just look under the car at the diff housing and check if it leaks any fluid. The washers deteriorate with time and when i changed my diff fluid after buying the car there were less than 1mm left of the washer to prevent it from start leaking. I've changed diff fluid on numerous BMW's and those aluminium crush washers have always been close to start leaking.