When the suspension bushings go bad..

[BMWL2]

does a rattling come with it? Or just clunks when going over bumps.

I am trying to find what it rattling on my car it is coming from the back area but I havent been able to trace it yet. and I know about the bushings goning bad but are there anyother things that go wrong back there?

by the way this is on a 97 M3

[roloson]

I have seen broken supension parts cause a rattle. For instance the links that go down to your rear anti swaybar. Noise like that can be hard to trace. Worn bushings are always suspect. A real good light and a visual inspection will usually do it. If not I have laid in the trunk and had someone else drive a car to help narrow it down to one side. Also having someone pull it over a bump while walking along both sides of the car help. This can drive you a little crazy. Good Luck

[icntspl]

if its a rattle, something may have unbolted itself and be loose. does it do it when you are driving at all times? or just when you turn or accelerate or brake hard? btw, roloson made a good suggestion on laying in the trunk, thats what i would do

[ARCHER]

You need to check your rear shock mounts (on top of the towers) under the trunk liner. This is one of the most common issues on the E36 M3 and I would bet you money that is the noise you are hearing.

Mine seem to be okay so far, so I haven't done anything with them. However, if you wait too long, you run the risk of stressing and cracking of the tower's sheet metal. A lot of guys upgrade to the E46 M3 mounts, but here is a link to a friend's site with a DIY of a slightly different solution. Either way fixes the problem.

http://www.brazeauracing.com/shockmounts.htm

[BMWL2]

Thanks for the suggestions!!

I notice it more when I am turning which is why I think it may be the mounts due to the added stress from weight transfer.

I will attempt your suggestions today and let ya know what I find out

Just hope my asshole friends don't lock me in the trunk :-)

[ARCHER]

Originally posted by BMWL2@Jan 14 2004, 10:38 AM
Just hope my asshole friends don't lock me in the trunk :-)

If your mounts are bad, you will know just by looking at them. No need to get into the trunk.

[safetywork]

Don't know how evil your friends are but just in case.... bring a flashlight, some water and food. Oh, bring a pillow too just in case your friends decide to take your car on a joy ride with you in the trunk.

[TECH]

Originally posted by ARCHER@Jan 14 2004, 10:03 AM
You need to check your rear shock mounts (on top of the towers) under the trunk liner. This is one of the most common issues on the E36 M3 and I would bet you money that is the noise you are hearing.

Mine seem to be okay so far, so I haven't done anything with them. However, if you wait too long, you run the risk of stressing and cracking of the tower's sheet metal. A lot of guys upgrade to the E46 M3 mounts, but here is a link to a friend's site with a DIY of a slightly different solution. Either way fixes the problem.

http://www.brazeauracing.com/shockmounts.htm

Yep, upper shock mounts. Metalic clattering noise.