530i Control Arms

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07-12-2007, 02:21 PM

BimmerJay

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My Ride: 2004 BMW 530i - no mods. Pretty basic really. I mean it has tires, windows, and a sweet look, what more could a man want? Honestly, I'd like to improve the sound system mildly, and possibly find a worthy engine mod that would increase my BHP by 100 without giving an arm and a leg for. I don't think it's out there, so I'll stay stock and love driving my 530i.

How difficult is it to tighten down the control arms on a 2004 530i E60? Little history, the car went in to the dealer because of this popping noise coming from the right front side of the car. I took it to the dealer and they said it was a loose control arm. All was well for a few weeks, now I'm getting the exact same noise coming from the left front side. If the control arm is loose how difficult is it to get to? Looking behind the wheel everything is sealed up, which looks a little difficult to access.

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07-12-2007, 08:58 PM

Thirdy

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if it's still under warranty, let the dealership deal with it. Take it back and let them fix it again.

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07-13-2007, 06:57 AM

grover432

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I have to say that in my experience, BMW's are famous for light knocking noises that end up being traced to the control arm bushings. I had a 1989 535iA with this problem. My 1999 540iA Sport with 60,000km's started making the same noise. It was only noticable at first when driving slowly over a rough road (cobblestone is an example). Curiously, I test drove a new E70 X5 a few weeks ago and it was making a similar noise.

I doubt it is a loose bolt. If the control arms are "loose" it is likely a defective bushing. I'd take the car to the deler and ask them why the part would get "loose" once, never mind twice. Maybe it is time for a replacement control arm, with bushing already installed from the factory??