bryanread

Recently my 2006 525i Sport (81,000 miles) has been making creaking sounds when I accelerate, brake, go over bumps, or turn. The creaking noises do not occur on flat stretches of road. I?m wondering whether the shocks or something related are starting to wear and will need to be replaced at some point. This doesn't seem like something that will fail in the near term, but I'd certainly like to diagnose the problem sooner rather than later. In general, the car drives quite smoothly. I emailed Mike Miller (Roundel Tech Editor) and he said something was probably starting to go, but he couldn't identify the issue without seeing the car. He also included his Suspension and Steering Evaluation article, which was nice of him. Has anyone seen this before? Thanks in advance.

thomas finlass

It sounds like the front tie bars/rods may need replacing, mine have just been replaced, I had the same issues as you described.

bryanread

Thanks for the feedback. Driving around town this morning I was able to tell that the creaking came from the rear even when the front wheels were going over a speed bump. I'll keep the tie rods in mind as I continue investigating.

sahiljain22

Bryan - would it possible to post that article on the forum?

At 81K miles, it might be worn out bushings or control arms also.

KyleB

sure it isn't the classic E60 door seal squeak??

bryanread

Alright Kyle,
I'm intrigued by this possibility. There must be a way to quickly rule out door seal squeak. Would that be just going over a bump with the rear doors not closed and confirming that the creak disappears? Is there a product that addresses door seal squeak?

bryanread

sahiljain22,
I hesitate to post Mike's document because I believe he prefers to provide the most current guidance possible himself instead of having people relying on outdated information they encounter in the web. He can be reached at techtalk@roundel.org. I think he requires a name and City and State. Sorry.

KyleB

take some blue painters tape, apply it to the felt portion of the seal on the door. it runs along the top edge. put a strip of tape on each door, drive it for a day or so, and see if your noise goes away. if it does, there's your problem.

supposedly the fix is to apply a strip of clear vinyl tape to the BODY of the car where that felt strip makes contact with the chassis. there are several DIY threads floating around on the web.

good luck with the car.

Krisbiker2

I had similar noise from my rear suspension- ended up being the ball joint,see- http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/33326767748/

Krisbiker2

Sorry- should have also said- way to prove, spray grease into joint from both sides, i found noise then dissapeared for a few hundred miles until grease worked its way out, but is good way to test if this is the problem. From what I understand this is quite a common fail point.