I have had some complaints with my front suspension. Everything was fine until my mechanic changed 1 year ago my shocks. He installed Bilstein Sports shocks with my oem suspension. My 2007 550i has sport suspension. Since then, I hear a noice in one side (left) that bothers (at least for me) specially when slowing down at low speed (5-20 mph) and when driving in bumpy areas (also at low speed). 2 different mechanics don't know where the noise come from. One of them believes is the rack and pinion but I don't think so; and the noise comes only from left side. I personally believe the shocks are designed for lowers springs rather than stock springs. Any ideas or experience with this?

 

Can you describe the noise, a clunk or a squeak type of noise. If it is a clunk then most likely the top hat nut is not torqued down correctly allowing movement of the shock when it shouldn't move.

 

My mechanic checked that. The sound is difficult to describe, but I have a "feeling" of something in my front suspension (specifically in the left side) a little "loose". Something making some kind of metal contact that is not doing it all the time but will be more noticed when driving at 10 mph. I don't have to have my steering wheel turned to either side, so I can be driving straight. I believe it may be the bilstein shocks. All bushings and terminals were replaced. Don't want to start spending money on rack and pinion or suspension to rule out things. Thanks!

 

Precise alignment of coil spring with strut support base for the spring is critical. If the spring was installed in correctly you could have a damaged rubber gasket between the strut base and coil spring.

Also, you have ball bearing strut mounts, and if the spring and strut are not properly aligned, those bearings will wear very quickly.