bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front

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Wed 23 May 2012 21:40
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - Harry Pearce

Hello, Can anyone advise everytime my bmw goes over a bump i can hear a metalic rattle coming from the front sounds like your going over a tin can. Ive had the heat sheilds and cat checked its not them and my suspension is fine as ive had that checked. You can only hear it with the windows down and it seems to dissappear when its wet out. Any ideas Thanks

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Wed 23 May 2012 22:03
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - gordonbennet

Have you tried coasting on a section of raod that the car normally makes the sound on....engine turned off...that will eliminate engine running drive train and auxilliary belt area.

Obviously use suitable care if you try this.

Have you found that elusive BMW indy yet Harry, he'll know what it is.

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Wed 23 May 2012 22:16
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - Harry Pearce
Hi thanks for this I haven't yet found anyone who specialized thanks will try this
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Wed 23 May 2012 22:49
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - Harry Pearce
Are you saying that with the engine off the noise should carry on to elimate the drive train etc
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Thu 24 May 2012 06:16
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - Harry Pearce
Hello have done the. Coasting thing it still
Does it with the engine off. Any other ideas
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Thu 24 May 2012 18:58
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - gordonbennet

In that case Harry, have a good shake around of underbonnet stuff, like radiator and any heat shields, to eliminate underbonnet fittings.

I'm not sure if the front suspension is same as 3 series, i expect it is or very similar, if it is then my money is on wishbone rear bushes.

You've checked prop shaft i suppose.

For BMW indy have a browse on BMWland forum, you'll find some very good advice there and where to go, fully expect the posters there to diagnose your rattle too.

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Thu 24 May 2012 19:44
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - Collos25
Front drop links very common fault on E39s cheap and easy to replace.
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Thu 24 May 2012 22:36
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - Harry Pearce
Already been replaced
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Thu 24 May 2012 22:33
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - Harry Pearce
Went to see a BMW specialist today he seems to think its either stones trapped inbetween the back plate attached to the hub or the blots attached to the back plate and hub are rusted and loose
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Wed 4 Jul 2012 13:07
bmw 520 - E39 metalic rattle from front - evpaixao

Hi guys. I'm from Brazil, so, sorry for my poor english. I have a BMW E39 540. I had a similar noise for last 3 years. I checked everything, disassembling all front end, including suspension. Last week I got my right front shock leaking. I took it out. despite it has pressure, I changed both. Noise disappeared. I guess internal shock piston makes noise with shock wall. Noise is louder due to aluminum material. At least in my case, I got it! I hope this information can be useful.

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