BMW 320D - Problem

mama79

Hi

Hoping someone can help me. I've a 2000 reg BMW 320D and driving home today I heard a weird knocking noise (sounded like it was coming from the front drivers side wheel) and when i pulled up in the driveway there was a smell of burn She's due a service shortly (about 250 miles to go) so i was going to drop her in over the weekend. But in the meantime has anyone else experienced this or know what it could be?

Thanks a million..

sugarbaker01

if the knocking sound is more noticable when turning the wheel during driving i'd say velocity (cv) joint. not a major job.

mama79

Hi thanks for that...it happened when i was driving straight though so i'm a bit worried its going to cost me an arm and a leg....!! thanks so much for your advice though...i hope you're right

DublinDilbert

firstly does it only knock when your moving? or does it do it when stopped?

Can't think of anything off the top of my head on the E46 that would cause a knock like you describe.

If there's a smell of burning i wouldn't drive it till someone has had a look at it.

No reason why it should cost you an arm and a leg not matter what it is, but i guess that all depends where you bring it.

mama79

Hi

only knocks while driving but don't think i'll be driving it until i'm heading to the mechanic. It was the smell of burn that freaked me out...

thanks...

Idbatterim

wouldnt worn busings also cause potential knocking? dont know about the burning smell though. Op where are you located?

Nissan doctor

sugarbaker01 wrote: »

if the knocking sound is more noticable when turning the wheel during driving i'd say velocity (cv) joint. not a major job.

A 3 series is RWD.


The wishbone bushes are a very common failure on E46's and would cause the knocking you describe. The burning smell is the strange part, they may not be related problems.

Idbatterim

I have had to replace both of my control arms (which house the bushes) on my 318, my bro is getting both sides on his done tomorrow. Op when the car is stopped, put your hand on the front wheel, move it front or back, is there any play in it?

mama79

hi all

thanks for all the replies...I'm living in Belgooly Co Cork. Also when driving home this evening the car felt kind of shaky while i was driving it....this was just before the knocking sound started...

mama79

Also quick question if bushings or control arms need replacing what kind of money am i looking at....?

DublinDilbert

Bushings are about €20 per side + say €50 labour each at an Indy.

If the control arms are gone, add about €100 extra per side. so say €400 for new control arms and bushes.

Owen

The shaking/knocking could be unrelated to the heat. Check your wheel bolts are tightened first. You said you had a shaking, which progressed to a knocking - they'd be my first port of call.

Owen

Just thinking more about it, definitely check the wheel nuts are tight, but it could be a seized brake caliper. That would cause the heat, and would cause the car to handly strangely.