2000 BMW 328i (E46) Technical Service Bulletin # 310199 Date: 990601
Suspension - Noise From Front Control Arm Mount
Group 31
Front Suspension
Bulletin Number
31 01 99
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
June 1999
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Noise From Front Control Arm Mount
MODEL:
E46
Situation:
Some E46s built since 9/98 may experience a creaking noise from the front suspension when driving slowly over grade changes, such as entering
driveways or parking lots.
Cause:
The rear mounts for the front control arms (wishbones) were modified in 9/98 to include a bumper to control excess movement. This bumper can rub
on the interior of the mount under certain conditions, creating the noise.
Correction:
In case of customer complaint, this problem can be cured by coating the contact area with a spray lubricant, such as Wurth HHS 2000 (Wurth
number 0893-106) or 3M Spray Lube (3M number 08878).
Procedure:
To get the lubricant into the area required, the front suspension must be loaded, such as on an alignment rack. If the suspension is not loaded the
lubricant will not be effective.
Spray the lubricant inside the rear of the bushing, on the inboard side, so that the rubber bumper and the inside wall of the outer sleeve are well
lubed.
Note:
Some cars produced in the period 15 March 1999 through 23 April 1999 may have had a different control arm mount installed in production.
These mounts have the rubber bumper enclosed within the hydraulic chamber. Use of spray lubricants on these mounts will not be effective. If a
problem is encountered with this style mount, replace both mounts with the standard mounts as shown in EPC.
Warranty Information:
Lubrication of noisy mounts is covered under the terms of the BMW new car limited warranty.
Defect Code: 31 12 95 39 00
Labor Operation: 00 52 016
Labor Allowance: 3 FRU
