E70 / E71 X5 / X6 / X5M / X6M Passenger Side Clunk over bumpy roads. Most of the front suspension was refreshed, including the strut mount - no resolve!
I had the same issue by the sounds of the problem. My bmw dealership fixed it when noticing the stiffening plate had loose bolts. I was amazed and it didn’t cost anything beyond the diagnosis appointment. I have zero clunking noise now in the front end.
Correct, that's also something that causes clunks. In my initial diagnoses, I have checked and re-torqued the brace plate bolts. The issue is my steering rack and it's due to be replaced.
Clunks over bumps is 99% of the time sway bay bushings or links. On BMW's you can also add thrust arms bushings (have to replace the whole arm). Very often the bushings look good but they will clunk. If it was your rack clunking you would hear it clunking moving your steering wheel back and forth while stationary. Also add strut mount (top hats)
Yep, I agree most of the clunks are caused by sway bar links or the thrust arms on X5M's or strut mounts (specifically in the non M variants due to multiple bushings that become brittle over time) and as I had mentioned, all front suspension components were replaced, including upper & lower control arms, thrust arms, tie rod assemblies, sway bar links, sway bar bushings, strut mount, springs, spring shims, bump stops, etc. and the only component left was the steering rack - and you're right it did make a clicking noise every now and then when moved back and forth. Anyway, it will be replaced when I have the subframe out.
I have the same issue with the clunking noises. I hear it more at lower speeds like 10-30mph. On highway I don't hear it at all anymore which is weird. When parked and turning wheel left and right i hear it and feel it in the middle just underneath. Only replaced the front lower control arms and sway bar links. Feels stable at higher speeds unless i hit a lump it'll kind of move to side as it goes over it. Also have that same coolant leak you have.
There are 3 parts that cause the clunks, 1) Thrust arm, 2) Sway bar link, or 3) Steering rack shaft play. I have replaced all front suspension components that either have a bushing or ball joint and the culprit was the steering rack. If you hear a clicking noise when steering is moved side to side (when the engine is off) then it's something with the steering rack and it disappears with engine on. Coolant leak is fairly easy, just the process to get to it is PITA!!
