new car new problems...

[crashthecar]

G'day all,
I have a few niggling problems with my lovely new little 318i
She's a 91 and has a couple of interesting noises coming from her rear end
There is a suspension klunk in the LHR and i think a rattle in the LH Cpillar or the rear shelf...

Has anybody come across these nothing on first glance seems to be loose or damaged but i'd like a path to follow.

Also both the control arm bushings for the IRS are worn (on the main arm from the wheel to the body. are these a difficult bush to replace? do i need to remove the arm from the car or can i just drop the little bucket down and press them out still attached?

Any help would be appreciated,
Luke.

[jase007]

Luke:

Welcome!

I think your first noise is a upper shock mount gone bad (let's hope b/c the other option is a subframe bushing).

Replace with E46 M3 or Cabrio shock tower mounts.

Looks like this in the car:



Here is my old E30 mount (on left) next to the new E46 mount:



again:



These can be replaced easily (read DIY).

The trailing arm bushing replacement requires removal of the trailing arms. You'll want to take to a shop and have them press out old and in the new ones (US$20.00 - $50.00). Save your strength for the reinstall of the IRS. If you have a decent set of tools, jack, jack stands, etc.... this is not a difficult repair.

Bentley's manual walks you through it. Make sure you get one ASAP.

Jason