Re: 540it squeaking (archive)

HELP! Every time I drive over a medium size bump in the road or when I am driving over an undulating road, our 1999 540i sportwagon makes a cricket-like squeaking sound. The sound appears to be coming fom the rear suspension. I have read all previous posts on squeaking door seals, but the problem does not seem to be caused by the doors. I have take the car to my dealer twice, and the service department was unsuccessful at fixing the problem. They tried tightening the gas tank brackets and lubibg the suspension; this has not worked. My wife and I have had the car for about sixteen months, and the squeak has been present since we first took delivery of the car. Needless to say, the presence of an imaginary criket in our otherwise problem-ree car has become extremely annoying. Does anyone have any suggesstions? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Michael,

I had to laugh at your message because in May I bought a '97 540I that I am totally in love with. When I first drove it off the lot I noticed a really loud clanking sound from the left rear tire area. I brought the car back to the BMW dealer where I bought it and they could not figure out what the noise was. Finally, they discovered that the sound was a loose caliper in the left brake. They fixed and replaced the brakes, obviously for free. What's funny is the clanking is gone but, like you, when I go over a small bump I notice a little chirp comming from that same left rear tire area. It must have something to do with the brakes. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one with that sound. Personally, I'm so happy with my car otherwise I don't really care.

Good luck,

Norman

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