BMW F30 Suspension Diagnostic & Maintenance Guide (Struts, Bushings, Control Arms, & More)
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- čas přidán 12. 07. 2024
- ►One of the highlights of the BMW F30 is its suspension and handling. However, being ten years old now, most of the examples out there will need to have their suspension overhauled. In this BMW F30 suspension diagnostic and maintenance guide, Gareth Foley, FCP Euro's BMW Catalog Manager, covers all of the topics of the suspension, including:
00:00 - Intro
03:30 - BMW F30 Front Struts
05:12 - BMW F30 Front Sway Bar
06:00 - BMW F30 Sway Bar End Links
07:13 - BMW F30 Rear Control Arms
09:00 - BMW F30 Divorced Shock & Spring
09:12 - BMW F30 Shock Mounts
10:15 - BMW F30 Rear Sway Bar
10:47 - BMW F30 Subframe Bushings
11:29 - BMW F30 Vibration Damping Bushings
11:57 - BMW F30 Differential Mounts
12:34 - BMW F30 Control Arm Cowl
13:16 - BMW F30 Unique Bushing Hardware
15:51 - Wrap-up
If you're shopping for a BMW F30, use this guide to know exactly what to look out for in the suspension to avoid costly repairs. If you want to learn more about the BMW F30 before pulling the trigger on your next purchase, you can find additional guides and DIYs on our BMW F30 playlist: • BMW N20 & N26 Engine D... or visit bmwf30.fcpeuro.com.
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Great F30 suspension set-up video! Will use this as a checklist in my final service as my F30's warranty is expiring soon. Thanks!
This is such a high quality educational video. So helpful. Another reason FCP is the best!
So helpful! Excellent information explained incredibly well.
Hi there, i am all the way from Recife in Brazil South America, and I really liked your video, very informative and all, thank you for sharing it with us…
Excellent video. Thank you
Very impressive knowledge - thanks for the video.
I've been using these videos as a suppliment to the Bentley book for my go-to on a '14 F34, seriously great stuff.
Great to hear!
Awesome video me being a new BMW f30 owner now I know what to look for.😁👍
Great videos keep up the good work!
Best ever video made for suspension problems, thanks a lot man!!! 🎉🎉🎉
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for the breakdown!
Excellent video, much appreciated
Glad you enjoyed it
I know there aren't too many customers in this segment for you guys... BUT if you have the time and opportunity I would greatly appreciate a similar style of video (buyers & maintenance guides) for the F01, F10, and F13 platform. What are common failures and when to expect these failures? Thanks!
Love these videos! Could you do one about performance/aftermarket options for suspension? (Shocks, springs, and sway bars)
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There’s so much knowledge in the video
For most used F30s, what replacement/upgrades will you recommend in priority order?
Absolutely brilliant knowledge.thank u
Glad it was helpful!
very informative
Fantastic video, we are from Recife in Brazil South America and we love your videos FCPeuro...
Used to have an 18/18 M sport 320i with a premium kit on it that came from factory awesome car,
also had just recently a 20/20 M sport 330i liked it a lot as well, now I own an s58 engine car the 20/20 bmw X3MC.
Thats quite the vehicle history!
Thanks homie
Stary jesteś najlepszy co do bmw
Thank you
Exceptional and very timely video on the BMW F3X suspension Gareth. Need an explainer on the F3X upgraded lower control arm (LCA) and thrust arm/tension strut by using F8X M3/M4 OEM/OE components and/or monoball inserts. The M3/M4 thrust arm/tension strut is very narrow and requires custom spec'ed spacers to fit. Metric AL/Steel spacers are hard to find in the US. M3/M4 LCA is just a bolt-on upgrade on the F3X that only requires the headlight arm to be changed and a good wheel alignment to dial-in the extra negative camber. Rear suspension upgrade options would also be helpful. Most BMW F3X suspensions drive like jello compared to an ///M car. Simple upgrades like the M3/M4 LCA swap make a huge difference.
WARNING: BMW F3X X-Drive models can only use the monoball insert upgrade, and not the F8X M3/M4 LCA/TS upgrade.
🙉
Great video probably the best suspension video Iv seen thanks for taking the time to do it. 👍
If any of the parts are changed does it require a full 4 wheel alignment? (Xdrive).
Yes
Awesome video. Could u please do one for BMW F11 as well?
Good video...plz i have a question ...is not dangerous to tighten the camber and toe arm 20nm more ?! Thanks for your return
Do you guys have a video on how to remove/replace the front bumper reinforcement bar along with the brackets?
Excellent presentation. You really appreciate an X5 suspension after seeing all this stamped steel.
Are the awd and rwd axles for the back the same on both cars? Like can i put an awd axle in as a replacement for a rwd cars rear axle?
Great video! Any ideas on squeaky sound in the rear suspension when lifting/lowering the vehicle?...sound like the spring compressing/decompressing on the rear driver side. 2015 328i, N20, non-xdrive. Thank you!!
You found anything? I have the same issue
Great informative video enjoyed watching it. Btw I got a f30 and I hear a rattling/clicking & clunking noise underneath the driver side only after I driven the car for over an hour and then it gets worse as I drive more. Took the car local garage they can’t tell where the noise is coming from, took it to main dealer bmw too and they can’t tell for certain where it’s coming from either but they suggested I change both of the front control arms to see if it helps. I wanted to ask, from your experience what could it possibly be that causes the noise to come on only after the engine gets warm and driven the car for over an hour?
did you get this issue fixed? I've been trying to get it fixed since I bought my 335i and no dealer has diagnosed it correctly
@@griffin_kith6214 fortunately I didn’t have to get it fixed it as it automatically foxed itself
Great video, just watched it prior to me working on my rear shocks. One question - how easy is it to undo the nut that holds the top of the shock to the shock mount? I ask as I need to replace the jounce bumpers as they have fallen apart.
As long as you can counter hold the shaft of the shock absorber, it is pretty straight forward!
my struts on my 2014 328D stick through also which is different than in the video. Did you get any responses on if the struts are blown through the hub
Do you have a video on how to fix a Seiling sleeve on an BMW f30 transmission? How how to fix it ? That would be really interesting to see cause it happens a lot down here in Brazil 🇧🇷…
😳
Great guide. I'm in the process of buying parts to replace the thrust rod bushing on my F30 and have a question. Does BMW use a stretch bolt through the thrust rod bushing to connect it?
🙈
Great video! If I have wear on the outer side of right rear tire on a 328d xdrive F30, is that likely the bushing or rear shocks causing that wear? Thanks
Hi Mateen, it could be either-or, but more than likely on the bushing side of things. An alignment should help you rule that out.
hi mate i have just bought a 2014 320d rear wheel drive m sport. it had some suspension damage from accident. i have changed the passenger side (left in uk) control arm. also the inner tie rod is bent. my shocks look different to the ones in video in that the shock has approx 2 inches or so sticking out below the knucke part at bottom. is that normal or has the fuse thing deployed?
great video. what would be the signs of a faulty strut mount (front) and not the strut itself? (F22)
thanks
🙈
Two BMW F3X Suspension defects to consider:
- The steering rack can wear and require replacement. Sometimes there is a quick fix to the steering box. Between the BMW E-Platform and F-Platform, the steering was switched to being electronic. No road feel through the steering wheel..
- There is a small clip that prevents the parking brake cables from sagging and touching the driveshaft. When the clip fails, you get noise through the drivetrain from the parking brake rubbing. Impossible to get to the clip to replace it without dropping the exhaust, driveshaft, and fuel tank. It might fail again. Better to add some zip ties or a custom solution.
Na pupicie tableta mam zapisany twój kanał 😊
Changing the rear shocks on the newer F30, the little air dam on the control arms has to be moved in order to pull the lower shock mount bolt out.
3:57 my strut pushed through the knuckle on my f30 like you said. I only changed the axle. Was I supposed to change the strut and knuckle as well ? My car is driving fine but when I hit about 70mph I get a traction control blink and feel my wheel moving funny. Can’t really explain. But if I let off the gas I can hit gas again and be fine.
If I put F80 wishbones on my f30 rwd, should I replace with the F80 thrust arm or am I okay leaving the f30 thrust arm?
I have a question. I don't do any of the diy myself, but I've had my 2016 428i gran coupe xdrive to a shop to see why the rear of my suspension is making a squeaking sound when I go over bumps usually while I'm driving between 10 to 20kms. They say there is no corrosion of any of the parts and they spray the bushings but the sound is still there. Are you able to provide me with what you might think the potential cause is. It's quite embarrassing when I'm driving knowing that I'm trying to figure out the issue. Please help!!!
hi mate.. I have an f30 330i.msport . australian spec... have a vibration in the rear end at low speeds under load (in high gears.. 7,8 etc..).. if i nugde the throttle and go back a few gears it goes away.. any ideas..?
Can you do a video for the g chassis
I have a 2014 F30, prior to buying it it has had a hit on the front left wheel from the side. Tell tale marks on the wheel, sway bar and lower arm showing contact and the inner tie rod has a large bend in it. I replaced the tie rod and got it aligned. All good except the camber is showing 1 degree too much negative camber on the front left wheel. What would you be looking at to sort this/ I understand it's not adjustable so likely a damaged part.
Have you figured it out? My alignment numbers shift a bit when I place pressure onto the front tires
Good day, I have changed everything on my front suspension including shock mounts and steering kits but I still have a knock when ever I’m at a bumpy place or on a stipe place/ climbing on something
Hi Kenny, with something like that, more diagnosing is going to be needed, check your sway bar bushings and end links as well while you are at it.
I just got my wheels powder coated and the wheels had to be taken off and put back on.
After they were put back on my steering wheel is making an internal creaking noise when turned only to the left. Any ideas?
Please help thank you 🙏
Should I replace the Struts if they are not leaking but past 100k miles? I have to do both control arms soon anyway so trying to decide what to replace without being mean to my bank account lol.
Hi, my brakes still shakes after i change all four rotors and brake pad, others shoud be check? F30 330i 2016
Love the f30. They’re almost perfect daily driver car and very practical sport sedan
What if when you go over a bump and instead of a click, you hear a tsst type of sound, or is that the click you mean?
Do an f22 guide next please
A NEW BMW 1/2/3/4/5 Series Defect. Exhaust Valve Shake Rattle and Roll. There is a $10 Fixing Bow (giant paper clip) that opens and closes the exhaust valve next to the muffler. If the clip gets weak, breaks, or completely falls off, you will get a rattle in the exhaust. Easy replacement with 3x 10mm bolts to remove the valve actuator and a plug to replace the Fixing Bow clip. The exhaust valve actuator only cost $125 if you want to replace it, and you have a high mileage BMW. #Hades
Ca you do the sam for F22 ? 😁
Hi, on of the bolts on the real arms suspension broke and left the broken peace inside. How do I remove it
I have a 2015 320i xDrive, my niece hit a curb and now it sits with the passenger side tire at an inward angle with the top of the wheel and tire. What could be the issue? Already had an alignment done, but it didn’t really fix the problem much. I do have some pictures of what it looks like. I can send them over to take a look at.
Hi Roy, the best thing to do would be to safely jack up the vehicle and inspect the control arms and subframe to make sure nothing was tweaked. The alignment shop should have been able to see that when they had it up in the air.
f30 2018 after reversing and starting moving forward can here noise in front like metal hitting metal but no noise when hitting potholes and no movement on suspension. Where the noise coming from then?
I had an idiot hit my parked car in the street. Besides bumper replacement and fender needing replaced or fixed, he hit my driver's side rear tire. Now it drives but when you look at it, the traction strut was bent pretty good, reason why wheel was pushed forward, prob half inch from wheel well. Also wish bent slightly by knuckle which needs replaced. Every else looks straight in actuality and surprisingly. Is there something else I should look at? I can send photos if I know where to send it to show. Thank in advance for response.
Btw... I'm driving a 2014 bmw 320i
My f30 x drive make a clunking noise when it’s cold and low speed and goes away any idea?
Hello, I'm looking to buy an F30 that had impact to the the right rear wheel to where its off center and sits back about 3/4" compared to the left side which is perfectly centered. Without getting under the car to see, can we know which suspension part or parts are likely bent?
You must remove the wheel and thoroughly inspect the suspension, subframe, and body to see where the issue may be. Unfortunately no way to just say it is one thing vs the other.
@@fcpeuro So I got the car, pulled that rear wheel and found a broken lateral locating control arm. (nearest to brake caliper) Already got a replacement on order. Thanks
Hey Gareth, I have a funny issue. My F10 BMW makes a cabin hum at exactly 110kmph to 118kmph. Outside of that speed window, the car is absolutely perfect. I had my rear bearings recently changed and also had come of the control arms replaced. Nothing seems to stop this problem. I did check my rubber seals on the bodywork to make sure nothing was flapping around. I did try to coast my car in N at those speeds and this too does not seem to solve the problem. I am not sure how else to diagnose the problem. Any tips would be highly appreciated. Could it be my shaft or bearing or anything of that sort?
Tyres potentially?
@@PhillipsCoAuto No. I had this checked twice. Got the tyres rotated, balanced, aligned and inspected. Not sure if this is the tyre property to give away a hum at only a specific speed. While cruising, I also tried to put the car into N, and still the sound persisted.
@@clockit-app Just can't stand it when you can't put your finger on it. The only other thing I can think of would be weather shields potentially. Do you have them fitted and/or maybe the differential?
@@PhillipsCoAuto Yea this has been driving me nuts for months. Why only a very specific speed? Just does not make sense. I am in the process of making 3d printed vibrations sensors to place in the car and record vibrations to pinpoint the issue :-). I put tape on the seals and gaps to test. But even this it didn't go away. I did notice though that during the winters (25-30C) the sound seems to dampen. Anything above 38C and then the sound is more pronounced. I am slowly learning to live with it.
Could spraying some Vaseline on the bushing front/rear cancel squeaking noises?
You can certainly attempt to kill the noise temporarily, but if the bushings are worn or torn, the noise will eventually repeat.
Is 2016 3 series touring the same ?
I'm getting some steering wheel wobble when braking from above 40mph. I've recently had my brake replaced (front and rear) with my car also having the m sport brake option. I was thinking that the thrust arms on each side may need replacing as they've approx. 87k miles on them.
Would worn thrust arms cause this wobble?
I’ve got similar mileage and a similar issue.. I’m having my suspension checked this Thursday, I shall let you know!
@@alexalbiston5675 Thanks. Someone suggested it may be a sticking/slow brake caliper. Have you got the blue msport brakes?
We had the same issue it was a lower control arm bushing. Replaced and vibration is gone.
Yes we replaced that whole thrust arm assembly as it contains new bushings as well
@@Goodwood356 The lower control arm is the one with the solid bush isn’t it?
Hey FCP Euro I have a crunching squeak noise coming from the drivers side front wheel every time I turn my wheel when stand still and it’s quit e a loud noise. I think it’s a rusted control arm bolt, what do you guys think?
Yo did you ever get this fixed it’s going on for me right now
@@adrixnnr8475 nah it just went away on its own.
@@adrixnnr8475 czcams.com/video/sIJsnr7VH0k/video.html this is what the problem is and the fix.
How similar is the F30 to say, a G20 in terms of this video?
Hi, I have a problem that already 4 or 5 (Im not sure anymore) shops cant find the problem with my f31. The car has 155.000 km, and is vibrating in the front of the car and on the steering wheel when braking but often and when cruising (but not that much) like 100-120 km/h.
1 and half year ago I changed all disc rotors and brake pads, all from reputable brand Textar (Pro+ model). From then at the begining it wasnt vibrating so much, but later it started more and more. Two months ago I went to one shop and they have turned the front rotors because they were not straight. But after 200 km I have this vibrations again. And the problem is that nobody sees the problem with the bushings underneath the car, allingment is in order, and the car sometimes vibrates and sometimes not, unexplainable
Did you end up figuring it out? what was it?
Do you guys know what could cause a metallic “tink” sound that comes from the rear end when going from reverse to drive on a rwd car? Same thing happens from on throttle to off throttle and back on throttle. I was thinking subframe or diff mounts.
Thanks! Love the videos and parts
Following or did you solve it?
I need your help!!!
after replacing the complete front shock absorbers, the car started to click” when I turned the steering wheel
Hi Rarus, you want to be sure your strut mounts were installed properly, they could be binding up. Another thing to check for is the axles, make sure none of your boots are town causing the CV joints to bind up during cornering. You may want to inspect it a bit further.
I noticed my bump stop on one wheel is fully crushed and the dust boot is torn and has fallen down. Would also be a good mention for this video! Anyone think I need to that bump stop?
If its crushed you definitely want to replace it!
@@fcpeuro Time to order your Bilsteins haha.
My 2018 320i creaks A LOT when driving on uneven terrain, even if i just step on the tow hitch it will creak loudly. Sounds like a bushing problem to me, but which ones? Anyone got any ideas? It barely has any miles on it lol..
Hi Slisktord, you will want to get the car up in the air and inspect all the bushings; even though the mileage may be low, if the car sees a lot of uneven roads, they can still wear and cause funny noises. If they were recently replaced, you would want to verify they were all tightened at ride height. You will also want to look over the rear shocks and mounts.
FCP offers BC racing coilovers?!?
Then we go and defeat the 5 link rear suspension design goals by fitting H&R Super Sport springs 🥴🤣!! Low-Life for LIfe 🤘🏽
so is it possible that when the tie rod is bad the steering wheel shakes? because my f30 just shakes all over the places, had the tires balanced and the car aligned but after two days it came back and got gradually worse.. anyone got an idea what it might be?
Hi Stone, it can certainly be worn-out tie rods and or bad control arm bushings. Jacking up the vehicle and checking for play in the wheels with a left and right motion is a good start!
@@fcpeuro Hi and thanks for the video. The front right suspension on mine is making a really hard thumping noise every time it goes through a small pothole as if it's failing to absorb the impact. What could be the cause of this?
I know this is a 2 year old video at this point, but hopefully someone with proper knowledge can answer this. I have a 2017 F31 where the front left brake rotor keeps warping. I have changed it once and had it turned/planed? once and it's warped again. Can a failing thrust arm bushing be the cause of this? I've had 2 separate BMW shops look at it and they wanna change all kinds of stuff or just keep saying the rotor is warped and it needs changing. So no real answer from them.
Symptoms start with light steering wheel wobble when braking. By now the wobble is severe when braking and sometimes I can even feel shaking/uneven running of the front left wheel without braking.
With what you are describing, you need control arms at this point. A bushing in one of the arms is worn and causes some vibrations under heavy load. It would be hard to keep getting warped rotors for just that one side. The other thing to consider is inspecting the brake caliper and ensuring it is not getting stuck or a collapsed soft line.
@@fcpeuro Very kind of you to take time to answer this. Thanks a lot. I have booked time with a mechanic and will be sure to keep this in mind.
Any issues with charge pipes going due to age?
I heard of N55s charge pipe blowing after tunes. I haven't personally seen it. I have a stage 2 n55 with aftermarket cast aluminum charge pipes.
@@digiilovo9177 after 1 week of buying my 2013 F30 335 (stock with 42k miles) my factory charge pipe blew lol it’s recommended to change it to an aluminum one regardless of tune or not
@@michaelnikprelaj6679 good to know. I'll keep it in mind of i pick up one of these as a project car
Where are the videos and OE parts for G30?
Now i’m worried. 😓 thought i just needed struts
COuld still be struts! but its definitely important to make sure you're properly diagnosing
Hey, I have a clunking noise from front suspension, I changed sway bar links, but noise still there, can it be strut mounts?
it absolutely could be, but it would be hard to tell without looking at the car
If the clunks sound metallic You need to change the strut mounts. Roll down your windows so you really can hear it. Turn your wheels left and right. Go forward and backwards.
You didn’t mention the steering rack thrust lock, it’s a common problem and a cheap repair.
If any one sees this please help me. Every time i accelerate the car i get this ticking/clanking noise it’s hard to explain and it’s a very low-mid noise nothing super loud it happens after accelerating after 35mph then when I’m at a constant speed it doesn’t do it but when hitting the gas it does it,what could it be?
How long is a piece of string? Dude you’ve provided no info on what kind of car it is or anything, just take it to a shop and have them diagnose it.
This guy needs to shave his back!!!
Anyone else get a clunking sound when turning the steering wheel back and forth? Most noticeable with car off.
I had the same issue…this fixed it…czcams.com/video/a-ldEEQiSGE/video.html
great Vid...you need a shave behind your neck lol
Someone who knows what they are talking about!
If the rear setup is stamped metal and cheap then why is the entire kit $700?
Those vibration dampers make me think the f30 was definitely designed by millennials lol.
What exactly is wrong with a car that’s fairly new? Seems to me your customers don’t know squad about what they driving. I called this the biggest BS ever. What a total waste of money.
What’s BS and a total waste of money?
It’s not fairly new F30 model is 11 years old.... G20 is the new model
@Buu Every manufacturer utilises aluminium and plastics in important parts of the car now. It’s not unique to BMW.
These cars are a great secondhand buy if you know what you’re doing.
@@zeroyon4562 you’re right it’s just bad engineering from bmw. Like always.
For the Rear Sway Bar, Couldn’t you just replace the end links with new bushings? Why would you have to lower the rear sub frame?
Hi my Bmw very unstable at back after tyre swap any idea why ?
2015 bmw 328i i getting a horrible squeaking nose from the rear left wheel when driving & the car goes up an down, took it to a shop they can’t find it, so annoying….
U got it fixed?
Hey, I noticed a slight vibration in the steering wheel and seat, gas pedal from 50mph. Bmw said there nothing wrong but I don't remember feeling this when I bought it new 4 years back. Could it be any part of the suspension?
Happens on winter on 17 or summer wheels on 18
Following
@@SBV-BandiCooot?
@@TheYellowd I have the same issue
@@SBV-BandiCooot since bmw thought it was acceptable. I took it to a bmw specialist, change a rear axel and flex disc and no change. Since I had to change all brake disc's and pads I requested they change the rear wheel bearings. No change. I starting to go back to my initial thought of a front suspension wear, like a bar link or something. Hope this helps and let me know if you find anything
@@TheYellowdcause I've same problem