So I just bought a 1994 BMW 318is coupe. It's in rough condition mechanically although the body is in pretty good shape aside from paint problems.


Anyways, every time I brake, or anything causing the front end to go down when I'm moving (at any rate of speed. I do not brake hard), I hear a loud smack, metal on metal. The brakes work great, no grinding or anything, just smooth easy braking. There are also several other sounds coming from the engine that I don't trust... But I'm willing to put money into buying parts, and don't want to get ripped off on labor.


I just need a few ideas of what to look at/shop for to fix this problem. I'm scared this will turn into a larger issue if left without further investigation.

 

If you end up parting/selling pm me

 

Take the wheels off and see if you can see any damage.

 

Will do next chance I get. Thanks.

 

Could be literally anything in your front suspension. Blown shocks, broken springs, worn bushings, worn ball joints and/or tie rod ends, broken sway bar, maybe even bad engine mounts.... the list goes on. Get the front in the air, remove the wheels and have a good look around. Use a pry bar to put some tension on the vital components (shock mounts, sway bar, control arm...) and see if they have any give.

My guess would be bad bushings. Either of the control arm or sway bar. BMW is known for using questionable bushings. Is there any slop in the steering?

 

The steering works pretty well, I just don't know enough about the mechanics of this thing to get under there and do it myself. A friend recommended I come ask people here for some advice.

 

i have driven a 330ci and 320i they both feel like every time a break
the front suspension hits the floor ( not so much as visually but I can feel it in the steering wheel) I feel a thud. I believe its just BMW!

 

NO, that is not normal for a BMW
OP take it to an independent shop that knows BMW's

 

Did you find what it was? Educate us.-Bob

 

sounds like control arm bushings to me