New owner- those that have had loose strut to firewall supports, were they loose?

[Jayfarmlaw]

First post. Just bought my daughter a 2003 Z4, 2.5, with 102k on it. Very straight and runs like a sewing machine but appears to have several of the common problems. Door locks, air bag light, and a clunk in the front end. I'm starting with the clunk because it doesn't require ordering parts.

For those that have have tightened their supports, were they noticeably loose? Mine have been marked with yellow paint pen and seem to be tight. I can't get any movement pulling on them. I'll torque them to 30 ft pounds after church tomorrow, just curious. I need to put it up on stands and do a thorough underbody anyway. Struts seem fine in the mounts, but I'll dig a little deeper and check a-arm bushings once I can get under it. Holy crap these things are low.... may be time for the 10,000# lift for the shop..... (we have diesel farm trucks too)

thanks in advance for your response.

Jay

[MIKYZZ4]

If there is no noticeable movement/cracking of paint pen markings, then I would focus on FCABushings,SB end links,tie rods,ball joints.
At 102k mi., do you have service history info from PO?

[Jayfarmlaw]

They had it for 2 years and never had anything done other than routine maintenance. No records. It drives razor straight and is tight as you would expect. No wondering, bump steering, or anything like that. I'd say it drives perfect. I just need to get it on a lift. I'm ordering the drivers lock actuator, airbag reset tool, and a windshield trim today.

if anyone else has any ideas of what to look at, please let me know.

jay

[MIKYZZ4]

The Carly for BMW scan tool would be more useful than a Peake tool, if that is the airbag tool you are considering on ordering.
BMW rubber and plastic bits seem to have an average lifespan of 5yrs, windshield rubber trim, windshield cowl, third brake light.