Hi,

Where in the UK are you based?!

There's also a very active UK whatsapp group for M5 owners , so you'll get great recommendations and doesn't 'have' to be an M Specialist as it's suspension related.

If you are also anywhere in or close'ish around London, there's a sub group we're on as well - its more ... relaxed !

Cheers, Dennis!

 

You mention replacing the tie rod(s?) Did you also replace the centre tie rod? When worn it makes clunks at low speed over poorer road surfaces. The proximity of the exhaust headers to one or other of the centre tie rod ball joints mean they get heat soaked and wear noticeably, often making a similar noise to yours.

Also, on a diesel E39 I had a hairline crack on a steering knuckle where the tension strut/arm (the straight one) attaches to it. The strut attaches to the steering knuckle by way of a metal insert sleeve, any crack in the metal surrounding the sleeve in the knuckle can induce a rattle when the road surface has irregularities. My wasn't a clunk though. The crack was probably the result of an over-enthusiastic mechanic hitting that part of the knuckle repeatedly in a effort to try and free the arm when the suspension was overhauled. As a consequence I needed a new steering knuckle and the noise went away. The steering knuckle was very reasonably price then - not now though!