It was the driveshaft center mount bearing

[Kibokojoe]

Over the past year I have replaced the entire front end parts on my 535i except the struts and strut mounts. Every time I hit a bump I would hear and feel a thud from the front end. While replacing the clutch two weeks ago I notice that the drive shaft center mount bearing was shot. Tonight I finally put in the bearing and guess what the thud is gone. The front end still moves up and down excessively but no more noise. While ordering the bearing I also purchased struts, strut mounts and spring pads from Bavauto. Looks like they had to back order one of the mounts. I hate back orders.

[shogun]

Best is you replace also now the engine mounts and the tranny mounts. Quite cheap parts, but you will be surpised what difference that makes. Old mounts are broken/shrunk. Oil might have leaked from them, yes, they are filled with liquid.
Now you have a brand new center bearing but the mounts are still not new, = not all is 100% straight again.

[Kibokojoe]

Bavauto
$69.95 each engine mount
$9.95 each tranny mount

What do you consider cheap :-) Engine mounts $69.95 each thats ridiculous

[shogun]

Bavauto
$69.95 each engine mount Autohaus Arizona $40.40
$9.95 each tranny mount Autohaus Arizona $6.89

What do you consider cheap :-) Engine mounts $69.95 each thats ridiculous

That is why I always by from Autohaus
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=rmcqqm55lo2gww553ydc4o2w&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1012374@535I&year=1989&cid=20@Engine%20Parts,%20Seals%20%26%20Gaskets&gid=5552@Engine/Motor%20Mount

[Elekta]

yeah, but a new rebuilt driveshaft is $600 installed, so those bushings are real cheap compared to the pending breakdown of more important stuff.

That center support bearing bushing is integral to the life of your drive shaft. So are the rear subframe bushings as are tranny mounts, etc.

ask me how I know?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/elekta/PIC_0002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/elekta/PIC_0003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/elekta/PIC_0006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/elekta/PIC_0007.jpg

[shogun]

Nice pics, thanks! Can be used for future explanations and go to my archive ;-)

[Elekta]

Nice pics, thanks! Can be used for future explanations and go to my archive ;-)
take what you want, I have thousands....two tourings worth
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ggil-tx/bmw/elekta/

[shogun]

wow, wonderful, thanks a lot :)