I am experiencing a distinct knock coming from the front end of my 04 MCS. It happens whenever there is an offset bump, when the front suspension is doing different thing on the left vs. right. For example, when I go over a speed bump slowly but straight, it does nothing. If I go over the speed bump slightly offset where one front wheel hits it before another, the knock is there. It is noticable on bumpy roads, mainly audible when going slowly.

I think this may be an anti-roll-bar issue, but not sure. The dealer tried to diagnose it, but nothing they did fixed it. Anyone else have this issue, and if so what was the cause and the fix?

 

I had a similar issue on my '05 though I don't know if this is the same cause for your knock. I had loose bolts on my front right control arm. Take off the wheel and take a look. Be sure to check to bolts you can see plainly and the bolts on the bottom of the arm as they hide extremely well. Hope this helps!

 

check the ball joints for cracks/shattering
check the sway bar end links for cracks/shattering
Check the stearing/suspension knuckles
check the rubber mounts on top of the struts that you can see through the strut tower holes

that's all i can think of for now.

 

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

Hey everyone, not meaning to hijack this thread, but... I have this same problem only mine is the rear right side of the car. Anyone know what it is?
Thanks.

 

This could be a symptom of worn control arm bushings, which are a common wear item on the E46 BMW's.....which are the same design as our MINI's.

 

HMMM... That I will have to check on thanks alot.