2024 BMW iX Front Axle Knocking/Rattling Noise TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2024 BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicles may notice a distinct knocking or rattling noise originating from the front axle. This BMW iX front axle noise is particularly apparent when driving over rough or uneven road surfaces. BMW has provided supporting video documentation, referenced as V31 04 24, to help technicians identify the specific sound.

Cause

According to BMW Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 31 04 24, the root cause of the knocking or rattling sound is a tolerance problem within the front spring strut assembly. This manufacturing tolerance issue can lead to unwanted movement and noise, especially under dynamic driving conditions. Further details regarding the cause are illustrated in video V31 05 24.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the BMW iX front axle noise, BMW's recommended correction is to replace both the front left and front right spring struts. The detailed procedure for this replacement is outlined in repair instruction REP 3131031. Technicians are instructed to follow this specific repair plan to ensure the issue is properly addressed and the noise is eliminated.

Required Parts and Tools

Specific part numbers for the front right and front left spring struts must be obtained by referring to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETK) or Aftersales Information Research (AIR) system. This ensures the correct parts are ordered based on the vehicle's chassis number and specific equipment and/or options. Additionally, other small parts that are not explicitly listed, such as one-time use screws, nuts, and seals, must also be replaced according to the ISTA repair instructions and ETK guidelines. These additional components must be selected from the Electronic Parts Catalog according to the respective vehicle type and invoiced under a special defect code.

Claim Information

This repair, identified by Repair Code 3132013900, is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program. The repair code is associated with the OEM fault label "Shock absorber with damping force adjustment (EDC/VDM) front axle Unpleasant noises."

To claim the flat rate unit (FRU) allowance, the following labor operations apply:

• 31 31 051: Replacing both spring struts at front (Main work) - Labor Allowance: As applicable
• 31 31 517: Replacing both spring struts at front (Plusposition work) - Labor Allowance: As applicable
• 31 31 511: Replacing both spring struts at front (Associated work, spring struts completely removed) - Labor Allowance: As applicable
• 31 99 000*: Verifying there is a knocking/rattling noise from front axle(s) as described in this Service Information Bulletin (Work time) - Labor Allowance: WT FRU
• 00 58 500*: Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate - Labor Allowance: 2 FRU

If using a Main labor code for another repair, technicians should use the Plus code labor operation 31 31 517 instead of 31 31 051. If both struts were already removed for another repair, use 31 31 511.

For asterisked items, refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for the applicable procedure for documenting, claiming, and explaining diagnosis work time (WT) and job/repair work time (WT).

To obtain specific FRU allowance information, technicians must use the BMW Group's AIR application resource. This involves entering the last seven characters of the VIN, clicking "Search," selecting the applicable model if prompted, and then clicking the "Flat Rate Units" button to enter the labor operation code number without spaces.

Supporting Resources

BMW has provided video references V31 04 24 and V31 05 24 to aid technicians in diagnosing the specific noise and understanding its cause.

NHTSA ID: 10255393