2023-2024 BMW Steering Cracking/Creaking Noise TSB

BMW has released Service Information Bulletin (SIB) SIB 32 01 23 (Revision 2, dated August 8, 2025) to address customer complaints of cracking, creaking, or knocking noises emanating from the front axle and steering system. This bulletin supersedes the previous SI B32 01 23 dated October 2024 and provides updated procedures and parts information for the repair.

This repair is categorized as "MOBILE FRIENDLY" and "REMOTE SOFTWARE UPGRADE (RSU) FRIENDLY," indicating that it may be possible to perform some aspects of the service remotely or with minimal dealership intervention.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

BMW has issued specific instructions regarding this repair:

• "Do not replace any parts until further notice for the following vehicles: G20, G22, G23, G26, G29, G42, G80, G82, G83 and G87."
• "Use of the current tie rod part numbers will not provide a remedy to the issue and is not permitted."
• "G20 vehicles produced up to 04/2019- always replace both tie rods (left and right)."
• "A parts exchange using 'old' tie rods does not provide a remedy and is not permitted."
• "It is not necessary to replace the EPS for any of the listed affected models."

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2023-2024 BMW models, including the 2024 BMW X5, may notice the following symptoms related to the front axle/steering system:

• "cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard" when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
• These noises may also occur when driving on uneven roads.

BMW references example sound videos V32 01 23 and V32 02 23 to help technicians identify the specific noise.

Cause

The root cause of the cracking, creaking, or knocking noises is identified as excessively high breakaway torque in the thrust bearing of the tie rod. This condition prevents smooth operation and generates the audible sounds.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure

To address the 2024 BMW X5 steering noise and similar issues in other models, BMW outlines a specific diagnostic and repair procedure:

Diagnosis

1. Verify EPS Type: For G20, G22, G23, G26, and G42 models, technicians must verify that a ThyssenKrupp Presta Steering (TKPS) Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is installed. This is done using ISTA control unit functions to check the supplier information.

Repair Steps

1. Tie Rod Replacement: For vehicles confirmed to have a TKPS EPS, replace one or both tie rod assemblies as per repair instruction REP 32 21 231. Note that for G20 vehicles produced up to April 2019, both left and right tie rods must always be replaced.
2. Wheel Alignment: After replacing the tie rod assemblies, perform a wheel alignment check. This includes measuring ride height without loading the vehicle, as per repair instruction REP 32 00 155.
3. Additional Alignment Steps: Further alignment-related work may be required. Technicians should refer to the Steering and wheel alignment / Electronic wheel alignment section in AIR, specifically searching for reference labor operation code 32 00 155.

Required Parts

Specific tie rod part numbers vary by model. Technicians should use the VIN/Chassis number in ETK or AIR to determine the exact part numbers required for the repair. Examples of applicable part numbers include:

Part Number	Description	Applicable Models
32 10 5 B5F A51	Left tie rod	F95, F96, G05, G06, G07
32 10 5 B5F A52	Right tie rod	F95, F96, G05, G06, G07
32 10 5 B5F E28	Left tie rod	G20, G22, G23, G26, G42
32 10 5 B5F E29	Right tie rod	G20, G22, G23, G26, G42
32 10 5 B5F E31	Left tie rod	G29
32 10 5 B5F E33	Right tie rod	G29
32 10 5 B5F 303	Left tie rod	G80, G82, G83, G87 (RWD)
32 10 5 B5F 304	Right tie rod	G80, G82, G83, G87 (RWD)
32 10 5 B5F 306	Left tie rod	G80, G82, G83, G87 (AWD)
32 10 5 B5F 307	Right tie rod	G80, G82, G83, G87 (AWD)

Additionally, other materials such as fluids, lubricants, one-time use screws, nuts, and seals must be replaced or installed according to ISTA repair instructions or the Electronic Parts Catalog.

Warranty Information and Claim Details

This repair is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. The repair code for this issue is 3221043900, described as "Track rod, side (incl. ball joint) Unpleasant noises."

Labor Operations

• Diagnosis:
  • 32 99 000*: Verifying the noise Situation described above (Work time) - Labor Allowance: WT
  • 00 58 500*: Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate - Labor Allowance: 2 FRU
• Verifying TKPS EPS (G20, G22, G23, G26, G42 only):
  • 00 00 006: Carrying out vehicle test (Main work) - Refer to AIR
  • 00 00 556: Carrying out vehicle test (Plus work) - Refer to AIR
  • 61 21 528: Supporting voltage of the vehicle electrical system / recharging vehicle battery - Refer to AIR
  • 61 00 006*: Carrying out vehicle diagnosis, ABL (Work time), verifying that a TKPS - Labor Allowance: 1 FRU
• Repairing One Side:
  • 32 21 231: Replacing left or right tie rod (Main work) - Refer to AIR
  • 32 21 734: Replacing left or right tie rod (Plusposition) - Refer to AIR
• Repairing Both Sides:
  • 32 21 251: Replacing tie rods left and right (Main work) - Refer to AIR
  • 32 21 737: Replacing tie rods left and right (Plusposition) - Refer to AIR
• Checking Wheel Alignment/Adjusting Toe-In on Front Axle:
  • 32 00 595: Kinematics Diagnosis System wheel alignment with ride height measurement without loading the vehicle (Plusposition) - Refer to AIR
  • 32 00 601: Adjusting toe-in on front axle (Associated work, without commissioning electromechanical steering gear) - Refer to AIR
  • 32 13 905: Commissioning of electromechanical steering gear (EPS) / initialization (after vehicle diagnosis) - Refer to AIR
  • 32 00 650: Additional work for integral active steering (HSR) Associated work (after vehicle diagnosis) (If applicable) - Refer to AIR

Technicians should refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for proper documentation and claiming procedures for diagnosis and repair work time.

Owner Action

If you experience cracking, creaking, or knocking noises from your 2023-2024 BMW's front axle or steering system, especially during steering maneuvers, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. They can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary tie rod assembly replacement as outlined in SIB 32 01 23.

NHTSA Source: SIB 32 01 23