2023-2024 BMW Steering Clunk and Jerking at Low Speeds

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin SIB 36 01 21 (Revision 2), which supersedes the previous SI B36 01 21 dated January 2024. This bulletin addresses customer inquiries regarding "clunking sounds" and "vehicle jerking" experienced at low speeds with large steering angles. The update includes additional models affected by this characteristic behavior.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2023-2024 BMW models may notice "clunking sounds" and a "jerking" sensation when driving at low speeds, such as during parking or maneuvering, especially when making large steering inputs. This behavior is more pronounced in colder outside temperatures, specifically below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why Your BMW May Be Clunking and Jerking

The technical explanation provided by BMW points to the front axle geometry, which is intentionally designed to deviate from the traditional "Ackermann function." The Ackermann function ensures the inside wheel turns at a greater angle than the outside wheel, preventing tire scrubbing during turns. However, without a full Ackermann function, the inside tire can experience a slight misalignment.

This design, combined with Summer/High Performance (HP) tires, contributes to the observed behavior. These tires have reduced profile elasticity at low temperatures due to their rubber compound and tread design. When driving slowly with a large steering angle, tension builds in the tire. This tension is then released through individual or successive jerking movements, creating the "clunking sounds" and "jerking" sensation. This is the reason for the "BMW steering clunk jerking" phenomenon.

Important Information for Owners

BMW emphasizes that this "jerking" and "clunking sounds" are a normal characteristic of these agile and sporty vehicles under the described conditions and cannot be suppressed due to their design. The bulletin explicitly states:

• "There is no vehicle damage involved"
• "This is of no consequence for vehicle safety"
• "This does not cause tension in the all-wheel drive drivetrain"

This means that the "BMW steering clunk jerking" is not indicative of a fault or a safety concern.

Confirming the Behavior

For technicians, the bulletin outlines diagnostic steps to confirm that the observed "jerking" is indeed due to the Ackermann function and not another issue. These steps include:

1. Repeating the driving conditions with warmed-up tires, either by driving or parking in a climate-controlled garage or workshop.
2. Repeating the driving conditions with a tire that has a lower grip level, such as winter or all-season tires.
3. If there is any indication of damage, such as "curb rash," the wheel alignment should be checked and corrected as necessary.

Owner Recommendations

If the diagnostic steps confirm that the "BMW steering clunk jerking" is a result of the Ackermann function and tire characteristics, BMW recommends that customers consider using winter or all-season tires during the cold season. These tire types typically have different rubber compounds and tread designs that may mitigate the tension buildup and subsequent jerking movements at low temperatures and large steering angles.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11000563