2023-2024 BMW 7 Series Front Axle Groan Noise TSB

BMW has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) SIB 31 03 24, dated July 10, 2024, to address a specific front axle noise issue affecting certain 2023-2024 BMW 7 Series and i7 models. Owners may notice a distinct "groan"-type noise coming from the front of their vehicle, particularly when steering at full lock while rolling forward or backward without applying the brakes. This TSB provides a clear diagnosis and repair procedure for this condition, relevant for any 2023 BMW i7 manufacturer_communication regarding front suspension issues.

The bulletin, titled "DISTURBING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE WHILE PARKING, WITHOUT BRAKE ACTUATION", is applicable to G70 E-Series 7 Series Sedan and i7 Sedan (BEV) vehicles produced from the start of production (SoP). This repair is also designated as "MOBILE FRIENDLY", indicating it can potentially be performed by mobile service technicians.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2023-2024 BMW 7 Series Sedan and i7 Sedan (BEV) vehicles may experience a "groan"-type noise from the front axle. This noise typically occurs when rolling forward or backward with the steering wheel turned to full lock (either left or right) and without the brake pedal being applied. The noise is most pronounced after a load reversal, such as shifting from drive to reverse or vice versa. BMW has also provided a video, V31 03 24, which demonstrates this noise, with the sound audible starting at the 7-second mark.

Cause

The root cause of this "groan"-type noise has been identified as a "stick-slick effect" within the hydro mount of the tension strut. This internal friction within the hydro mount generates the unpleasant noise perceived by vehicle occupants.

Repair Procedure Summary

To correct the issue, technicians are instructed to replace the affected tension strut(s) with new ones that include an updated hydro mount. This procedure should be performed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. The specific repair steps are detailed in BMW's internal repair instruction REP31 12 050, titled “Removing and installing/replacing left or right tension strut”.

Required Parts

To ensure proper repair, specific parts are required. Technicians will determine the exact part numbers based on the vehicle's VIN/chassis number using BMW's Electronic Parts Catalog (ETK) or AIR system to account for specific equipment and options. The primary components include:

Part Number	Description	Quantity
31 10 8 869 745	Tension strut with hydraulic mount, left	1
31 10 8 869 746	Tension strut with hydraulic mount, right	1
33 31 6 767 586	ASA bolt with washer (M14x127-10.9)	2
33 30 6 760 349	Self-locking collar nut (M14x1.5-10 ZNS3)	2
07 14 6 875 114	Hexagon nut with collar (M16X1.5 ZNNIV)	2

For xDrive vehicles, an additional part is required:

Part Number	Description	Quantity
31 20 6 866 022	Collar screw with spring (M16x1.5x66)	2

Additionally, other materials such as fluids, lubricants, one-time use screws, nuts, and seals, which are typically replaced during such repairs, must be selected from the Electronic Parts Catalog or other approved BMW resources.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. The specific repair code for this issue is 3112073900, with the claim description "Rubber/hydraulic mount, tension strut/compression strut (inner) Unpleasant noises". This ensures that owners will not incur costs for this specific repair if their vehicle is within the warranty period, aligning with the expectations of a 2023 BMW i7 manufacturer_communication.

Technicians will use specific labor operations for claiming purposes:

• 31 12 080: Removing and installing/replacing both tension struts (Main work) - Labor allowance as applicable.
• 31 12 627: Removing and installing/replacing both tension struts (Plusposition) - Labor allowance as applicable (used if a main labor code is already being used for another repair).

If necessary, work time for diagnosis can also be claimed:

• 31 99 000: Work time to verify the type of noise being heard from the front axle - WT FRU (Work Time Flat Rate Unit).
• 00 58 500: Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate - 2 FRU.

For proper documentation and claiming of diagnosis work time, technicians should refer to service information bulletins SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20.

Owner Action

If you own a 2023-2024 BMW 7 Series Sedan or i7 Sedan (BEV) and experience a "groan"-type noise from the front axle as described, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealer. Explain the symptoms you are experiencing, especially when turning at full lock without braking. Since this issue is covered under the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the repair should be performed at no cost to you, as outlined in this 2023 BMW i7 manufacturer_communication.

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Source: NHTSA ID 10257529, SIB 31 03 24