No one ever wants to find their BMW making abnormal sounds when driving. These sounds can be distressing, especially when they could have a multitude of causes. You should never ignore a new noise in your BMW, especially from the engine compartment. Make sure you seek a qualified auto repair or body shop as soon as possible.
Popping Sound from the Engine
When you hear a popping sound coming from your engine, it can be alarming. There are many different causes for this sound in your BMW. These include dirty air filters, spark plugs that are old or worn out, or a clogged fuel filter. Larger issues could be an issue with the ignition or a clog in the catalytic converter.
The air filter of a car provides oxygen for the engine to use during the combustion process. It also helps filter out things like insects, dirt, or other particles that could prevent the engine from receiving oxygen. It helps provide a good mixture of both air and fuel to keep your BMW running smoothly.
Spark plugs are also crucial to how a car runs. They provide the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture from the air filter, helping the engine produce power to make your BMW move. When a spark plug is old or worn out, it cannot work to optimal function, leading to a popping sound.
As an air filter, the fuel filter is responsible for keeping out dirt and other particles from the fuel in your BMW. A clogged fuel filter is unable to prevent these particles from entering the fuel, causing damage. Even the smallest particle can spell disaster if it makes it into the engine as it can cause wear and tear on the engine and overall system of your BMW.
Heavy Clunking
A clunking sound under the hood can be nerve-wracking when you are driving. Heavy clunking when you brake can happen for a variety of reasons. If you hear this sound in the front of your car, it could mean that the steering system has worn-out components, such as the bushing. Bushings are the cushion between the parts of the steering wheel that control the amount of movement it makes while also helping to reduce vibration and road noise.
Another cause is an improperly mounted brake caliper. Brake calipers sit on the brake rotor to help slow the wheel. They do this by creating friction, clamping down on the wheel’s brake to bring it to a stop when you press the brake. When these calipers are not correctly mounted, they can cause a clunking sound from under the hood area.
Finally, damaged or missing brake hardware can cause the unfortunate clunking sound in your BMW. Many parts in the brake hardware can cause this sound, but most often, it comes from a dislodged caliper like above or brake pads that are displaced or damaged. Loose bolts or bad constant velocity joints could also cause this sound.
Squealing Noises
Squealing can be typical if the brakes are hot. However, if the sound occurs before you have come to a full stop, it can indicate your BMW may have another issue. Brake squealing before you stop signifies that there may be dirty brake rotors, drums, or brake pads that are impacting function. The brake pad could also be overheating or worn out.
Brake pads are an essential component of the brakes of your BMW. The brake pad sits between the brake shoe and the brake drum. If there is an issue with the brake pad, this could cause other problems with the brake system, including the brake discs, rotors, and calipers.
How to Avoid Issues from your BMW
One of the most important ways to avoid your 
luxury vehicle issues is to have it regularly serviced by your auto body or repair shop. There are many different sounds you could hear while driving your car that warrants immediate attention.
Regardless of the cause of the sound, it is essential that you bring your BMW to an auto repair shop that specifies in European luxury care, like Motor Cars International. We have convenient locations in Easton, Norton, Raynham, Sharon, and Bridgewater, MA. Call us today for an appointment for your BMW.