I'm hoping someone can help me diagnose the problem my 98 740i is having.

It has an intermittant creaking coming from the front - kind of like a squeaky door.

This happens randomly, at various speeds, various engine rpms, more often when turning than when not.

I checked the steering fluid - everything is fine there. I know the car has a server steering system, but is there something else in there that needs lubricating perhaps? The car has just over 100,000 miles on it.

Thanks for any help!

Has it started with the warmer weather? Does it creak when coming to a stop? Worse when turning into a driveway? Worse when engine is hot? Do a search on "creaking". Best guess is tierods and centerlink. These parts usually wear out around 70K.

It just started, but it has been pretty warm in SC for well over a month now. Seems to happen regardless of acceleration/speed, but it does occur more often when turning.

Try to determine if the heat of your brakes makes a difference. Is it worse after stop and go driving? (brakes hot) Does it then go away after cruising on the highway? (brakes cool) The brake rotors are close to where the centerlink and tierod connect together. This connection wears over time and the heat of the brakes can cause it to creak. Also when your brakes are hot, sit in your car with the engine running and turn your steering wheel all the way to the right then all the way to the left. If it creaks at the end of travel in either direction you may need new center link and tierods. You will also need a front end alignment. Check the rear end ball joints and alignment as well. This would be a good time to change upper and lower control arms which also wear out around 70K.

nhobb,
Any updates?

hey there my dads got a 98 750 with 85K miles and I noticed the same "creaks" that you really gotta listen for a few weeks back or so. I did some research on this forum I believe before I joined a little while ago. I came across the possibility of the noise coming from bad rear balljoints. or an upper control arm. My squeaks seem to come more from the back and yes theyre random like yours! We havent done any further investigation or had it checked out yet but hope this helps a bit!

I had a creak/groan coming from the rear end of the car when going over speed bumps and such. Turned out to be bad shocks.

It could likely be that you need new thrust rod bushings. I know because I need them. The creaking and squeaking has become so annoying and embarassing that it almost makes me want to ram a screwdriver into my head.

It could likely be that you need new thrust rod bushings. I know because I need them. The creaking and squeaking has become so annoying and embarassing that it almost makes me want to ram a screwdriver into my head.

+1

Listen to Burn -- don't ram a screw driver in your head. You'll regret it. :nono

As for the parts, it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace all of the rear-end parts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E38-740-750-740i-740iL-i-iL-Control-Arms-Ball-Joint_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33583QQihZ022QQit emZ350047190688QQtcZphoto

http://www.fcpgroton.com/images/products/large/E3810PIECEREAR.JPG

It could likely be that you need new thrust rod bushings. I know because I need them. The creaking and squeaking has become so annoying and embarassing that it almost makes me want to ram a screwdriver into my head.

+2, and Pilks right, a screwdriver to the head could cause a mess

It could likely be that you need new thrust rod bushings. I know because I need them. The creaking and squeaking has become so annoying and embarassing that it almost makes me want to ram a screwdriver into my head.

Damn I just noticed this as well and I've only had my car three days!

It seems to be more noticeable at lower speeds.