Rattles/clunks from rear without strut bar

[kumulonimbus]

The previous owner of my 325i installed a rear stress brace bar. The other day I removed this to install a ski tote. Drove without the bar for the first time thinking everything would be okay because the car didn't originally come with it. All sorts of rattles/clunks came from the rear end, especially over speed bumps.

I put the strut bar back on and everything's back to normal, but my question is... is the strut bar sort of masking a bigger problem?

[jlevie]

I suspect so. Check the upper shock mounts sway bushings and end links and check for cracks in the shock towers.