Comfort Seat Rattle

My 2005 545's front passenger side comfort seat moves a little and makes a rattling noise(from the seat's vibration) when driving without a front passenger.
I hear a similar noise coming from the rear seat.
Would complaining to my BMW service department be a waste of time or is this possible to fix? Can they tighten the seat or am I stuck with it?
The noise is driving me nuts.
I can literally shake the front passenger seat a little and get the same noise when the car is at rest.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

Definitely complain- I don't have those rattles.

Originally Posted by Me530

Definitely complain- I don't have those rattles.

Thanks. I made an appt. for Nov. 17th. Will get a loaner. Sounds pretty involved.
They may have to order a part to fix the comfort seat after they diagnose the problem.
They told me it could take at least 4 hours even if they can fix it on the same day and it involves removing the seat.
It's definitely the seatback. When you gently slap it, it vibrates and makes a buzzing noise.
I guess the technical term for the seatback would be "loose."

Originally Posted by Me530

Definitely complain- I don't have those rattles.

I don't have this rattle either........ go for it.

Just be warned the dealer probably never removed a seat and although the rattle may be fixed in the end... well you know the rest of the story.

I have learned to live with rattles. Subsequent damage from attempted repairs is even worse.

Originally Posted by chuck92103

Just be warned the dealer probably never removed a seat and although the rattle may be fixed in the end... well you know the rest of the story.

I have learned to live with rattles. Subsequent damage from attempted repairs is even worse.

I'm a little apprehensive about that too! It's a shame that you have to put up with that in a $60k vehicle.
I never had a noisy seat problem in all those cheap rental cars I've used over the years at the airports.

Originally Posted by hpowders

I'm a little apprehensive about that too! It's a shame that you have to put up with that in a $60k vehicle.
I never had a noisy seat problem in all those cheap rental cars I've used over the years at the airports.

I don't really think you can ompare BMW seats to a cheap rental.

However, in ANY car, if you attempt to fix a rattle, when you remove plastic/rubber parts and then attempt to install again, inevitably there will be more rattles. Cars are not designed to be taken apart. So when it is required, do so sparingly.

I would take a photo your inside front passenger door before you go to dealer. As dealers are famous for scratching up your door panels upon removal. Just a CYA suggestion

Been to that rodeo a couple of times

From what you are saying it appears I should have a heavy dummy in the passenger seat when I'm alone rather than take a chance on the dealer making it worse!
The rattling stops when my wife is sitting on the seat. But then there's her noise!

Originally Posted by chuck92103

I don't really think you can ompare BMW seats to a cheap rental.

However, in ANY car, if you attempt to fix a rattle, when you remove plastic/rubber parts and then attempt to install again, inevitably there will be more rattles. Cars are not designed to be taken apart. So when it is required, do so sparingly.

I wasn't comparing the seats to those in the cheap rental cars.
I only made the observation that the rental car seats never rattled.

No I am sure they will be VERY careful. But just in case Door Panels can get very expensive with that Corinthian leather.
AND my 11 year old loves his Rear Heated Seats in JAX

Well, slapping the seatback yesterday appears to have solved the problem up front.
No vibratory noise from the seat back today.
Now I have to work on that headrest in the back that contains the folding rear seat release. There's some vibratory noise back there too.
Slapping the seat is probably a well kept secret that is located in the BMW service technician's manual.

Awesome! Never take your car to the dealer for a rattle, unless there is something mechanically wrong. More than likely, more problems or breakage will occur, and thus more longer term rattling.

As an option, you can by the BMW RCS (Rattle Compensation System).

Cars equipped with RCS have an electronic device that alters sounds waves to cancel out annoying rattles and vibrations.

New comers to the BMW world will recognize RCS by its more common name...

420 Watt Logic 7 Surround System, crank up the volume, rattles gone!

Originally Posted by chuck92103

Awesome! Never take your car to the dealer for a rattle, unless there is something mechanically wrong. More than likely, more problems or breakage will occur, and thus more longer term rattling.

As an option, you can by the BMW RCS (Rattle Compensation System).

Cars equipped with RCS have an electronic device that alters sounds waves to cancel out annoying rattles and vibratiions.

New comers to the BMW world will recognize RCS by it more common name...

420 Watt Logic 7 Surround System, crank up the volume, rattles gone!

The great ride more than compensates for a small rattle any day!
A very clever and funny post chuck92103!!
You had me LMAO!!

Originally Posted by hpowders

From what you are saying it appears I should have a heavy dummy in the passenger seat when I'm alone rather than take a chance on the dealer making it worse!
The rattling stops when my wife is sitting on the seat. But then there's her noise!

...and she probably would not appreciate being called a "heavy dummy".

Nope. I'd be in big trouble!

I'm with BMW of North America, LLC. I've passed this message on to a BMW NA Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon.

Originally Posted by vatkens

I'm with BMW of North America, LLC. I've passed this message on to a BMW NA Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon.

Originally Posted by vatkens

I'm with BMW of North America, LLC. I've passed this message on to a BMW NA Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon.

Thanks a lot if you mean me, vatkens!