Rattling Noise, to service or not to service?

Hi All,

Out of the blue, I'm hearing a rattling noise when at highway speeds coming from the center console area.

Being just a little rattle, the noise isn't very loud, but it is getting pretty annoying. Is this tiny thing something worth bringing the car in for service for? Can they even find/fix these kinds of things?

Yes and yes. The warranty is bumper-to-bumper; they can and will find and fix these sort of things.

Maintain a good relationship with your dealer because intermittent or difficult-to-reproduce noises may require multiple visits to nail down and correct. In other words, fixing the tiny annoyances can be hard--assume they're human and trying to help you until proven otherwise.

I think mine has similar issue too. I think it happens only when it's not warmed up and only when the gears change. I noticed when I removed things from the cup holder it doesn't do it anymore. So I'm kind of watching out for it. It's not consistent so please share what you find. I might have to take it in too. Thanks!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Bimmer App

Note everything you can about the noise (under what circumstances does it occur, is it reproducible, etc.) and bring it in. The dealer will use a stethoscope and electronic ears to track it down anf eliminate it.

As already noted, it can be a frustrating process for both you and the techs.

Does BMW have a time limit on interior squeaks and rattles? I've heard of some manufacturers who will only cover under warranty within the first 6 months etc.

Originally Posted by Carnook

Does BMW have a time limit on interior squeaks and rattles?

No, they are covered throughout the warranty period.

Push the plastic area just anterior to the shifter -that's where I can generate a squeaking sound. Talking about sounds, there's a slight whistling sound around my passenger side windshield, usually at about 65 - 70 mph, but not all the time. I just turn up the audio vol. and that masks the whistling. Read about someone having their windshield replaced because of a whistling sound, but they didn't do a good job and it was actually worse, so not sure if I want to go down that road.

the only BMW dealer I have ever been to that successfully repaired rattles was Prestige BMW (no experience with LA service depts). I would rather live with a small rattle than have the dealer tear it apart. If it is constant and annoying then I'd bring it in as it probably won't get any worse from them ripping it apart.

Our 2011 X5 rattles and creaks like crazy in the interior. Local dealer couldn't care less. They always say the same thing "noise is at acceptable levels"

My 328i has a clanking coming from the right front wheel-well.....dealer always pretends they can't hear it.


So, basically, either live with it, or hope that your dealer is better than mine.

Originally Posted by Nick9597

Our 2011 X5 rattles and creaks like crazy in the interior. Local dealer couldn't care less. They always say the same thing "noise is at acceptable levels"

My 328i has a clanking coming from the right front wheel-well.....dealer always pretends they can't hear it.


So, basically, either live with it, or hope that your dealer is better than mine.

BMW Santa Barbara? Ask Jon Schafer for help

Originally Posted by Nick9597

Our 2011 X5 rattles and creaks like crazy in the interior. Local dealer couldn't care less. They always say the same thing "noise is at acceptable levels"

My 328i has a clanking coming from the right front wheel-well.....dealer always pretends they can't hear it.

So, basically, either live with it, or hope that your dealer is better than mine.

Sad but true. You are at the mercy of the dealer's professionalism if you don't want to chase rattles yourself.

It may be pointless when the dealership is this indifferent to customer satisfaction but you could (should) call BMW NA and voice your displeasure with their service. My local dealer has the same "acceptable level" for squeaks and rattles that I do: Zero. They have always fixed any unwanted noise I sent them after.

Originally Posted by Kar Don

BMW Santa Barbara? Ask Jon Schafer for help

I'm working with Jon right now on some possible future leases. I don't however know how someone in a sales department can have any influence over the service department. Even if he could have influence, I am still left ultimately at the mercy of the service department and what they decide.

Originally Posted by Nick9597

I'm working with Jon right now on some possible future leases. I don't however know how someone in a sales department can have any influence over the service department. Even if he could have influence, I am still left ultimately at the mercy of the service department and what they decide.

Jon works miracles but I'm extremely disappinted with everyone else at SB BMW. Been working with Jon to resolve an issue from my redelivery (early November) which still hasn't been resolved. He's going above and beyond what I expected. However, anytime he says that so-and-so will contact me, I get nothing.

So I stopped by the service department today... The center console was rattling all the way to the dealership.

The SA got in the car with me and we took a test drive... NOTHING! I took the car home, and there was no rattling the rest of the day. Go Figure!

I'll make an appointment if it comes back.