Squeaky creaky X3.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I'm not trying to slam the X3 but I have my third or fourth different X3 loaner and I noticed that every window squeaks and creaks. Every bump or road imperfection I go over induces a whole bunch of noise. It sounds like the windows are all loose even though they are all rolled up. It actually sounds like rattling. The X3 I am in is a 3.0, non-sport, with only 3350 miles on the clock. I haven't heard this noise from any other X3 I have driven. Is this a common problem?

[Rob_]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I'm not trying to slam the X3 but I have my third or fourth different X3 loaner and I noticed that every window squeaks and creaks. Every bump or road imperfection I go over induces a whole bunch of noise. It sounds like the windows are all loose even though they are all rolled up. It actually sounds like rattling. The X3 I am in is a 3.0, non-sport, with only 3350 miles on the clock. I haven't heard this noise from any other X3 I have driven. Is this a common problem?

Kevin,

This is a common problem. The top door seal needs to be cleaned and a special lubricant needs to be applied. There is a TSB for this.

The best remedy for now is to turn up the volume knob.

[bavm3chick]

i had an x3 loaner as well, which i might add was a 3.0... that car is the biggest piece of crap that bmw has ever put out along with the old school ti models. it drives subpar to the 3 series and doesn't have any similar characteristics of the x5. it's cheezy inside with its nasty interior and is basically... waste of time and money for bmw and makes me cringe when i see it.

[Kewl X5]

Yes, as above....TSB for the door seals. The actual structure of the X3 is fine. It kinda of reminds me of the X5s when they first came out and there was all kinds of rattles, squeaks, etc....Even the rear leather seats would squeak, the rear cargo cover rattles, and the rear hatch rattles which is gone during the summer but very prevalent during the fall/winter/spring times depending on the temps (the colder, the more rattles!).

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I'm not trying to slam the X3 but I have my third or fourth different X3 loaner and I noticed that every window squeaks and creaks. Every bump or road imperfection I go over induces a whole bunch of noise. It sounds like the windows are all loose even though they are all rolled up. It actually sounds like rattling. The X3 I am in is a 3.0, non-sport, with only 3350 miles on the clock. I haven't heard this noise from any other X3 I have driven. Is this a common problem?

[Juanted]

My wife and I own an X5 and an X3, and though, admittedly, the X3 is no X5, we have found it to be a wonderful car. Build quality is superb, fit and finish is first-class, and the ride and engine are wonderful. I agree that if you get the "basic" X3 (which is what they use for most loaners), the inside looks very plain and cheap. If you get the premium package, though, the interior is beautiful, and plush.

Juan

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

My wife and I own an X5 and an X3, and though, admittedly, the X3 is no X5, we have found it to be a wonderful car. Build quality is superb, fit and finish is first-class, and the ride and engine are wonderful. I agree that if you get the "basic" X3 (which is what they use for most loaners), the inside looks very plain and cheap. If you get the premium package, though, the interior is beautiful, and plush.


Juan

My dealer is strange. They have some very nicely equipped X3's. The one I have this time has the premium package, cold weather package (I live in the desert so this one is extra strange), and the rattling windows package. The MSRP on the sticker is just over $40K. Some other X3 loaners they have are equipped with premium, Sirius, xenons, and all kinds of options. Most of them are 3.0's too. I would think that a dealer would use 2.5 strippers as loaners. I ain't complaining though. Now if only the Porsche dealer had 997's as loaners....

[adventurelarry]

Originally Posted by bavm3chick

i had an x3 loaner as well, which i might add was a 3.0... that car is the biggest piece of crap that bmw has ever put out along with the old school ti models. it drives subpar to the 3 series and doesn't have any similar characteristics of the x5. it's cheezy inside with its nasty interior and is basically... waste of time and money for bmw and makes me cringe when i see it.

Different strokes for different folks I guess. I love the X3, and I could not be happier with the purchase. This is my 3rd BMW, and I am having more fun with this one than any other. The only complaint I have with the interior is that my clothes seem to leave more stuff on the dashboard nubby plastic than what I have picked up.

I did not want the X5, still do not, and I know people who have traded in the X5 for the X3.....

--Larry

[Juanted]

As the owner of both the X3 and th e X5 (well, the X3 is the CEO's), I can honestly say that they are both wonderful vehicles. I do prefer the seating position of the X5 a little better. That 3.0L on that X3, though... wow, that car's quick! And it handles like a dream!

Juan

[BigO1120]

Where can one find the TSB for the internal noise. I am having the same problem with my X3 and I JUST put 12K miles (I bought mine in June of '04).

[simoncpw]

I've also noticed the squeaky / rattling noise on my 6 weeks old X3 (3000+ KM). I live in City traffic and go in & out of multi-storey / basement car park a lot. The noise is a lot more appearant when doing a slow turn up / down a slop between storeys. Only myself in the car, no cargo, no passenger.

The sound is very annoying... sounds like you are lifting an old and heavy wooden closet. I'm pretty sure it was coming from the plastics / leather on the doors and seats (not from the windows / door seal).

TSB = Technical Services Bulletins? Where can I find the one on this?

Thanks