X3 2004 Creaking Noise & Mix Tires problems

[msalam]

Dears,

i have two main problems in my X3 2004 car where the dealer in KSA is unable to troubleshoot or pinpoint how, where and all those questions!

the first problem is the creaking noise which comes from all the doors (or windows) when ever i drive over a non smooth road (which in KSA-Jeddah happens to be most of the roads). the dealer is saying this is an X3 problem and there is no solution, but its so annoying and no one can understand this is a BMW. whenever i lower the noise mostly disappears. so anyone passed through this problem and is there any solution?

the second problem which caused the dealer to get me a new gear box thinking the problem resides there but it wasn't from the gearbox. the problem is, whenever I'm accelerating (RPM goes above 4) some hard shifting will occur repeatedly (shifting is not the right word i guess, it feels like if 2 cylinders are moving together and there is a teeth in one of the cylinders broken, so there will be a shift whenever the first cylinder reaches that broken teeth). The only thing i was able to pinpoint is that my tires are mix (18in 255 rear & 18in 235 front) whenever i replace the tires with one size all (18in 235 rear & front) the problem will go away; some technicians said it might be the transfer box. if I'm driving in traffic and slow pace, alot of bubbing sound will come from the rear. again anyone passed through any similar problem.

last problem, my windows used to go down and up by pressing the key once, after i took it for maintenance check, i lost this feature, and the dealer guys are saying i don't have that feature ....so any clue how can i get this feature back.

thanks for your help

[peoe2]

Your dealer doesn't seem to be well informed (or pretends not to be) as the window creacking issue is well known and is a problem with other BMW models, there is a service bulletin for it. I don't remember the bulletin number so do a search and you should find it. The solution is to replace the window guides.

In the meantime you can barely tap each window switch down to move the windows 1-2 millimeters down so they don't put full pressure on the doors, that will take most of the creaking noises away. That's a temporary fix though as every time you open/close the windows you'll have to re-do it.

[xx3]

There is a service bulletin for new window seals. They replaced mine twice on my 04 and finally got it fixed.

If they refuse to replace them, you can get the lubricated - which is what BMW was doing for a while before it redeveloped new seals.

[msalam]

what do u mean by lubricated, since they are refusing and pretending there is no solution.

[Ishniknork]

Originally Posted by peoe2

Your dealer doesn't seem to be well informed (or pretends not to be) as the window creacking issue is well known and is a problem with other BMW models, there is a service bulletin for it. I don't remember the bulletin number so do a search and you should find it. The solution is to replace the window guides.

In the meantime you can barely tap each window switch down to move the windows 1-2 millimeters down so they don't put full pressure on the doors, that will take most of the creaking noises away. That's a temporary fix though as every time you open/close the windows you'll have to re-do it.

^ What he said, exactly.

The material used in the guides was changed and fixed the problem. My '05 does this too and I have been doing the "crack window" procedure for quite some time now. I'm looking for the SIB number now, I saw it in a thread some time ago. I just took my X3 in for some other warranty issues and my service department/adviser noticed the noise. They only lubed the guides which has quieted the problem for now but it won't last.

You could also try pressuring your service adviser to find it. It's there, I know it is.

[Ishniknork]

Originally Posted by msalam

what do u mean by lubricated, since they are refusing and pretending there is no solution.

They use a substance I think is spelled "Carbaflow" or something like that. It lets the window rub the seals without making any noise. The noise is created mostly at the top edge seal, when the window is pushed up tight against it. That's why cracking the windows just a smidge causes it to go away.

One day, hopefully soon, I will find that darn SIB number and start a new thread for everyone.

[Ishniknork]

It wasn't here, but HERE:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...0&postcount=28

SI B 51 28 05

Note the change in MATERIAL. The replacement window guide seals MUST be the ones with the "EPDM+PET" label, not just "EPDM".

I'm trying to borrow my brothers username and PW for Alldata.com to look this TSB number up and verify. I'll let you all know what I find out.

[Weasel]

And to reinitialize the one touch feature in your windows, use this procedure one window at a time: Hold the window switch fully in the up (second click/stage of switch) direction and hold it for 2 seconds after the window has reached the top. Then hold the switch in the fully down position for 2 seconds after the window has reached the bottom. Then do the same one more time going up. That should do it.

[Ishniknork]

Originally Posted by weasel56

And to reinitialize the one touch feature in your windows, use this procedure one window at a time: Hold the window switch fully in the up (second click/stage of switch) direction and hold it for 2 seconds after the window has reached the top. Then hold the switch in the fully down position for 2 seconds after the window has reached the bottom. Then do the same one more time going up. That should do it.

I did not know that. Thank You!

But I don't think it will fix the creaking problem.

[Elbojemio]

msalam click the link to see the BMW SIB

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B512805g.htm

Print and bring a copy to the dealership.