My latest X5 Mod aka one more solution for X5 rear hatch rattle

[Kewl X5]

I agree with you. I am thinking of getting a bigger pad (3/4" in diameter) and maybe a thicker pad. The 1/2" pads have gotten worn down and it is starting to rattle again. Also, I may try different materials such as a softer rubber pad to see if it helps.

Of course, once the weather warms up next here (70Fs and above), the rattle will be gone.

Originally Posted by KingEazy

I went to my local Home Depot and purchased the felt pads and I must say that I diffinetly hear a difference. Go with the 3/4 pads, they are an exact fit.

[X5Kid]

The felt solution works for me very well and this is very useful information as it fixed my rattle straight away. However I found that the interior lights wouldn't go off until I pressed the middle of the felt down to make them thinner. I suppose the hatch sensor was assuming the door was not closed properly because there are now "aliens" in the way....

[SuperGreg]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

All X5 owners have had this rattle at the rear hatch. Even the '04+ X5 with the soft-close hatch rattles as well.
:

Doesn't quite rank up there with the ashtray mod, but not bad

[Kewl X5]

Heh heh! Ashtray mod and center console storage bin mod was my very first mod (within 1 month of getting the X5).

Did you do your first aid kit mod? BMW has a first aid kit that bolts perfectly underneath the passenger front seat (my 2nd mod!).

It is a European part.

Originally Posted by SuperGreg

Doesn't quite rank up there with the ashtray mod, but not bad

[SuperGreg]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

Heh heh! Ashtray mod and center console storage bin mod was my very first mod (within 1 month of getting the X5).

Did you do your first aid kit mod? BMW has a first aid kit that bolts perfectly underneath the passenger front seat (my 2nd mod!).

It is a European part.

Nope, not interested.

[spydrz]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

Heh heh! Ashtray mod and center console storage bin mod was my very first mod (within 1 month of getting the X5).

Did you do your first aid kit mod? BMW has a first aid kit that bolts perfectly underneath the passenger front seat (my 2nd mod!).

It is a European part.

I have one of those. Can't say I've ever used it, but that's a good thing!

[TESV12]

Thanks

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

All X5 owners have had this rattle at the rear hatch. Even the '04+ X5 with the soft-close hatch rattles as well.

First of all, make sure you have the rear hatch adjusted so it closes easily and properly without needing to slam the hatch close. When the hatch closes, the light should be out.

What usually causes the rattle is the two rubber stoppers on each side of the rear hatch area.

The rear hatch will tend to rattle more when the weather is colder. The hypothesis is that the rubber material for the rubber stopper and the rubber material by the rear hatch struts are not compliant enough especially for the cold weather. The rubber gets harder with colder weather.

So when you go over bumps, the door rattles against these two pieces of hard rubber and makes the "rattle" noise.

Several people in the past have identified this and props to Datan from RF (aka And Down @ BF) who came up with an easy solution.

First make sure you adjusted the rubber stoppers to the correct position (too far out, the hatch light will not go out and it will be hard to close; too far in, the hatch will rattle no matter what).

Then, get the furniture felt pad either 1/2 inch or even 3/4 inches from Home Depot or Lowe's and place them on either the rubber material by the rear hatch struts or the rubber stoppers or both. Your rear hatch rattle sound will disappear.

Hope this helps!

See attached pictures:

[C-S-S]

I used clear rubber bubble type cabinet door bumpers in place of felt on the bumpers, and flat black bumpers between the glass and the plastic trim that covers the wiper motor. The main source of the rattle was movement between the upper and lower gates. I removed the covers to the lower gate striker bolts, closed the lower gate, loosened the bolts, then pushed in firmly at the upper corners of the lower gate while I tightened the bolts. Now the lower gate is seated tight, and the upper gate latches tight against it. All rattles are gone!

[Dagya]

Adjusting the two stops and taping the three female latches solved the rattle ! Thanks a bunch.

btw I am new member

[Satheesh.net]

Originally Posted by C-S-S

I used clear rubber bubble type cabinet door bumpers in place of felt on the bumpers, and flat black bumpers between the glass and the plastic trim that covers the wiper motor. The main source of the rattle was movement between the upper and lower gates. I removed the covers to the lower gate striker bolts, closed the lower gate, loosened the bolts, then pushed in firmly at the upper corners of the lower gate while I tightened the bolts. Now the lower gate is seated tight, and the upper gate latches tight against it. All rattles are gone!

Any pictures of this mod??