rattling noise from sunroof

[kvin]

Hi guys, I have an X5 3.0 with sunroof. recently, I have noticed that there is a rattling noise when the roads starts to get bumpy. It is as though something is loose and keeps rattling (sounds like plastic knocking plastic). It is not really loud, but it can be irritating. If I hold the roof whilst riding through the bumpy roads, this rattling noise disappears. Brought it to my dealer and they did a road test but heard no noise.
And it rattles louder when the cover panel is open to expose the sunroof.
Did anyone on the forum meet with this problem? If so, can you advise what was done for repair?
Thanks.

[wees1234]

i have the same problem. but mine is worse because it rattles everytime i turn on my radio (3 12" subwoofers in the trunk). its still a BMW. my 760 never rattles like my X5 does. any help or suggestions will do.

[BradATL]

Mine does the same thing. I've got a 2005 with the panoramic sunroof. The rattle disappears when the cover panel is closed.

From searching other posts on this topic, it seems that BMW has issued a TSB (technical service bulletin) on this problem, and will fix it for free. One post said the entire headliner has to be removed and replaced as part of the fix. That sort of scared me away from doing it. I may change my mind at a later date if the rattle gets worse.

[wees1234]

my rattle is very bad though. anybody who ever sits with me in the car notices it and it feels a little embarassing sometimes that we drive BMW's and they rattle like this.

[kvin]

thanks for the contribution guys. i can live with the rattle.......but since bradatl has said that there is a technical service bulletin on this problem and the fix is to remove the entire headliner, i think that is quite massive job. Do u have more info on thei TSB?

[yeowzer]

Mine did the same thing. When I pushed up on the sunroof cover the rattle stopped. I took it in and they found a screw or something had come out; hasn't rattled since.

[broknlgs24]

my '03 4.6is does this also. yeowser, where was this screw
that u say came loose?

[yeowzer]

Originally Posted by broknlgs24

my '03 4.6is does this also. yeowser, where was this screw
that u say came loose?

I don't know for sure. The service order doesn't say. I do know they fixed it from above and did not have to remove the headliner. Sorry I couldn't help more.

[digitaljok]

My '03 4.4 just developed this rattle as well. Again, closing the shade stops the rattle. Since my warranty ends next month, I'm going to make an appointment at the dealer ASAP. Hopefully some more info about the potential TSB will be dug up soon? I really hate it when the dealer turns around and gives the dreaded "Cannot reproduce customer complaint".

[kvin]

yes where is this screw that came loose? Is it the cover panel or the ambient lights located just behind the sunroof panel?