Noisy Tailgate (and other problems)!

dmo · #1 08-16-2008, 04:28 PM

I have an '07 3.0si with 19K miles on it now. I had the tailgate latch problem and the dealer replaced the latch. The noise is slightly less but defininatly still there! This car is making me crazy! I'm trying so hard to like it and feel good about my purchase. Unlike many of you, I drive a car for much longer than average. My last car, a 2000 528i, I drove almost 8 years! The only time that car saw a dealer was for oil service and brakes! My son drives it now, it looks and runs like brand new!
This X5 on the other hand, has been to the dealer more times in the first 6 months than the 528 has ever been in 8 years!

Besides the tailgate noise, the rear entertainment DVD was replaced because it was "sticking", now the speakers buzz if you play DVD sound through them! Suspension parts replaced for excessive noise and banging sounds, the plastic on the steering wheel is starting to peel. The door panels have been removed and "realigned". Just a bunch of things. All the while, I REALLY want to like this car!!

My apologies for the rant! The question I intended to ask is if anyone knows a fix for the noisy tailgate. If your sitting in the backseat it sounds like the tailgate is not closed all the way, just squeaks and rattles!! Should I take it back to the dealer or is there a DIY fix?
Thanks so much!

y5choi · #2 08-16-2008, 07:10 PM

i have the rattle as well. will have to bring it to the dealer so they can fix it.

I wasn't sure where in the tailgate it's coming from but I'll go take a look at the latch and see if that's the problem.

I think a lot of us experience the tailgate rattle. it's really a shame for a BMW

bigx5er · #3 08-17-2008, 01:12 AM

I have a rattle back there also. Still haven't figured out exactly what it is, been there since day 1. Strange rattle because it happens more on turns then on bumps. Sounds like the tailgate, but still trying to figure it out.

autoque · #4 08-18-2008, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigx5er

Strange rattle because it happens more on turns then on bumps. Sounds like the tailgate, but still trying to figure it out.

I have the 08 X5. I'm also having a little sound coming from the back, especially when I'm turning in low speed, and sometimes when going over bumps. I thought it was coming from the suspension, but didn't think it was coming from the tailgate. I don't have an automatic tailgate though. I was also observing the problem so I could report it to the dealer. You've gotta be really quiet to hear it though.

chris609 · #5 08-19-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autoque

I have the 08 X5. I'm also having a little sound coming from the back, especially when I'm turning in low speed, and sometimes when going over bumps. I thought it was coming from the suspension, but didn't think it was coming from the tailgate. I don't have an automatic tailgate though. I was also observing the problem so I could report it to the dealer. You've gotta be really quiet to hear it though.

same here as of last week with 5200kms on it , but till now i thought it was the rear privacy cover that was making the noise

Other than that no problems (yet?)

brian5 · #6 10-08-2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigx5er

I have a rattle back there also. Still haven't figured out exactly what it is, been there since day 1. Strange rattle because it happens more on turns then on bumps. Sounds like the tailgate, but still trying to figure it out.

Yes, it's the one complaint that I have (and will have service department look at when I take car in for its first oil change). I agree that it happens more on turns. If I had to guess, it seems like the tailgate frame is not rigid enough (if that makes sense) and the tailgate is twisting and creaking ever so slightly.

Unfortunately, I am not optimistic that this is a problem that the service department will be able to solve

randf · #7 10-13-2008, 03:33 PM

i went months trying to troubleshoot this knocking (especially when making slow turns) in the UK where i purchased my 2003 model and when i brought it home to the US.

i finally got it solved at a local dealer. after driving a mechanic around the neighborhood near the dealer, he zeroed right in on the problem. i had to adjust the two rubber stoppers (feet?) that attached to the body and cushion the closing of the upper portion of the rear hatch. they "mate" against rubber cushions that are attached to the upper hatch and cushion (or in this case interfere) with the closing of the upper hatch to the body.

if you are standing at the rear of the vehicle with the upper hatch raised and tailgate up, look along the outside edge of the hatch opening just above the tailgate's top edge, you'll see a rubber stopper. i think there's a torx bolt in the middle of the rubber stopper. i put a mark at the 12 o'clock position on the rubber part, backed the torx bolt out, turned the rubber stopper one way or the other, did the same on the other side, and checked for the knock on slow turns. i think i had to make a few attempts to find the right adjustment, but the slow turn knock/clunking sound has gone away.

rh71 · #8 08-17-2008, 07:46 AM

Sounds like 1st-model-year problems unfortunately. Parts don't fit quite right and electronics acting up a bit. I've kept from openly saying this but I warn of anyone buying 07s used unless thoroughly tested.

jamesboags · #9 08-17-2008, 10:34 PM

So are you saying that the '08's have no issues ?

deutsch100 · #10 08-18-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesboags

So are you saying that the '08's have no issues ?

My 07' was a total lemon (literally!). While the 08' is better, it is still the most problematic car (besides an 06' Range Rover) that I have ever owned in my 20+ new cars. I always hear people saying that my old 5er, or old 3er was the most problem free car ever, while I never hear that my 07' or 08' E70 is totally problem free.