Anyone use the moonroof deflector?

[jacksonian]

I tried searching this and some other forums and only found one response.

At speeds above 35-45mph, having the panoramic moonroof/sunroof all the way open, I get that unpleasant wind buffeting effect (the helicopter effect). I saw one person post about 3 years ago that he tried the moonroof deflector and it seemed to make things worse. Didn't know if anyone else had tried the deflector and could share their experience. I love having the moonroof all the way open. And yes, I know that cracking a window or two eliminates it, but it also increases the noise a lot.

[rufusdedog]

I use it. Buffeting is reduced a bit, but now I get a "clicking sound" from the original pop up deflector hitting the new OEM BMW plastic one. I have the little rubber knobs installed as per instructions, but still clicks.

[jacksonian]

Originally Posted by rufusdedog

I use it. Buffeting is reduced a bit, but now I get a "clicking sound" from the original pop up deflector hitting the new OEM BMW plastic one. I have the little rubber knobs installed as per instructions, but still clicks.

Thanks. It doesn't sound that promising. Oh well, I guess I can just crack the windows.

[Penguin]

I haven't tried this on the X5 so I am only speculating, but on my Explorer, window rain guards allow me to crack the window with much less wind noise, i.e., if you installed window rain deflectors, that might reduce your issue with wind noise from cracking the window a bit when the roof is open.

Of course, some people do not like the appearance of the deflectors, while others like the look:

https://www.1stbmwparts.com/images/82-11-0-304-994.jpg

[silverbimmer]

You don't have to open any window to eliminate the noise. I also noticed the unpleasant noise and here is what I did:

- Open the moon roof completely.
- Hit the button once as if you are about to close it, your moon roof should close little bit (about 4 to 5 inches) and then stop. At this position, you will no longer hear the helicopter noise. Not necessary the best solution but at least you don’t have leave the window open. Good luck.

[X5 Meister]

Do you have the installation instructions for these and can you post them?

Originally Posted by Penguin

I haven't tried this on the X5 so I am only speculating, but on my Explorer, window rain guards allow me to crack the window with much less wind noise, i.e., if you installed window rain deflectors, that might reduce your issue with wind noise from cracking the window a bit when the roof is open.

Of course, some people do not like the appearance of the deflectors, while others like the look:

https://www.1stbmwparts.com/images/82-11-0-304-994.jpg

[X5 Meister]

For me it takes a lot more than 4 or 5 inches on an E53 X5. I need to close it basically half way and only then does all the noise disappear. If the buffeting wasn't so bad then I'd drive with it open much more often. Horrible design flaw IMHO and VERY disappointing that BMW didn't fix it for the E70.

Originally Posted by silverbimmer

You don't have to open any window to eliminate the noise. I also noticed the unpleasant noise and here is what I did:

- Open the moon roof completely.
- Hit the button once as if you are about to close it, your moon roof should close little bit (about 4 to 5 inches) and then stop. At this position, you will no longer hear the helicopter noise. Not necessary the best solution but at least you don’t have leave the window open. Good luck.

[X5 Meister]

Do you still have the installation instructions for this deflector? If so, can you post them?

Originally Posted by rufusdedog

I use it. Buffeting is reduced a bit, but now I get a "clicking sound" from the original pop up deflector hitting the new OEM BMW plastic one. I have the little rubber knobs installed as per instructions, but still clicks.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Do you have the installation instructions for these and can you post them?

I am pretty sure they are made for BMW by Weathertech and the instructions are on the weathertech website:

WeatherTech Automotive Accessories - Side Window Deflectors - 2010 BMW X5 - WeatherTech Side Window Deflectors, Vents, Rain Guards, Wind Deflectors