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

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. :mad:

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. :thumbup:

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. :wow:

Hope this helps!

See attached pictures:

I'll try that tomorrow!!! My rattle is back, even with the rubber pads unscrewed all the way out...
Thanks!! :thumbup:

Thanks man...that rattle drives me insane!!!

I'm taking mine in for scheduled service late next week. That rattle and the hatch mechanism itself (it double & triple clutches when opening) are on my list. If they don't fix the rattle, those pads are my next mod.

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.

I have a stupid question... I hear a rattle, but it sounds as though it is coming from my sunroof. Is this the hatchback rattling? (Again, I know this sounds stupid, but I am just wondering if the sound of the rattle "travel" up the car's ceiling to make it sound as though it is coming from the sunroof.) OR... is there a known issue with the sunroof rattling?

thanks, and great tip Kewl

Juan

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

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. :dunno:

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

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.