Check Your Sunroof
 

Mine does the same thing. I finally figured out it was a couple plastic pieces in my sunroof that were vibrating against each other. I also discovered that this only happens when I have the interior panel slid open.

Try closing your cloth interior panel and see if that stops the rattle.

I had a rattle from under the car before... it turned out to be a loose oxygen sensor.

Hi everyone!

Finally I've got rid of this terrible sound that bothers too much people who has BMW X5 !!!!
I've read tons of articles on the Internet trying to find a solution. No use. Either those guy
who knows the Secret simply don't want to share the knowledge or nobody could manage
to fix this problem.

This is the f****** Rubber Mounting. Look at it!

http://pic70.picturetrail.com/VOL181.../322103901.jpg

It got worn and caused a lose connection, which allowed Hydro-Steering-oil pipe

http://pic70.picturetrail.com/VOL181.../322103899.jpg

to rattle, to knock, to jingle. This sound has been driving me crazy for the whole last year.
I've personally spent almost $1,000 for nothing paying BMW Service mechanics who either
know NOTHING or just want to earn as much as possible on fixing what mustn't be fixed.

Everybody! If you have a MARBLE CAN sound coming from an engine bay while accelerating
or going up-hill at 2,200 and 3,000 rpm you should check the condition of Rubber Mounting
first. You don't even think of VANOS, Knock/Ping Sensor, Timing Chain Tensioner, Spark
Plugs, Vacuum stuff, Oil thickness, Fuel Filter, Engine Management Control (EMC), O2 Sensor,
and etc.
Check the Rubber Mounting! It may ease your life right away. If so, please, let me know.

Moontoosoon

Hi Faccen1,I'm starting to get the same sound when i stopped at the drive throw to place my order,while foot on brake vehicle in drive, i get this rattling sound. so i open my door and hear it coming from the undercarriage,so i put it in park no rattle,then in reverse holding brake it rattles again,from reading these post i'll check the heatshield,hope that's it.

When I stop at traffic light, my car started to vibrate lightly with steering wheel and came along the interval noises humming up and down, not that loud but noticeable. My car now almost has 90k, 2001 3.0i model.

Am I also having the same problem? Your advices are greatly appreciated.

Hi,

Initially, I would check spark plugs and wires.
Then if it's not a cause - O2 sensor
After all - everything that deals with Vacuum stuff.

Surely, you have a problem with idling detonation.
If nothing helps you, find a reputable private master in you area...

BMW service center is the last place to go.

Goodluck!

How did your mechanic say he fixed the problem? Is it something we can adjust, or is it one of those mythical things only dealerships can fix? Thanks.

the catalic converters or a heat shield... my guess

That part would be the "DISA flap", and can be changed easily DIY with no other work needed afterwards. It is simply held on with 2 t40 torx bolts.

#7

RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 3.0i Intake manifold system

And that would be for the noise if it is coming from the intake side of the engine...

#7 in this link could be the source of some exhaust rattles from underneath

RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 3.0i CENTER SILENCER

Thanks, the noise is definitely near the intake, I will probably replace that DISA flap. The dealership has the car today, they are saying it is the bearing on the idler pulley, but I call B.S., I know what a bad bearing sounds like, and that isn't it. Thanks guys.