Will the rattles never cease?! ROOT CAUSE DETERMINED - SEE POST #45
 

A while ago I posted a thread about a faint, plasticy-sounding vibration/rattle that seemed to be coming from the rear seat area... after many helpful suggestions from this forum, I thought I tracked it down to the ski sack pass-through compartment. I tried various sound-proofing techniques to the area (felt pads stuck to all the areas that might vibrate, etc... ) but the rattle would still come back after several miles of driving. As a result, I eventually just removed the entire plastic ski sack assembly (which I'd never use anyway - skis are meant to go on a rack AFAIC) so now I have a rattle-free pass through area... but after another day of driving, the rattle returned again!! :mad:
Sometimes lowering the rear armrest would make the rattle stop, so I was still fairly certain that it was coming from the center of the rear seat... so after studying the back seat again, I thought maybe the headrests were the culprit... so I removed all 3 of them. But the rattle came back AGAIN! :cussing:
I really have no idea what it might be at this point... My only remaining ideas are maybe one of the rear seatbelt assembies, or the interior panels of the C-pillars (they seem to make a little noise when I lightly tap on them with a fist) Other than that, I'm about ready to give up. :tsk:
As you can see, this is really buggin me, so if anyone has any further ideas, please help.
Or, if all X5's - even brand new ones - have minor rattles and buzzes of this sort, and there's nothing that can be done about, maybe it's time I just accept it (?)

Thanks,

JAJAJAJAJAA :rofl: you made laught. I have the same problem. I recently tighted the tire Jack.. thinking that was the problem, but i still have some noises in back.

I havent really checked a 100% but I am sure i can find it. WE have to know where those noises come from... I usually have my radio on loud so no big deal.. but when there is people inside and radio not as loud, you can hear those rattle noises. i still need the lock nut that holds the spare tire.. i will start with that. By any chance you guys know the part number for this lock nut? Spare tire lock nut that goes on the center. thanks .. :thumbup:

Try the wheel chocks in the tire compartment. There was a peice of clip-on insulating material missing from inbetween mine, when i insulated the chocks, the noise disappeared...
Good luck.......

Yes, Romeo, that definitely might help you out. (Is there supposed to be only one little separater pad between the chocks, or 2?)

My chocks are secure though, so it's not that in my case.

check the ash tray lids in the rear doors, i found one there on mine, and by puttin some bumper pads in the rattle ceased. The rattle that i have and i cant figure out is coming from over head, either the sunroof or head liner... anyone have any thoughts

I have the same problem on my 2005 X5 and i have narrowed it down to the seatbelt... I can't get rid of it... and my friend has a 2004 X5 and he has the same exact problem...

I would never imagine the ash trays would make such noises. Thats a good idea. I would check those next. I will keep you guys posted. thanks again :)

I have the same problem in my 2005 x5. So let us know if it worked for you.

No rattles in my 2005 at all. :)

I actually checked them out today while I was brainstorming about other potential culprits... didn't seem like they could be the source, but I'll keep them in mind - thanks!


Yeah, the sunroof area (along with the C-pillar covers) seems to buzz a little when I tap it with my fist... not sure if that's the culprit though. And if it is, I'd have no idea how to fix it! :dunno: