how to fix tail gate rattle?
 

Hi,
I just got a used 2007 X5 and I can hear rattle sound when go over bumps.
I talked to a service guy and he said rattle is not covered by warranty and they wanted to charge me maximum 2 hours labour(which is $280) to find out the problem. Do any of you have the same problem and how did you solve it? I think the rattle is from the cargo area but I am not sure it is the cargo door or anything else. The rattle drives my nuts everyday!
Thanks in advance for your inputs.

Been covered a thousand times. (No joke)
Just try the search field

Check that the spare tire and tools are secured, first.

Then, proceed to the tailgate as this is a common issue for rattles over bumps. Try riding in the back with someone else driving, and see if you can change the noise by pressing on the tailgate. If so, you have identified the location.

To fix it, here is a post to start you off:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...trunk-e53.html

i have a 2nd appointment this wednesday to fix this same problem in a 2007 x5. first "fix" did nothing and my appointment next week is with the service manager and the head tech. service manager promised that he'd get to the bottom of it and get it resolved. check in on the following post after wednesday and i'll post an update.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-4-inside.html
.

seems like this is a common problem for E53, does any one know how to fix the problem on E70?
viva la Reagan , please let us know how does it go.

Well, you could always fix it the same way many have fixed it on the E53, like I posted above. Same concept of a tailgate, same rubber bumpers, same issues. There are more threads on the E53 because it has been around longer, more of them are out of warranty, etc.

Some owners had the latch replaced on '07 models under warranty to solve tailgate rattles.

Others found that the plastic flap on the inside rattles. You can find it the same way, riding in the back and seeing what changes the noise when you touch various panels. Description here.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ear-hatch.html

And finally, you can always search for 'tailgate rattle', that works just as well in the E70 forum as it does in the E53 forum.

ur dealer is nuts! this kind of rattle is covered under warranty. At least it was covered a good 5 times they tried to fix the sunroof rattle on my six series.....

not sure if bmw warranty are the same in north american, I am in Vancouver BC and here is what the service guy said.
"Warranty (factory defects) does not cover squeak and rattles after one year or 20’000 KM; as squeak and rattles are considered adjustment (not factory defects); as for you vehicle we are not sure where the noise is coming from so we need to investigate the source of the noise, and in order to do so I need your authorization for maximum two hours of labour time. If we find a faulty parts during this investigation then the warranty will cover the cost as there would be a defective part (to be replaced) however if there is only a loose item that needs tightening or adjustment it would not be covered under warranty.
"

try another dealer

Your dealer is correct.

Pay the diagnostic fee, or do what I suggested above.