Excessive clatter/chatter in front door windows...

[steelbimmer]

Hi fellas,

I'm experiencing excessive clatter/chatter type sound in both of my front door windows when the window is fully closed. I've taken it to the BMW dealer twice, and just took it in again yesterday. They've replaced the seals and lubed the channel where the window glides. The regulators were checked and are working fine. The mechanic claimed that this kind of clattering noise is quite common in the E46 3er's.

Anyone experience this annoying clattering sound? Any recommended fixes? My warranty is just about out and I need to fix this now or forever hold my peace.

thanks.

 

[bmwboi]

Yes, I just bought a 02 325I and my driver and passenger side windows make a creaking noise, especially when I am turning into my driveway or pulling into a raised parking lot. I imagine it is quite normal. Kind of annoying...it's really the only interior noise the car makes!

 

[330i and like it]

Your machanic is full of it. I have a 2001 - 330i with 80K and that can has not one creak or rattle, BMW are know for being built well! If you car becomes out of warranty and the proble still is there you are still covered because it is an ongoing issue. Make the lazy machanic do some work and fix your car!

 

[codex57]

It's often the sound of the window regulators dying. If they stop working (going up and down), you know what to complain about.

 

[jkender]

2005 325xi Has Same Rattle

I am experiencing slight rattle/chatter noise from the driver's side window when it is fully closed. So much for a quite drive! (being sarcastic) It's not totally bad, but not expected in the BMW line. I expect to point this out during my first service center visit next month.

 

[TheNewGuy]

Yeah I seem to be getting it as well. Passenger side seems fine, but the driver side is starting to get more noticeable. And you should hear the noises that come from the B pillar and and rear C pillars when the weather gets cold! Crack/Creak/Rattle mania. I gotta take it in probably next month... Kind of lame for a car of this class.

But it must all be fixable because the original test car I drove numerous times was solid and quiet as can be... Go figure.

 

[steelbimmer]

Thanks

Thanks for the replies, fellas. I've taken it in 3 times, and they still can't seem to get the problem licked. The regulators are working fine.....both windows go up and down quite well.

The dealer is taking a cautious, iterative approach.....apparently they won't get reimbursed by BMW HQs if they, say, replace the window without first trying 20 other remedies. I guess I gotta continue to push and keep dropping her off at the dealer.....

 

[KMA]

This technical service bulletin could address it... Attached is a snapshot, but I can email in PDF if this sounds like what would be needed to solve the problem.

 

[nathan56989]

that service bulletin probably has nothing to do with your car. (but it is possible) This sounds like your door seals are dry which could be caused by a detail shop cleaning the door jams with degreaser. What you should try is a really cheap and easy. At the dealer they sell a product for rubber door seals. (rubber seal treatment) they will know what you mean. Anoth product is caled carbaflo which is for your felt seals. take the rubber treat ment and treat all you rubber seals for the door the ones on the door and the ones on the vehicle. with the carbaflo treat your felt seals. do not let the two treatment touch eacj\h other they don't seem to get along well. If this doesn't work then i would go further into detail like the regulator fasteners.