I drive a 2007 530d with 47,000 kms covered. In the past few months a very irritating intermittent rattle or knocking noise has started. It comes from the passenger side of the dash and it seems to be located in the upper dash area close to where the pillar joins the dash. It wierd because it does not happen all the time and there seems to be no obvious triggers. It can start on a smooth motorway at 120km/h or on a bumpy back road at 50 km/h. Equally it might not start in either of these circumstances. Like other posters I like the sound of the engine but when this starts it consumes me. I've taken the car to the dealer but couldn't get it to start on the long test drive with the technician. BMW kept it for 48 hours and they say that they couldn't get it to happen when they drove it many times over the 2 days. Then 20 minutes after I leave the dealer the bloody thing started again. I am on the verge of ripping the dash apart just to find it. I've checked all the obvious things (air vent, wiper, plastic strip underwiper, cup holders, glove compartment etc etc). Has anybody had a similar experience? Please help.

 

I have a rattling in my car too, except its the driver's side. I think something is loose. I've thought about taking it to the dealer to see if they know the problem, or if they can tighten the dashboard, but it hasn't been a big deal so I've been putting it off. Albeit annoying, I just crank up the music and leave it for another day. Lol. But now I'm occasionally hearing a rattling/squeaking noise coming from back ceiling where the rear passenger lights are.

Come to think of it, I haven't heard the rattling/squeaking in a while. It comes and goes, no matter what surface I am on.

 

When I test drove my 2004 545i in late January, I had something similiar happen. I couldn't pin down the exact location of where this annoying vibrating sound was coming from. The car was taken to the local BMW dealership and they figured it out. The sound came from either the cruise control or turn signal arm, I can't remember which. I took the car back out for another drive, and it was good to go. The total cost was something like $250, that the car seller picked up. I bought the car shortly after that.

 

Check my previous post, seems like mine.
Maybe this can help
http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/bullet...mp/B511304g.htm

 

Thanks everybody for your replies.
dbm - I am going to check these bolts now.

 

Just checked the bolts and it's not them. All are secure with retaining clips in place.

 

I had this rattle on my car aswell, although i havent got chance to test it out but i believe is the tweeter located in the A pillow causing the rattle.
Because last time it happened and i called my friend to hear where its from, and he said its from the tweeter or the nearby area.

 

[[b]quote name='keith84_uk' date='Mar 17 2009, 07:35 AM' post='819091']
[b]I had this rattle on my car aswell, although i havent got chance to test it out but i believe is the tweeter located in the A pillow causing the rattle



Keith, Where is the A pillow?

 

I have the same issue on my 2007 530i. It only happens when it is cold outside and it appears that there is a vibration in the turn signal and that the rattle (or buzzing) is actually coming from the CHECK and BC buttons on the turn signal stalk. They are loosly fit. I am thinking of trying to slip some flet under then to quite it down.

 

I have noticed the exact same problem with mine... God damn annoying, It's more, like you say, a buzzing. I found that pressing the check buttons seems to help for a while.

I think this could/should be classed as a warranty issue