E90 B-Pillar metallic rattle

Rampage9 · 08-24-2011, 06:21 PM

Ok, so I've had this annoying rattle in the driver's side B-Pillar. It's a light, metallic sounding ticking. I had it last summer, couldn't fix it. Went away in the winter, and it's been back this whole summer.

The strange part of it, is that it only occurs when the car is hot, after sitting in the direct sun for the day, and it gets even worse if theres high humidity. So, in the morning drive when the car is cool, it's quiet. But in the afternoon, annoying as hell!

Unfortunately the dealership cannot diagnose what it is!!

They've "felt taped every panel" in the b-pillar, and most recently just changed the washer on the seat belt anchor (even though the TSB for this should not apply to this car). But to no success, it's still there!

I've searched on this forum, seems like a few people might have had one in the past. Anyone provide any insight to this??

BMWfan07 · 08-27-2011, 07:25 AM

I have a 2011 that has a buzz behind thee drivers side and also an intermittent one in the dash that seems to be affected by hot and cold temperatures. I believe that plastic expands and contracts a bit with hot and cold which may make the problem dissappear or return when the temperature changes. I don't have a real answer for you and my dealer has been no help either. I think sometimes having somebody else in the car while you are driving to help locate and diagnose the cause is an idea. Good luck.

taranonline · 08-27-2011, 07:46 AM

happens in mine too. its just fine not too much.

Nyc_BK_335I · 08-27-2011, 10:58 AM

Hey I had that type of rattle come in on my doors also. I brought it to the dealer ship and they thought it the doors needed "teflon"?? tape in the pilars but that wasnt the case. After leaving my car there a night they found out it was the locks on my door and needed a lubrication. BMW SA told me they used some type of special bmw lubrication on it and the I gotta give it to them the sound is gone now.
hope this helps!

Etch52 · 08-27-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thestevenli

BMW SA told me they used some type of special bmw lubrication on it and the I gotta give it to them the sound is gone now.

I wonder if it's the same special lube my dealer uses to extract money from my wallet ??

Nyc_BK_335I · 08-27-2011, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etch52

I wonder if it's the same special lube my dealer uses to extract money from my wallet ??

Whaaaaaaat they make you pay for it ???

08-24-2011, 06:21 PM	#1
Rampage9 Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 286 Posts Drives: 2017 340i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Woodbridge Ont. iTrader: (3)	E90 B-Pillar metallic rattle Ok, so I've had this annoying rattle in the driver's side B-Pillar. It's a light, metallic sounding ticking. I had it last summer, couldn't fix it. Went away in the winter, and it's been back this whole summer. The strange part of it, is that it only occurs when the car is hot, after sitting in the direct sun for the day, and it gets even worse if theres high humidity. So, in the morning drive when the car is cool, it's quiet. But in the afternoon, annoying as hell! Unfortunately the dealership cannot diagnose what it is!! They've "felt taped every panel" in the b-pillar, and most recently just changed the washer on the seat belt anchor (even though the TSB for this should not apply to this car). But to no success, it's still there! I've searched on this forum, seems like a few people might have had one in the past. Anyone provide any insight to this?? __________________ Past: 2009 328i 6MT Alpine white + Oyster Present: 2017 340i 6MT Estoril blue + Oyster
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08-27-2011, 07:25 AM	#2
BMWfan07 Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335i M-Sport w/PPK Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern CA iTrader: (3)	I have a 2011 that has a buzz behind thee drivers side and also an intermittent one in the dash that seems to be affected by hot and cold temperatures. I believe that plastic expands and contracts a bit with hot and cold which may make the problem dissappear or return when the temperature changes. I don't have a real answer for you and my dealer has been no help either. I think sometimes having somebody else in the car while you are driving to help locate and diagnose the cause is an idea. Good luck. __________________ 2011 E92 335i LCI 6MT, M-sport pkg, Black Sapphire, Nav, Comfort Access, 19" Style 230s, Harmon Kardon, Bluetooth, M3 Lip Spoiler, GPT 7500k Fogs, BMW PERFORMANCE POWER KIT.
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08-27-2011, 07:46 AM	#3
taranonline Banned 28 Rep 494 Posts Drives: Man Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Usa iTrader: (0)	happens in mine too. its just fine not too much.
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08-27-2011, 10:58 AM	#4
Nyc_BK_335I Private First Class 20 Rep 106 Posts Drives: n55(sold), 2017 M3, 2017 x3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: brooklyn, ny iTrader: (0)	Hey I had that type of rattle come in on my doors also. I brought it to the dealer ship and they thought it the doors needed "teflon"?? tape in the pilars but that wasnt the case. After leaving my car there a night they found out it was the locks on my door and needed a lubrication. BMW SA told me they used some type of special bmw lubrication on it and the I gotta give it to them the sound is gone now. hope this helps!
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