hard top retractable noise and engine stop noise

[mybank2828]

Hi All,

Just got my 2013 35i M package. Everything is great except I have two concerns and was wondering if anyone has the same issue or they are normal:

1) When I put the hard top down or up, there is these quirk quirk sound at certain retract level as if certain part needs some lubrication or something; it sounded almost like it could stop at anytime because the part is trapped, but it always does the job of closing and opening! Just sounded like a old parts, I thought it would just be smooth and has no noise.

2) Sometimes when I stop the engine, I hear this loud clicking or medal pounding noise as if something in the engine area is lose. You hear them for like 2 to 4 seconds even after the engine stop. Is this normal?

3) I was also offer $2200 5 years tire insurance, which I wanted to cancel, but he said he will throw in the Dents and Window Insurrance for free. Is that a good deal?

Thanks for any advice.

[ManiacGT]

There are several phases to the top open/close sequence, there are noises that are due to clamps to the windshield, moving of various parts, solenoids, switches etc. Its not totally silent. If you are in any doubt, speak with your dealer.

The metal noise you hear when the engine has stopped is your exhaust heat shields. This is normal.

[raven333]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

There are several phases to the top open/close sequence, there are noises that are due to clamps to the windshield, moving of various parts, solenoids, switches etc. Its not totally silent. If you are in any doubt, speak with your dealer.

The metal noise you hear when the engine has stopped is your exhaust heat shields. This is normal.

+1 until you get used to the car don't be afraid of approaching the dealer under warranty, better to have ease of mind, plus you have paid a premium for service through the product.....

[fre2bpowerless]

The noise when you turn off the engine is normal.

My top mechanism is nearly silent, you can only hear it locking when putting the top up.

Go to the dealer and ask them to clarify the issue for you, maybe check their demo Z4 for comparison.

[az34]

1) your roof mechanism should'nt make that kind of noise 2) I think it's normal, my car have similar sound you,d described since day one. 3) not at all, go get your money back! Good luck.

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by mybank2828

Hi All,

Just got my 2013 35i M package. Everything is great except I have two concerns and was wondering if anyone has the same issue or they are normal:

1) When I put the hard top down or up, there is these quirk quirk sound at certain retract level as if certain part needs some lubrication or something; it sounded almost like it could stop at anytime because the part is trapped, but it always does the job of closing and opening! Just sounded like a old parts, I thought it would just be smooth and has no noise.

2) Sometimes when I stop the engine, I hear this loud clicking or medal pounding noise as if something in the engine area is lose. You hear them for like 2 to 4 seconds even after the engine stop. Is this normal?

3) I was also offer $2200 5 years tire insurance, which I wanted to cancel, but he said he will throw in the Dents and Window Insurrance for free. Is that a good deal?

Thanks for any advice.

1. Not normal - needs lube
2. Normal - sounds like a bucket of marbles ratting around at least for a N54.
3. Outrageous. I paid $1150 (2 yrs ago) for the BMW 5 yr tire/wheel insur (so far 2 tires replaced & it's almost paid off).

[mybank2828]

Thanks HerrK for your answers

1) you know where I should place the lube? Or should I just bring to the dealer?
2) Thanks on that, I feel better. Another question on top of this one is that I sometimes also hear simular clicking noice when my foot pressing the clutch when shifting 1st gear to 2nd gear. It's like a clicking rattle sounds, but it doesn't happen all the time.
3) I went back the the manager and cancel the insurance and he won't go down to $1200.

[mybank2828]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

There are several phases to the top open/close sequence, there are noises that are due to clamps to the windshield, moving of various parts, solenoids, switches etc. Its not totally silent. If you are in any doubt, speak with your dealer.

The metal noise you hear when the engine has stopped is your exhaust heat shields. This is normal.

Thanks ManiaGT, I will bring the roof top noise to the dealer,

It's good to hear that the metal noise is normal.

Another question is that I also hear simular rattle cliking noise something during 1st to 2nd shifting when my foot press the clutch. and that doesn't happen all the time. Is that normal also?

[mybank2828]

Originally Posted by raven333

+1 until you get used to the car don't be afraid of approaching the dealer under warranty, better to have ease of mind, plus you have paid a premium for service through the product.....

Great advice Raven333, I will do that

[nicknaz]

dealer.. that's what free maintenance and warranty are for.

[mybank2828]

Originally Posted by az34

1) your roof mechanism should'nt make that kind of noise 2) I think it's normal, my car have similar sound you,d described since day one. 3) not at all, go get your money back! Good luck.

Thanks az34, I got the refund for the tire insurance and he won't go down to $1100. Thanks for your answers.

I also ask the other guys if they also hear this simular rattle clicking noice when your foot press the clutch during shifting from 1st gear to 2nd. and this doesn't seem to happen all the time. At time does sounds like metal rattle rolling.

[mybank2828]

Thank you all for such quick responses. I am so happen to find this site.

[mybank2828]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

dealer.. that's what free maintenance and warranty are for.

That's true lol.. But it's good that the medal rattle noise is normal. I really prefer not taking back to the dealer, and they going to test the car and dirty it up, and find out that it's normal lol.... I hate something bringing car the dealer and you come back with a ding or dent somewhere I feel more comfortable now that I heard those normal are OK

[mybank2828]

Thanks everyone for the advices and reply. I placed some lubrication on the different folder part medal screw areas, and the sound is gone

Glad to know the medal locking noise is normal. I do have another question.

Does any of you with the 35i Manual transmission has this rattle cranking rolling sound when you press on the foot clutch when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and lighter from 2nd to 3rd gear? But, that sound doesn't come often, usually after a hot day a the beach driving back home with traffic. This rattle cranking noise doesn't happen from 3rd gear on though.

[kosd]

Hi mybank... Can you describe or show us where you lubricated and what type of lube you used? I have the same issue with the top sometimes making some pretty loud noises when the top "locks" after putting it down and Im sure it probably needs lubrication...

[vasmir]

Originally Posted by mybank2828

...
Does any of you with the 35i Manual transmission has this rattle cranking rolling sound when you press on the foot clutch when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and lighter from 2nd to 3rd gear? But, that sound doesn't come often, usually after a hot day a the beach driving back home with traffic. This rattle cranking noise doesn't happen from 3rd gear on though.

My 35i is a standard as well.
This noise (which is really only noticeable for me at slow speeds/low ambient noise levels, is the sound of the clutch being hydraulically engaged and disengaged. I heard the same thing in my older Z3, albeit the noise was more subdued.

I only hear this noise when I'm backing up the car into the garage, where I'm going very slowly and can hear every little noise the car is making. If it's loud enough that you notice it when you're driving around town, or it really bothers you, have the dealership check it out.

[mybank2828]

Thanks for the reply Vasmir, since you have it too, then I guess it's another normal noise. I just want to make it's not just my car I can deal with because the car drives so well anyway

[mybank2828]

Hi Kosd,

I used the Prolong lubrication which I have attached a picture of it. I bought it many years ago together with the Prolong car care, not sure if they have the same time any more. I used very minimal amount, especially with the needle, it was easy to apply. See also attached pictures of where I put the lubrication.

[kosd]

Thanks mybank... These pics are a big help!

Did you also apply any lube to the locking mechanisims above the windshield where the tops meets the seal? Seems like these make allot of noixe in my vehicle...

[mybank2828]

You are welcome Kosd. those are the two areas I forgot to lube! Yes you should do that. Remember just a little goes a long way, too much will dripped all over.

[snk]

I got a wheel warranty from BMW for $1300, which I regret now as I changed my wheels to after market. Customer service says that after market wheels are covered under the warranty, but they can say whatever they want till I submit a claim...

We'll see

[mybank2828]

snk, was the $1300 for 5 years, and did you get when you bought the car or after. I wonder if I should just called different BMW to get the quote on it. When you say after market wheel, what you mean by that?