Noisy Center Console

haspi · 04-28-2012, 11:16 AM

hi everyone,

the center console (the part elbow rests) is making a cracking noise, especially when I put some weight on it. Becomes very annoying during the drive. any ideas how to fix it?

There is also a gap on front where center console (black plastic under the leather cushion) meets the aluminum / wood center portion. I wonder if it's an indication the piece is not in its place.

Thanks

Asbjorn · 04-28-2012, 09:07 PM

Mine makes the same cracking noise. I havent tried to fix it, but I speculate adding a little grease to the locking mechanism area may help?
Anyway, all cracking noises are best solved by putting the roof down and adding some revs, or by turning up the music whenever the first option is not available.

For the second issue I suggest uploading a quick picture?

rchaas · 04-29-2012, 10:13 AM

Mine, 2009, is a rattle trap. I've given up on tracking down all the rattles...just adds to the charm and prompts me to keep the roof down since i don't hear any of it top down!!!

haspi · 04-29-2012, 12:16 PM

I think it's due to #6 or #7 not placed correctly. I will take an actual picture as well.

Any instructions on how to remove it ?

ManiacGT · 04-29-2012, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rchaas

Mine, 2009, is a rattle trap. I've given up on tracking down all the rattles...just adds to the charm and prompts me to keep the roof down since i don't hear any of it top down!!!

Lol glad I'm not the only one. Takes the shine off a bit but used to it now.

az34 · 04-29-2012, 03:23 PM

have it check by your dealer before warranty's over.

rchaas · 05-02-2012, 03:07 PM

Just an FYI, I mentioned how my Z is a rattle trap (v.s.). Yesterday, after a quick wash, I decided to dress all seals. I opened the doors and trunk and positioned the roof halfway, then applied some 3M rubber treatment to all seals.

Today, on my drive to work, top up, the car was quiet like new. No rattles!!!! So, I think i'll do this a bit more regularly than i have in the past (which was never...).

09cbb · 05-02-2012, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rchaas

Just an FYI, I mentioned how my Z is a rattle trap (v.s.). Yesterday, after a quick wash, I decided to dress all seals. I opened the doors and trunk and positioned the roof halfway, then applied some 3M rubber treatment to all seals.

Today, on my drive to work, top up, the car was quiet like new. No rattles!!!! So, I think i'll do this a bit more regularly than i have in the past (which was never...).

Best stuff is Gummipflege...cured all roof rattles

Dr Stig 2 · 05-03-2012, 02:38 AM

My Z4 goes through a regular cycle.

The dealer lubes and tightens the roof for me, (and the dash around the iDrive) and the car is relatively quiet.

Six months later I am back in the shop asking them to do it again as the rattles have reached the annoying stage again. (Yes mainly when the roof is up)

They have done it about four times now since I collected the car in Jul 2010.
I'm not looking forward to the time that they start to charge me for the service.

BMW stopped paying for it after the first twelve months.
The last two times it has been done as a gesture of goodwill and customer satisfaction by the local dealership.

ManiacGT · 05-03-2012, 03:24 AM

The worst rattles are gone for me now. Certainly the persistent one in the dash at certain revs, god that used to make me mad. Thanks to persistence from me with the local dealer. Some of the work done has introduced noise from elsewhere but its only on very rough roads. I did have one persistent noise recently, a loud cracking noise from the roof area which I thought was the roof seals as the gummipfledge seemed to have solidified. However after many wipe downs and checks I discovered that in fact it was the roof lining which simply clips into place, so I eased it out of the clips by around 1mm and all the noise has gone. So many parts to rattle and creak, but its not as bad as some of the Merc drop tops I've driven, wow those things rattle. I still have an occasional knock from the right rear (right as in when sat in the car) over manhole covers etc, but after speaking with others this seems common and I'm not sure if it might be something in the boot/trunk like the battery cover etc.

juhap · 05-03-2012, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

I still have an occasional knock from the right rear (right as in when sat in the car) over manhole covers etc, but after speaking with others this seems common and I'm not sure if it might be something in the boot/trunk like the battery cover etc.

Yeah I have that one too. Seems like I don't hear it as often now as I did with winter tires (19 vs. 18 inches), but could be just a coincidence.

But the most annoying noise comes from the seat belt rubbing against the seat. Didn't have that until I had the seat belt replaced. It's unbelievable that it's making any sound at all, but apparently there's just enough friction and when it's coming from just 2 inches from my ear it's impossible to ignore it.

z4z4z4 · 05-05-2012, 12:35 AM

My car is noise free, but my girlfriend's snoring drives me Nutz!

juhap · 05-05-2012, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z4z4z4

My car is noise free, but my girlfriend's snoring drives me Nutz!

I don't think you're doing it right. Driving the car, I mean

jrothstein · 05-05-2012, 02:28 PM

I wish I could be as nonchalant as all of you concerning the numerous rattles and creaks this car has. Maybe I'm OCD when it comes to the constant clicks, creaks, and knocking this car emenates, but it drives me absolutely nuts and to be honest cheapens the whole driving experience. Each BMW I've had has gotten progressively worse in this department, to which I blame the increasing amount of cheap hard plastic they use in combination with RFT's. It's sad that my girlfriends 8 year old Honda civic has a whisper quiet interior while my 6 month old Z4 sounds like rattle box.

Noise related problems with my Z4:

1) Creaking armrest like the OP
2) creaking from the wood trim around the climate controls
3) rattling from the GPS
4) Constant ticking from the top when up
5) Creaking from the cheap plastic shell they use to encase the seat controls. I've had this problem on every BMW I've had.

Repeated visits to the dealer haven't resolved anything and have only served to introduce even more rattles.

I love the look. I love the ride. I love the performance.. It's just so sad they can't get something so simple right; something that freakin' Hyundai can accomplish..

ManiacGT · 05-05-2012, 02:51 PM

I agree, my car is quieter mostly after the dealer work but it's still noisy ESP on rough roads. It gets worse as the car ages. When new they're really tight but three years on there's a lot of noise.

04-28-2012, 11:16 AM	#1
haspi Private First Class 13 Rep 118 Posts Drives: SDrive35i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Noisy Center Console hi everyone, the center console (the part elbow rests) is making a cracking noise, especially when I put some weight on it. Becomes very annoying during the drive. any ideas how to fix it? There is also a gap on front where center console (black plastic under the leather cushion) meets the aluminum / wood center portion. I wonder if it's an indication the piece is not in its place. Thanks
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04-28-2012, 09:07 PM	#2
Asbjorn Captain 89 Rep 833 Posts Drives: Z4 N54 DCT (VTT GC lites) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: European in China iTrader: (0)	Mine makes the same cracking noise. I havent tried to fix it, but I speculate adding a little grease to the locking mechanism area may help? Anyway, all cracking noises are best solved by putting the roof down and adding some revs, or by turning up the music whenever the first option is not available. For the second issue I suggest uploading a quick picture?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2012, 10:13 AM	#3
rchaas Enlisted Member 2 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 SDrive3.5i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tulsa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Z4 35i [0.00] 2011 BMW X3 [0.00]	Mine, 2009, is a rattle trap. I've given up on tracking down all the rattles...just adds to the charm and prompts me to keep the roof down since i don't hear any of it top down!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2012, 12:16 PM	#4
haspi Private First Class 13 Rep 118 Posts Drives: SDrive35i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: . iTrader: (0)	I think it's due to #6 or #7 not placed correctly. I will take an actual picture as well. Any instructions on how to remove it ? Attached Images
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05-03-2012, 02:38 AM	#9
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane 53 Rep 1,464 Posts Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW Z4 35is [10.00] 2013 BMW X5 30d [0.00]	My Z4 goes through a regular cycle. The dealer lubes and tightens the roof for me, (and the dash around the iDrive) and the car is relatively quiet. Six months later I am back in the shop asking them to do it again as the rattles have reached the annoying stage again. (Yes mainly when the roof is up) They have done it about four times now since I collected the car in Jul 2010. I'm not looking forward to the time that they start to charge me for the service. BMW stopped paying for it after the first twelve months. The last two times it has been done as a gesture of goodwill and customer satisfaction by the local dealership. __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia
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04-29-2012, 03:23 PM	#6
az34 Major 54 Rep 1,014 Posts Drives: 2009 z4sdrive35i 2008 x5 3.0i Join Date: May 2011 Location: montréal iTrader: (0)	have it check by your dealer before warranty's over.
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05-02-2012, 03:07 PM	#7
rchaas Enlisted Member 2 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 SDrive3.5i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tulsa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Z4 35i [0.00] 2011 BMW X3 [0.00]	Just an FYI, I mentioned how my Z is a rattle trap (v.s.). Yesterday, after a quick wash, I decided to dress all seals. I opened the doors and trunk and positioned the roof halfway, then applied some 3M rubber treatment to all seals. Today, on my drive to work, top up, the car was quiet like new. No rattles!!!! So, I think i'll do this a bit more regularly than i have in the past (which was never...).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-03-2012, 03:24 AM	#10
ManiacGT Major 85 Rep 1,448 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK iTrader: (0)	The worst rattles are gone for me now. Certainly the persistent one in the dash at certain revs, god that used to make me mad. Thanks to persistence from me with the local dealer. Some of the work done has introduced noise from elsewhere but its only on very rough roads. I did have one persistent noise recently, a loud cracking noise from the roof area which I thought was the roof seals as the gummipfledge seemed to have solidified. However after many wipe downs and checks I discovered that in fact it was the roof lining which simply clips into place, so I eased it out of the clips by around 1mm and all the noise has gone. So many parts to rattle and creak, but its not as bad as some of the Merc drop tops I've driven, wow those things rattle. I still have an occasional knock from the right rear (right as in when sat in the car) over manhole covers etc, but after speaking with others this seems common and I'm not sure if it might be something in the boot/trunk like the battery cover etc.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-05-2012, 12:35 AM	#12
z4z4z4 Lieutenant 45 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 2002 M3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: mild mediterranean breezes iTrader: (1)	My car is noise free, but my girlfriend's snoring drives me Nutz! __________________ Sold 2011 Z4, kept 2002 M3 PM for various e89 parts 4sale.
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05-05-2012, 02:28 PM	#14
jrothstein New Member 6 Rep 24 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	rattle box I wish I could be as nonchalant as all of you concerning the numerous rattles and creaks this car has. Maybe I'm OCD when it comes to the constant clicks, creaks, and knocking this car emenates, but it drives me absolutely nuts and to be honest cheapens the whole driving experience. Each BMW I've had has gotten progressively worse in this department, to which I blame the increasing amount of cheap hard plastic they use in combination with RFT's. It's sad that my girlfriends 8 year old Honda civic has a whisper quiet interior while my 6 month old Z4 sounds like rattle box. Noise related problems with my Z4: 1) Creaking armrest like the OP 2) creaking from the wood trim around the climate controls 3) rattling from the GPS 4) Constant ticking from the top when up 5) Creaking from the cheap plastic shell they use to encase the seat controls. I've had this problem on every BMW I've had. Repeated visits to the dealer haven't resolved anything and have only served to introduce even more rattles. I love the look. I love the ride. I love the performance.. It's just so sad they can't get something so simple right; something that freakin' Hyundai can accomplish..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-05-2012, 02:51 PM	#15
ManiacGT Major 85 Rep 1,448 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK iTrader: (0)	I agree, my car is quieter mostly after the dealer work but it's still noisy ESP on rough roads. It gets worse as the car ages. When new they're really tight but three years on there's a lot of noise.
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