Creaking Noises and funny window alignment

[cwliew]

I get a lot of creaking noises from behind my left ear. It appears to come from the rear window, but I can seem to get a finger on it to localise it. I also get some creeking coming from what seems to be the cabling near my right ear where the roof joinery is. This is constant when on slightly uneven ground...

My second problem is the drivers window. From time to time, the window seems to malalign. It then wont go up, and insists on going down everytime it is moved to the top. If I try to get out of the car when the window is fullyup, it doesn't go down that inch like normal. It stays up, and then the car door doesn't shut properly because the window is malaligned. It doesn't happen often. Perhaps once every 2 weeks. I'm not sure how it all happens. To fix it, I have to wind the window all the way down and all the way back up, along with the tiny rear side windows...

Any ideas?

[Dr Stig 2]

There is a replacement seal kit that is supposed to fix the window closing and some of the creaking issues.
There are multiple adjustments they can make to fix the creaks and squeaks. But if mine is an indication they may come back.
Never mind. I'll just ask them to keep fixing them.

[solidgold]

My second problem is the drivers window. From time to time, the window seems to malalign. It then wont go up, and insists on going down everytime it is moved to the top. If I try to get out of the car when the window is fullyup, it doesn't go down that inch like normal. It stays up, and then the car door doesn't shut properly because the window is malaligned. It doesn't happen often. Perhaps once every 2 weeks.

Please check my thread. I have done many many months of troubling shooting to narrow it down. Finally nailed it...so do go and review my thread on this.

[dcs2k]

My experience with installing aftermarket suspension and the swaybars make the car creaks a WHOLE LOT more everywhere

[teagueAMX]

That's because they typically have hard polyurethane bushings verses the standard OEM style synthetic rubber bushings, but did he say he changed the suspension or is that in the other thread?

[cwliew]

Nope, I didn't change anything. My car is totally stock from factory.

[Dr Stig 2]

If you have seen the movie "UP" the you would be familiar with the reference to "SQUIRREL!"

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

If you have seen the movie "UP" the you would be familiar with the reference to "SQUIRREL!"

roflmao

Yes, I recall the use very vividly!

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

roflmao

Yes, I recall the use very vividly!

Whereas in my family we scream out SQUIRREL often whenever someone changes the topic.
And we don't even have the rodents here in Oz

[teagueAMX]

Clearly that fits - I read the OPs post 3 times just in case I missed something

Just goes to show that Squirrel behavior is a universal symbol, even if the animal is not indigenous to Land of Oz

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by cwliew

I get a lot of creaking noises from behind my left ear. It appears to come from the rear window, but I can seem to get a finger on it to localise it. I also get some creeking coming from what seems to be the cabling near my right ear where the roof joinery is. This is constant when on slightly uneven ground...

My second problem is the drivers window. From time to time, the window seems to malalign. It then wont go up, and insists on going down everytime it is moved to the top. If I try to get out of the car when the window is fullyup, it doesn't go down that inch like normal. It stays up, and then the car door doesn't shut properly because the window is malaligned. It doesn't happen often. Perhaps once every 2 weeks. I'm not sure how it all happens. To fix it, I have to wind the window all the way down and all the way back up, along with the tiny rear side windows...

Any ideas?

I found that the cracking noises on my Z4 came mainly from the retractable roof mechanism, linkages etc. This is quite normal with a convertible during temperature changes. One thing that can be done is to point it out to your dealer and if they are on the ball will check it out for you. I've read some added some grease to attack some of the crackling noises. I had one that sounded just like a cricket in the trunk each time I went over the slightest bump I could hear it. Once I had my winter tires on (None-RFTof course) it disappeared only here and then it said hello to me from behind naturally only when I went over a larger bump.

No worries, most of the noises will disappear once it gets warmer

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

[DrDr]

Dr Stig 2, you say there is a replacement seal kit for the window rattle in the Z4. Do you have any more info about it? I have the same rattle. They mechanic has tried four times to fix it but it keeps coming back in about a day or two. It seems Mt Nebo is enough to test out any rattle repair.

Cheers

[BMWZ4]

Can't speak to the window alignment, since this wasn't an issue in my case. However, the fix for the creaking roof is slightly more complex than some have noted above (not simply a "lube & tighten" job).

I had this addressed last fall before storing my car and it fixed the problem. Also, it doesn't "go away in warmer weather" - happens all the time.

Hope this helps
Dave

From the repair invoice:

C/S: Creak in roof behind driver side, over bumps. Most likely driver's side B Shell Latch incorrectly positioned. Road tested vehicle & found rattle / creak noise from roof. Removed headliner on A & B roof shells. Road tested vehicle once again. Found noise from driver's side latch area. Lubricated latch and road tested again. Noise still present. Performed adjustment at position rod to latch, adjustment at rod. Noise gone. Reinstalled headliner trims & road tested again. No noise after repair. Work time used for adjusting rod 2 times.

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by DrDr

Dr Stig 2, you say there is a replacement seal kit for the window rattle in the Z4. Do you have any more info about it? I have the same rattle. They mechanic has tried four times to fix it but it keeps coming back in about a day or two. It seems Mt Nebo is enough to test out any rattle repair.

Cheers

Mine is being fitted on Monday by the guys at westside BMW. I'll let you know the code / description after I get back the paperwork on Wednesday.

Are you in Brisbane? Which side of town? I'm out west on the very edge of town.

[DrDr]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

Mine is being fitted on Monday by the guys at westside BMW. I'll let you know the code / description after I get back the paperwork on Wednesday.

Are you in Brisbane? Which side of town? I'm out west on the very edge of town.

Southside Holland Park.

I am keen to see how you go. The guys at Motorline have been really good, but this is one last creak that is puzzling. They eliminated 4 or 5 other ones in the roof. For this window issue, they dropped the window down a millimeter or so and temporarily it worked but it is back again.

[DrDr]

Thanks Dave. I have sent this on to the BMW dealer.

[Dr Stig 2]

DrDr

I'll hAve the part number tomorrow night.
They fitted it to a 335 conv on Friday and it fixed the problems. I want to see if it fixes mine before I endorse it.
It costs $900 plus labour, so I see why BMW is not rolling them out to everyone.
Mind you, the steering rack replacement won't leave much change from $5k so they do spend when they have to.

[DrDr]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

DrDr

I'll hAve the part number tomorrow night.
They fitted it to a 335 conv on Friday and it fixed the problems. I want to see if it fixes mine before I endorse it.
It costs $900 plus labour, so I see why BMW is not rolling them out to everyone.
Mind you, the steering rack replacement won't leave much change from $5k so they do spend when they have to.

How did the fix go? Did it get rid of the noise?

What's wrong with your steering rack? More to look forward too?

Cheers

[Z4@Phuket]

My rattle noises came from the speaker grills on rear (both sides) waiting for 3 months now for replacement

[Dr Stig 2]

DrDr

I have had the window seal kit fitted. It doesn't stop any rattles. It is mire about the open - close- open again problem that the windows do when you open and close the roof.

Ie I still have rattles from the roof mechanisms when the roof is up.

Do you still want the part number?

[Kief]

Originally Posted by solidgold

Please check my thread. I have done many many months of troubling shooting to narrow it down. Finally nailed it...so do go and review my thread on this.

Thanks Solid!
I had this same problem this morning, but with driver's side. In the past, I would get the annoying "pinch protector" effect from my driver's side window after using the automatic roll up function (i.e., pull up window toggle once and the the window would roll all the way back down as it met the roof).

However this morning, I had the roof down and put it back up, and although my driver's window rolled up all the way, when I went to exit the car, the window would not lower the normal 2in. As I went to shut the door, it did not shut properly. I thought it might have the roof misaligned, but I was unable to lower the roof, b/c the driver's side window would not go down during the sequence. Keep in mind this was all happening right before some severe downpours. Eventually, I turned on/off the car, and luckily the window resumed its normal function.

I think I have my eye on a 1M....

[DrDr]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

DrDr

I have had the window seal kit fitted. It doesn't stop any rattles. It is mire about the open - close- open again problem that the windows do when you open and close the roof.

Ie I still have rattles from the roof mechanisms when the roof is up.

Do you still want the part number?

Hi Dr Stig 2

Pity about the rattles. I am getting the opening and closing problem now too, so it wouldn't hurt getting the part number. Let me know if you cannot post on the site and I will give you an email address.

For the rattles, I have had some success. Maybe we should meet and exchange notes. Let me know. There is a good cafe on Mt Glorious.

Cheers