Convertible rear window rattle

[Pelicanglider]

My 2008 convertible has always rattled a bit when going over larger bumps,etc, and I have accepted this as part of convertible ownership. But lately, the rear window is rattling all the time and has crossed the line of acceptability. Has anyone else had this problem and what, if anything, did you do to fix it? Is it a matter of the top sagging a little over time? Is there an adjustment to snug it up again? I am planning on doing more investigation on my own, but I wanted to ask the forum in case there's some experience I can leverage. Thanks.

[Tom K.]

Never a sound from the rear window on my '08 128i 'vert. I'd have it looked at by the dealer while still under warranty.

Tom

[chili555]

No rear window rattles on my 2008 128i convertible. Sounds like you have a warranty issue.

[Pangloss]

I've never heard anything like that either. Seems kinda odd because I'm not sure what the window would be rattling against. I wonder if there's something going on with the metal roof structure nearby. I'd definitely have it looked at.

[spyderx]

No rattle in the rear but on the passenger rear section does at times. Sounds like one of the structural rods rattle over bumps. Barely under my threshold or else...

[slim_e90]

My rear window is quiet but my driver side rear window always creaks and rattles when it's all the way up while the top is Down.

Id get the rear checked out.

[Steve_in_NH]

My '08 128i Vert is very tight. No rattles. At 15,000 miles it's as tight as when I bought it at 7,000 miles a year and a half ago... Just had the top replaced under warranty due to the small (dime sided) wear spot on the side of the rear quarter. No argument from dealer.

[NKatsim]

My 11 rattled as well. I adjusted the two rubber stops located in the rear deck and it no longer rattles. Hope this helps...

[Pelicanglider]

I was hoping someone else had dealt with this problem before and I was hoping to hear that there were rubber stops that were out of place because this is exactly what I had imagined happened. I will check it out next chance I get. In the mean time, I have gotten used to the rattle as it only shows up above 60mph, but it will be nice to get rid of it too. Thanks for the heads up!

[1080eyes]

My 08 started to rattle this past summer. Haven't had a chance to take it in yet. After the holidays I will take it in.

[pinmagic]

Originally Posted by NKatsim

My 11 rattled as well. I adjusted the two rubber stops located in the rear deck and it no longer rattles. Hope this helps...

Was this at slow speeds or high speeds? What rubber stops did you adjust?

I have an '11 vert. It has a minor rattling/rumbling sound from the rear of the car at slower speeds, when going over even slightly-rough pavement. Not a major annoyance, but just enough to irritate. Haven't had a chance to really investigate it yet.

[coda72]

My car is probably too new to rattle, but no rattles from my convertible top after 3 months and 2500 miles.

[Pelicanglider]

This is a follow-up to my original post. The rattling rear window on '08 vert was due to failing adhesive holding in the rear window. I found some adhesive for glass that works very well but its hard to get a "factory finish". So I am looking for an aftermarket top that uses a heavy rubber seal around the window perimeter as seen on most Porsches and VWs. If I find one, I will post the source.

[rudyv1]

Originally Posted by NKatsim

My 11 rattled as well. I adjusted the two rubber stops located in the rear deck and it no longer rattles. Hope this helps...

Where exactly are these 'rubber stops' located in the rear deck?

Thank you

[NKatsim]

Raise the rear deck just before the top retracts back. You will find the rubber stop on both the right and left side. All that was needed on mine was about a 1/4 turn and no more rattle. FYI, wear rubber gloves if possible...rubber leaves a bad smell on fingers thats difficult to wash off.

Originally Posted by rudyv1

Where exactly are these 'rubber stops' located in the rear deck?

Thank you

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by Pelicanglider

My 2008 convertible has always rattled a bit when going over larger bumps,etc, and I have accepted this as part of convertible ownership. But lately, the rear window is rattling all the time and has crossed the line of acceptability. Has anyone else had this problem and what, if anything, did you do to fix it? Is it a matter of the top sagging a little over time? Is there an adjustment to snug it up again? I am planning on doing more investigation on my own, but I wanted to ask the forum in case there's some experience I can leverage. Thanks.

I had this problem on e93 and 6 visits with two dealerships then BMWNA agreed to repurchase my vehicle recently.

[froop]

I had this issue with mine. What I found was that a plastic tab that holds the interior roof fabric taught right next to the rear window had come loose and was causing the rattle. Once I clipped it back into place it's been silent as a mouse since.

[bazil769]

Where is the 2 plastic stops or the tabs i have a rear top rattle over bumps even at low speeds.

[froop]

Originally Posted by bazil769

Where is the 2 plastic stops or the tabs i have a rear top rattle over bumps even at low speeds.

I can't remember off the top of my head exactly where except that they were at the very rear of the roof on either side. I didn't lift up the roof to diagnose the problem but actually when the roof was closed. It is much easier to see that they're loose and flap around and when you pull back the loose flaps you'll see a plastic tab. Then you just stretch it to fit over the lock and it'll be nice and taught again with no more rattle.

When I get home later I'll have a quick look and see if I can't take a picture for you if you haven't figured it out already.

Edit: I haven't gotten home yet but it should be around where I've circled on either side of the roof.

[bazil769]

Thank you so much froop i'll check it out and tell you if i find it