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Fixing roof rattle - 2003 BMW 325i cabrio

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  • 03-06-2020 9:12am
    #1
    galvo_clare
    Registered Users Posts: 668 ✭✭✭


    Hi

    Not quite a classic I know but I reckoned this was the best place for this.
    I've just put my E46 on the road again and the roof still rattles when it's up, particularly when I hit a bump. With the roof down, there's no problem.

    Does anyone have any tips? I've come across Service measure #54-200-03 which is a fix they apply in the US but I'm not sure if it's available here or even relevant.

    Alternatively, is there any roof specialist that could help? Munster area preferred but I'd be willing to travel.

    TIA
    Tagged:


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    #2
    Kenny Logins
    Registered Users Posts: 9,061 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins


    Do you have Bluetooth audio from your phone?

    Install a tone generator app and start a sine wave tone around 100hz and gradually increase it until the rattle starts, then prod around (ears and fingers) until you find the source.

    If it's a heavy part rattling this may not work as well (rattle when driving over a bump would suggest it is), but for finding smaller annoying rattle this method never lets me down.


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    #3
    galvo_clare
    Registered Users Posts: 668 ✭✭✭galvo_clare


    Kenny Logins wrote: »
    Do you have Bluetooth audio from your phone?

    Install a tone generator app and start a sine wave tone around 100hz and gradually increase it until the rattle starts, then prod around (ears and fingers) until you find the source.

    If it's a heavy part rattling this may not work as well (rattle when driving over a bump would suggest it is), but for finding smaller annoying rattle this method never lets me down.

    That's brilliant. I'll have to try it. Thanks. Not sure it will fix this problem but it should be very useful.

    EDIT: Do you just play the tone on the phone speaker? Where does Bluetooth come in?


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    #4
    Kenny Logins
    Registered Users Posts: 9,061 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins


    galvo_clare wrote: »
    EDIT: Do you just play the tone on the phone speaker? Where does Bluetooth come in?

    No, through the car's sound system. Needs to be reasonably loud to make any loose parts vibrate.


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    #5
    galvo_clare
    Registered Users Posts: 668 ✭✭✭galvo_clare


    Kenny Logins wrote: »
    No, through the car's sound system. Needs to be reasonably loud to make any loose parts vibrate.

    Ah grand. Can't put BT through this car but can find another way around that.


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    #6
    antodeco
    Registered Users, Subscribers Posts: 13,425 ✭✭✭✭antodeco


    galvo_clare wrote: »
    Ah grand. Can't put BT through this car but can find another way around that.

    Audio in might be an option?


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    #7
    galvo_clare
    Registered Users Posts: 668 ✭✭✭galvo_clare


    antodeco wrote: »
    Audio in might be an option?

    When I bought it, it had a CD changer in the boot and a minidisc behind the
    satnav screen.
    I got an external audio cable and wired it into the central console along with usb power and cup holders so I'll be able to feed the phone in using a lightning adapter. I'm sure I have one lying around somewhere.


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    #8
    Kenny Logins
    Registered Users Posts: 9,061 ✭✭✭Kenny Logins


    galvo_clare wrote: »
    When I bought it, it had a CD changer in the boot and a minidisc behind the
    satnav screen.
    I got an external audio cable and wired it into the central console along with usb power and cup holders so I'll be able to feed the phone in using a lightning adapter. I'm sure I have one lying around somewhere.

    At this stage it might be easier to go for a drive and let somebody else listen for it. :pac:


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