Annoying mystery rattle

[Sirrith]

Hi all, so recently a noise has appeared on my 2009 e89, it seems to be located in the driver side, over the right shoulder (my car is right hand drive). It goes away and comes back, and doesn't seem to be related to the road surface. I took a recording while queuing for a tunnel toll both, so very low speed, under 5kph. Its happened at higher speeds too, but seems to pop up more at low speed. I'm not sure how to upload the recording however, the forum keeps saying invalid file format...

I've tried pressing on pretty much every bit of trim I can reach, doesn't make a difference.

Any ideas?

edit: audio recording https://vocaroo.com/i/s04X8WBHHU5T

 

[Anonymous]

Without hearing the noise but going by your description I think it might be the pump in the fuel tank. I had this on my 2010 E89 and it’s a common problem on the early models. The noise on mine seemed more prevalent when the fuel level was low. However, the noise sounded more like a loud buzzing rather than a rattle. Good luck with localising and identifying the issue.

 

[Nictrix]

We have one that sounds like its over your shoulder but actually comes from the sun visors.

 

[obewan]

I had a rattle a few moths back, absolutely convinced it was behind my right shoulder in the roof area.
Puzzled as nothing there to rattle that I'm aware of
Eventually tracked it down to the drivers door flip down pocket

 

[Sirrith]

https://vocaroo.com/i/s04X8WBHHU5T

I've tried uploading it to the link above, lets see if it works.

 

[mcbutler]

https://vocaroo.com/i/s04X8WBHHU5T

I've tried uploading it to the link above, lets see if it works.

It's always best to try to analyse what your hearing to determine the materials involved.
To me that sounds like plastic on plastic (good title for a dodgy movie!!) so that's somewhere to start.

It also sounds like the sliding mirror covers in the sun visors, both my zeds do this, worse when visors are down and mirror cover open.
Next time it happens try opening/closing windows, roof, boot lid and of course the door and its flip down pocket, also try just placing a finger on each window/mirror switch in the arm rest.
You will find it, it's just a matter of time and elimination.

Good luck and keep us updated..

 

[flybobbie]

Number one culprit for noise is the wedge shape in the middle of the rear window.
Needs some felt sticking on as the factory felt usually falls off.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=89966
3rd picture across top row.
Could be broken cover bracket, middle picture bottom row.

 

[Sirrith]

I will check all those things next time I hear the noise. Strange thing is I've another couple of drives since then and no rattle.

 

[Sirrith]

Hi all, update time.

The noise turned up again this morning, again at lower speeds. I can confirm that it is indeed coming from behind somewhere my right shoulder (right hand drive car), and is not from the sun visor, door pocket or glove box. I have tried opening and closing the windows to no effect.

Could it be the fuel pump even though it does sound like plastic on plastic and not like anything mechanical or electronic? It seems to be happening when there is less than 80km left on the gauge.

Flybobbie, I'm not quite sure what that wedge piece is you're talking about? I can't seem to identify what that picture is showing

 

[Smartbear]

Does it disappear if the roof is lowered? :?
Rob

 

[Sirrith]

Does it disappear if the roof is lowered? :?
Rob

I'll test when I have the chance, but it's been constantly raining here for the past couple of months, so no roof down motoring :x