Trunk Rattle a Loose Latch???

[Coop540iT]

Greetings Everyone,

I have been trying to track down a rattle I hear in back of the car when I go over bumps. I have ruled out the cargo shelf and I believe I have identified the issue as the rear hatch not latching tightly. My mechanic checked the rear suspension and it all checks out, so that rule that out. Upon closer inspection there seems to be enough play in the hatch that this could be the issue. So I have two questions....

1. Have any of you experienced this problem?

2. If so, what was the solution?

I look forward to any feedback.

Cheers

Coop

[budget76]

I've got the same problem, and i'll be damned if I can figure out what it is. It's getting on my nerves though

[b.u.ti-ful]

Are the two 10mm hex head bolts on the bottom half of the latch tight?

[tiFreak]

I have a rattle in my back end too, I'm not sure how to describe it but it sounds like it's "light" if you get what I mean

I haven't checked my hatch for any play yet but if your rattle sounds similar to mine I'd really like to know what's causing it for you

[b.u.ti-ful]

Check this thread:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...t=hatch+rattle

[Coop540iT]

Originally Posted by budget76

I've got the same problem, and i'll be damned if I can figure out what it is. It's getting on my nerves though

Budget, you seem to have dealt with this before. In a previous post (the one b.u.ti.ful references) you state "it was a torx screw that you can get to by pulling the cover back a little. I was able to just put a washer between and tighten. Successful fix"

Was the fix temporary, or is this a new rattle?

[b.u.ti-ful]

Haha - I didn't notice it was the same person.

Keep trying!!!!!!!

[Coop540iT]

Originally Posted by b.u.ti-ful

Are the two 10mm hex head bolts on the bottom half of the latch tight?

Checked the bolts and the latch assembly. Tight as tight can be

[Coop540iT]

Originally Posted by b.u.ti-ful

Haha - I didn't notice it was the same person.

Keep trying!!!!!!!

Will do. BTW, just picked up my ti from a member who lives near West Bend, WI. Is that any where near you?

[b.u.ti-ful]

Yes - West Bend is about an hour from me.

When you say your hatch has play in it - how do you mean?

[Coop540iT]

I mean if you push down you can see/hear some play and the noise (think tapping noise) it makes as it hits the bottom or end of the motion sounds like it could be a rattle as you are driving and hit bumps in quick succession.

Does that description help?

[budget76]

Originally Posted by Coop540iT

Budget, you seem to have dealt with this before. In a previous post (the one b.u.ti.ful references) you state "it was a torx screw that you can get to by pulling the cover back a little. I was able to just put a washer between and tighten. Successful fix"

Was the fix temporary, or is this a new rattle?

That was a differnt problem entirely, but good memory. The problem there was the sheet metal around one of these two screws gave out, so the screw was holding air. I was able to do what you said, but that's not causing my noise.

now that I think about it, I should probably empty my ''trunk'' (storage compartment) in the rear, and the spare-tire well as well of all stuff, then see if it's still there. I only notice it late at night when i've got the music low or off. It seems to come and go though, so it's kind of odd.

FWIW I know mine's also not the hatch cover, mine's held on strong with screws on the bottom and good clips inside.

[Severian]

If you end up needing to replace the rear latch you can certainly do that by buying a replacement latch. The job took me about 1 1/2 hours start to finish...that was after wrestling with the damn plastic interior panel for more than 45 minutes.

I'm not really mechanically savvy...I can do light jobs (just to give you an idea of my aptitude).

The latch is part #11 in this diagram for my car (it's a 98 made in 11/97, so make sure you get the appropriate latch there are two).

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...41&fg=60&hl=18

[Coop540iT]

Originally Posted by Severian

If you end up needing to replace the rear latch you can certainly do that by buying a replacement latch. The job took me about 1 1/2 hours start to finish...that was after wrestling with the damn plastic interior panel for more than 45 minutes.

I'm not really mechanically savvy...I can do light jobs (just to give you an idea of my aptitude).

The latch is part #11 in this diagram for my car (it's a 98 made in 11/97, so make sure you get the appropriate latch there are two).

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...41&fg=60&hl=18

Thanks for the info. Did you have the same issue? Did replacing the latch solve the rattle?

[Severian]

I did not have your same issue. Mine was a clear case of a broken plastic bit (and/or a spring that came out) inside the trunk lock.