Cabrio top rattling and creaking. Easy fix?

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  • RedRacer
    Noobie
    • Sep 2008
    • 21

    #1

    Cabrio top rattling and creaking. Easy fix?

    The power top on my "ic" makes a bunch of noise when it is in the up position. Rattles over rough pavement and creaks and groans when the chassis twists. It is much better with the top down, and not just because of the added noise.

    Are there some common noise causing areas on these tops that are simple to fix?
  • funcrew
    E30 Fanatic
    • Jun 2007
    • 1223

    #2
    Originally posted by RedRacer
    The power top on my "ic" makes a bunch of noise when it is in the up position. Rattles over rough pavement and creaks and groans when the chassis twists. It is much better with the top down, and not just because of the added noise.

    Are there some common noise causing areas on these tops that are simple to fix?
    That's normal. It's a 20 year old ragtop, that's how they roll.
    "If the sky were to fall tomorrow, the tall would die first."

    -Dr. Paul Forrester



    Do I LOOK like I need a psychological evaluation???

    Comment

    • Stevie30
      E30 Mastermind
      • Apr 2007
      • 1534

      #3
      Originally posted by funcrew
      That's normal. It's a 20 year old ragtop, that's how they roll.
      That's how both of mine sound. They don't squeek and rattle, but there is lots of wind noise.

      1991 325ic and 1991 318is

      Comment

      • RedRacer
        Noobie
        • Sep 2008
        • 21

        #4
        Originally posted by funcrew
        That's normal. It's a 20 year old ragtop, that's how they roll.
        LOL....but they didn't sound like this when they left the factory :mrgreen:

        I don't want to replace the roof and every associated part but there must be some common wear items that will improve the situation

        Comment

        • twothrees
          Wrencher
          • Dec 2007
          • 252

          #5
          Wind noise, yes. Rattles and groans, not from my top. Can you isolate where the rattling noise is coming from?

          Comment

          • Stevie30
            E30 Mastermind
            • Apr 2007
            • 1534

            #6
            Originally posted by RedRacer
            The power top on my "ic" makes a bunch of noise when it is in the up position. Rattles over rough pavement and creaks and groans when the chassis twists. It is much better with the top down, and not just because of the added noise.

            Are there some common noise causing areas on these tops that are simple to fix?
            Check your rear shock mounts. They make a lot of squeaking and other annoying sounds especially on rough roads. If they are worn, replace them and your car will become a lot quieter.

            1991 325ic and 1991 318is

            Comment

            • CorvallisBMW
              Long Schlong Longhammer
              • Feb 2005
              • 13039

              #7
              you can also try lubing up the hinges and pivot points in the frame

              Comment

              • desertvert
                Member
                • Feb 2007
                • 87

                #8
                I had a horrible rattle in my cabbie, and it took riding around with a friend in the back to try to pinpoint the issue. The worst offender was that the convertible boot was pushed too far forward and was constantly rubbing against the plastic rear defrost vent. Once I pushed it back into position most of the noise went away. Now it's just the occasional creak heard over the road/wind noise.

                Comment

                • jw 325ic
                  E30 Fanatic
                  • Sep 2006
                  • 1360

                  #9
                  i think there are actual shocks for the top, take a look and replace those. otherwise lube all the joints. the cables in the top could be making some noise. take a look around and see if you can figure it out. maybe you could make the "convertible top thread" sticky we all want.

                  Comment

                  • mattdk318i
                    No R3VLimiter
                    • Jun 2006
                    • 3953

                    #10
                    mine does all of the above......its down for the count..
                    sigpic

                    Comment

                    • morningsmiler
                      Wrencher
                      • Jun 2008
                      • 230

                      #11
                      mine doesn't rattle or squeek...

                      try lubing the rubber parts with silicone spray
                      sigpic

                      Comment

                      • OrganicMechanic
                        E30 Mastermind
                        • Jan 2008
                        • 1719

                        #12
                        no rattles or squeaks here--except rear up fronts down windows.

                        join the E30 Cabrio owners gruppe
                        click here for details


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