Clicking Noise Under Acceleration

[MNBart]

Anyone else notice a distinct, loud clicking noise under "heavy" acceleration? it comes from the rear of the car - sounds almost as if there is something between the headliner and the roof. I managed to take a quick video of it but can't upload due to firewall at work. The sound lasts about 10 or so seconds.

[wdimagineer]

I haven't heard this personally. However some friends who took my beast for a joyride said they heard something concerning from the back and based on their description this sounds like it might be similar or the same thing.

There are 2 drainage holes with flaps above the tailgate on either side. I've heard that these sometimes cause noise. A few folks on the regular F15/F16 side of the house said they had the dealer address it.

I will bring it up when I bring it in for a few of my other concerns.

[Ash777]

Originally Posted by wdimagineer

I haven't heard this personally. However some friends who took my beast for a joyride said they heard something concerning from the back and based on their description this sounds like it might be similar or the same thing.

There are 2 drainage holes with flaps above the tailgate on either side. I've heard that these sometimes cause noise. A few folks on the regular F15/F16 side of the house said they had the dealer address it.

I will bring it up when I bring it in for a few of my other concerns.

What other concerns have you got with your X5M?

[MNBart]

Bringing the car into service on my way into the office tomorrow morning. I'll update the thread and try to attach the video when i get a chance.

After 3K miles, no other complaints other than poor gas mileage ;-)

[Ash777]

Originally Posted by MNBart

Bringing the car into service on my way into the office tomorrow morning. I'll update the thread and try to attach the video when i get a chance.

After 3K miles, no other complaints other than poor gas mileage ;-)

LOL. What mileage are you getting?

[ChrisM6GC]

I've had the exact same noise on my car. It only happens under hard acceleration and sun roof open and / or in vent position.

Please keep us posted on the outcome of your dealer visit:

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by Ash777

LOL. What mileage are you getting?

Just so you have an idea too, I'm getting 15.5mpg average. It could be better, but I didn't buy an X5M to drive it like a Prius. I'm in Sport+ mode all the time. Not sure why it defaults in normal driving mode.

Originally Posted by ChrisM6GC

I've had the exact same noise on my car. It only happens under hard acceleration and sun roof open and / or in vent position.

Please keep us posted on the outcome of your dealer visit:

Weird. I haven't noticed this. Sounds like sunroof rail is loose OR you have some debris inside the sunroof pocket (rocks/leaves/hardware left behind by manufacturing).

[MNBart]

dealer was not able to replicate the noise... not surprising as i had trouble replicating it when i tried. I will pick it up and try to record it if/when it happens again. no point in leaving it there. disappointing.

I also get around 15 mpg (likely lower) and mostly in Sport+ unless i'm in traffic or holding steady in cruise control on the highway.

[Alan l.]

I heard the same noise in my 35i also under WOT conditions. I think it has to do with one of the windows being open with the sunroof closed but sunshade open. Sounds like something is flapping due to having one of the windows open causing turbulent air to hit whatever panel that is making the noise.

[MasterP]

Not sure but its a thought. There's a TSB on the F8X for the rear brake dust shields. Rocks get in there and cause noises. Could it be the same?

[Alan l.]

Not in my case. the sound is pretty loud and its def. coming from above my head. I only noticed it twice with my X5 and both times i was going WOT and i had a few windows cracked opened while my sunroof was closed (sunshade opened).

Alan

[amhtsai]

Hi there, I'm new to the forum. I also have a X5m with the same issue you are describing. I haven't taken it to dealer to look at it yet. Were you guys able to determine the issue and solution?

[Alextacy]

I have this same issue, which will typically occur on harder acceleration with a window down.

The key here is it will only occur when the windows are down or the sunroof is open, and if the dealer is trying to isolate a noise, they will want the cabin as quiet as possible. Meaning they will close windows..

I have also had this happen at lower speed, triggering when there is strong wind. So it seems to only really be wind volume affecting these flaps/panels in the rear of the car.

There is a russian X5M youtube review where you can hear it quite obviously in the video too.

[elisiX]

I've noticed this but only with the sunroof open.

Not the first car to make noises at speed with the sunroof open though.

[QuickOne]

I have noticed it when the sunroof shade is open, but not the sunroof itself. Definitely sounds like something rattling against a rail.

I would love to know what the solution is, but I don't really want the dealer taking the headliner down.

[guess2098]

same here. only 1350 miles on the x5m. my ear is really good, i can hear it when all windows close. about step 3/4 down, heard it about 2 times, not able to replicate. my 550gt has same issue but that is when i step down but trans doesn't gear up at between 2000 rpm to 3500 rpm makes noise.

[ndanson]

Same issue. Confirmed the problem to be the flaps on the 2 sunroof drain ports (visible when the rear hatch is open). Did not want the dealer to disassemble the car to "fix" it - resolved it by wrapping the flaps in electrical tape to increase their weight - problem gone.

Here's a video of our problem:

[onfireX5]

Dayum. And it only happens when the sunroof is open ?

[amhtsai]

ndanson,

would you be able to provide a quick picture where you wrapped the flaps with electrical tape? I'd like to try it on mine. Thanks.

Originally Posted by ndanson

Same issue. Confirmed the problem to be the flaps on the 2 sunroof drain ports (visible when the rear hatch is open). Did not want the dealer to disassemble the car to "fix" it - resolved it by wrapping the flaps in electrical tape to increase their weight - problem gone.

Here's a video of our problem:

[Hammmerhead]

Im glad to see this. Thanks for posting vid. I swear I thought I hurt mine on a hard launch when it started belting out this noise, but hearing this confirms thats my issue too. How the heck did they miss that in the research and testing with the new platform?

[MNBart]

Originally Posted by Hammmerhead

Im glad to see this. Thanks for posting vid. I swear I thought I hurt mine on a hard launch when it started belting out this noise, but hearing this confirms thats my issue too. How the heck did they miss that in the research and testing with the new platform?

I actually have been complaining about this for a while and recently took a longer video when the issue arose. It only happens then the sunroof is open. I've also noticed that the repetition of the clicking slows down when the car slows down and as soon as I accelerate the clicking speeds up again. as soon as I close the sunroof the clicking stops. Between this and the squeaky brakes, it's a very loud car aside from the exhaust...

[G80POWER]

Originally Posted by ndanson

Same issue. Confirmed the problem to be the flaps on the 2 sunroof drain ports (visible when the rear hatch is open). Did not want the dealer to disassemble the car to "fix" it - resolved it by wrapping the flaps in electrical tape to increase their weight - problem gone.

Here's a video of our problem:

OMG that is loud! Almost sounds like my old BMX bikes when I was a kid and we used to the put playing cards in the spokes!