E46 Window Creaking and Other Noises (long) (archive)

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Hello, folks. I've just spent the last two weeks or so enjoying my new 328i (5sp, sport/premium, silver/silver). Very nice, and significantly superior in nearly all areas to my previous trusty 1997 Maxima SE.

Window creaking noises: By the third or fourth day, I noticed that the driver's window would close with a pretty obnoxious creak or cracking sound. There would be persisting creaking for about a half hour whenever the body was subject to a twist or a bump. It sure seemed like the window was not seating correctly, and as the door panel was stressed, the window was making the noises as it apparently was getting seated more properly.

At any rate, I wonder if those of who are experiencing noises from their windows have experienced something similar? If so, you might be interested in what my dealer concludes is the problem (based on similar problems and solutions on other of their E46s). They've traced a minor cause of window noises to grit that gets built up in the top edge of the window glass. When cleaned, this sometimes alleviates noises, although the service representive feels the noises reoccur too often and this might be related to a design issue. They trace the major cause of the kind of noises I experienced, which we replicated in a test drive, to the power window regulator. Apparently, it can often seem that these noises originate at the top of the window, but in fact are from the regulator and are simply transmitted through the glass. The regulator on my driver's door will be replaced in couple weeks when I can part with the car. If it works, I'll drop a follow-up note.

This fix is more involved than the window gasket/seal replacement I've seen mentioned on this list. If any of you have that done, and the result is unsatisfactory, you might consider asking your mechanic if the power window regulator should be examined or replaced. Again, my dealer has apparently done this on E46's to their clients' satisfaction a number of times.

B-pillar seatbelt retension noises: Hey, what can I say? I hate hearing extraneous noises on a largely vault-like car! I've found that the adjustable seatbelt device on the B-pillar makes a slight sound like a spring, well, springing, whenever the seatbelt tension shortens the belt. This wouldn't be bad except the thing is right next to one's left ear. We replicated this noise on a service test drive as well, so my dealer will disassemble to see if anything can be done. Call me picky. Just to show I'm not too crazy, the dealer had also had complaints about this noise from other clients.

"Business" stereo: all I can say is, man, the stock stereo is disappointly mediocre (didn't notice it on the test drive...had too much fun driving). On the other hand, I hate the idea of taking apart the car for a real fix. Is there any point to just swapping the stock amp for the HK OEM amp? Is the crossover setup similar enought to make it a straight swap?

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