SI 51 03 97 (archive)

Situation:
Some E39s built prior to 5/98 production may exhibit a creaking noise from the upper door area that stops when the windows are lowered. This is caused by the lip of the seals that surround the window frame moving slightly against the roof as the car is driven. The material used in the seals used prior to 5/98 tends to stick and release when there is pressure on the seal, which causes the noise.

The material that the seal is manufactured from was changed as of 5/98 production, to include a flocked coating to reduce the coefficient of friction between the seal and the body. When the seal can move freely without sticking the noise is eliminated.

Correction:
Since the noise that is associated with this problem is virtually identical to noises caused by other components, it is important to confirm that the noise is being caused by the seals before proceeding.

To determine if the noise is being generated by the window frame seals, fasten a strip of masking tape to the roof line where the seals contact the roof and to the rear of the front door window frame where the vertical portion of the rear door window frame seal makes contact. Test drive the car to determine if the noise is reduced or eliminated. If the noise is unchanged, the seals are in all probability not the source of the noise, and normal troubleshooting procedures should be followed to locate the source of the noise. Possible causes include door trim panels, latch to striker movement, head restraint guides, leather upholstery, and parcel shelf. Noises from door panels can be corrected by applying 3M Anti-Squeak Tape to the door frame under the edges of the door panels.

If the noise is being caused by the window frame seals, replace the seals with the later production flocked seals.

Note: The latest production seals come with an additional locating nub that corresponds to a mounting hole on late production doors. This nub must be cut off to allow installation on earlier production doors.

Position Part Number
Left Front 51 21 8 254 529
Right Front 51 21 8 254 530
Left Rear 51 22 8 254 531
Right Rear 51 22 8 254 532

Follow Ups:

Thanks! I have the old seals w/occasional creak Mike E 98 540 07:25 5/03/2001 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E39) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.