Annoying rattling sound

[Matt9999]

I'm new here and could use some help. I have a 1991 325ix with 175K miles. About 6 months ago a really annoying rattling sound started up. As far as I can tell, it's somewhere around the area of the rear seat, on the right, possibly high up in the wheel well, or actually behind the seat. Even the mechanic can't quite identify it or where it's coming from.

I've gone into the trunk and can't find anything loose in there, and I don't think there's anything flapping about in the wheel well. I'm thinking that it's somehow behind the rear seat. It's not a loose speaker, either.

Can anyone tell me a) have they come across this before and how they solved it, or b) how to remove the rear seat back, or, for that matter, the seat itself.

Thanks.

[bimmerman333]

i ahd same prob. ended up being a cracked bushing on my rear shock

[Matt9999]

Originally Posted by bimmerman333

i ahd same prob. ended up being a cracked bushing on my rear shock

Thanks. I'll check on that. At least it's not going to cost me my first born to fix.

[EyeintheLAsky]

I too have that annoying rattling sound. It' s on (or rather, under), my '83 320i.

Don't think it's anything to do with the rear shocks. The rattling on my car seems more under the car itself. Like it's coming from under the rear seat.

Can hear it when i first start-up. During idle at signals and while getting up to speed. Seems to either stop - or is being drowned-out by traffic - when i get up over 45 - 50mph.

Almost sounds like some kind of metal plate has loosened and is rattling against something down there.

any ideas? thanks.

[futball22]

it could be your heat shield above your exhaust. They have a tendancy after a while to fall down and sit ontop of your exhaust pipes and rattle. Its mostley noticable at idle.

[EyeintheLAsky]

Heat Shield, ay? well thanks. Guess i'll have to jack 'er up this weekend when i change the oil and check that out.

Any idea as to how many bolts/screws...and what proper size ones to use to bolt it back into it's proper place? (assuming they've all fallen out one-by-one and have caused numerous flat tires and accidents to the unsuspecting motorists behind me).

thanks again...what a pain.

yet she's still a joy to drive.

[futball22]

Usually the original bolts are still on the car, but they heat sheild has cracked around the bolt holl and fallen off. You could just use the same ones, or see what kind of screws/bolts they are using and copy that. Or if you get real desperate, use as short of a sheet metal/self tapping screw that you can.

[longbranch]

It appears that I've found some sanity. I'm new here but love my little 325, it's quick and responsive but when I hit a hill from a slow start I do get a little rumble under the area of the hand brake. Anyone know what that is.?

[bagjag27]

I'm having a similar annoying rattling sound, but its from the manual transmission on my 94 325i. Starting at ~3000 RPM on up, the knob on the shifter starts buzzing like crazy. At highway speeds in 5th gear you can easily hear it over the road noise.

Does anyone know of any bushings in the shirft linkage that may be worn? Any other hints? I popped off the shift knob and replaced it but it still rattles like crazy. Please help

[longbranch]

Problem solved upon instalation of one drive shaft support bearing.