BMW vs MB Squeaks & Rattles
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M5
BMW vs MB Squeaks & Rattles
I've owned a couple BMW 5 series and the both had their share of interior squeaks and rattles. What about the E class? I'd like to know which has better interior quality. ie on the 5 series:
1) all door seals - rubs and squeaks
2) rear sunshade - rattles to factory subwoofer bass
3) rear shelf - rattles to factory subwoofer bass
4) dash somestimes makes poping sound on the corners when cold
1) all door seals - rubs and squeaks
2) rear sunshade - rattles to factory subwoofer bass
3) rear shelf - rattles to factory subwoofer bass
4) dash somestimes makes poping sound on the corners when cold
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From: Honolulu
I too have owned a number of 5's (E39 528i, 540i, and M5), and more recently a E60 530i company car that I drive everyday...It seems like the BMW have more squeeks and rattles when compared to my E55. I think the E60 has actually gotten worse inside and the whole door feels like plastic, whereas the E39 had much better leather and more soft-touch plastic. The E60 feels like very hard plastic used around the cabin. The squeeks and rattles in my E60 have been 1) steering wheel, and center dash area where the iDrive screen resides. I think the stiff ride and runflat tires make bumps and potholes feel more prononced and shakes up the cabin a bit more.
I've been lucky with my E55 as I've yet to hear any rattles or squeeks from my car. I know this is a Benz forum, but the plastics used in the E are of much better quality. With all the talk of MB's quality going downhill, I think they are actually making good improvements in interior quality.
I've been lucky with my E55 as I've yet to hear any rattles or squeeks from my car. I know this is a Benz forum, but the plastics used in the E are of much better quality. With all the talk of MB's quality going downhill, I think they are actually making good improvements in interior quality.
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From: Earth
W208 CLK320 & E39 M5
From what i've heard, the new 5 is supposed to have fewer squeaks & rattles than the new E-Class. Also, I have yet to hear one squeak on my E39 while my ex's E430 had so many squeaks and rattles that I refuse to drive her car.
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Originally Posted by onesixeight
I too have owned a number of 5's (E39 528i, 540i, and M5), and more recently a E60 530i company car that I drive everyday...It seems like the BMW have more squeeks and rattles when compared to my E55. I think the E60 has actually gotten worse inside and the whole door feels like plastic, whereas the E39 had much better leather and more soft-touch plastic. The E60 feels like very hard plastic used around the cabin. The squeeks and rattles in my E60 have been 1) steering wheel, and center dash area where the iDrive screen resides. I think the stiff ride and runflat tires make bumps and potholes feel more prononced and shakes up the cabin a bit more.
I've been lucky with my E55 as I've yet to hear any rattles or squeeks from my car. I know this is a Benz forum, but the plastics used in the E are of much better quality. With all the talk of MB's quality going downhill, I think they are actually making good improvements in interior quality.
I've been lucky with my E55 as I've yet to hear any rattles or squeeks from my car. I know this is a Benz forum, but the plastics used in the E are of much better quality. With all the talk of MB's quality going downhill, I think they are actually making good improvements in interior quality.
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From: fremont, ca
04 E55
I have owned two 5 series. Both e39 (01 530i/03 M5).
Neither suffered any rattle.
I have 2 W211 right now. Other than minor rattle from the rear of the E500 so far it has been okay.
I still don't buy the E-class plastic is better than E60. Because my base E500's plastic is really poor quality. I think E60's plastic is actually little better.
I had fewer mechanical and electrical problem on both E39 combined than one W211. As far as I can remember the problem on my E39 were as follows-
1. 01 MKIII navi would crash often and is very slow (CD-rom based).
2. O-ring issue on the M5.
That was it.
My W211 on the other hand has not been trouble free. Audio gateway has been replaced, alignment issues, airmatic failed, mysteriousy issue with battery drain, car would shutoff by itself after starting, rought shifting 7G transmission on the E500, and couple other minor issues.
Neither suffered any rattle.
I have 2 W211 right now. Other than minor rattle from the rear of the E500 so far it has been okay.
I still don't buy the E-class plastic is better than E60. Because my base E500's plastic is really poor quality. I think E60's plastic is actually little better.
I had fewer mechanical and electrical problem on both E39 combined than one W211. As far as I can remember the problem on my E39 were as follows-
1. 01 MKIII navi would crash often and is very slow (CD-rom based).
2. O-ring issue on the M5.
That was it.
My W211 on the other hand has not been trouble free. Audio gateway has been replaced, alignment issues, airmatic failed, mysteriousy issue with battery drain, car would shutoff by itself after starting, rought shifting 7G transmission on the E500, and couple other minor issues.
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From: Monroe, Louisiana
SL 65 AMG and E63s AMG
One of the reasons I keep buying MB rather than BMW is because of interior quality. I've had 5 E class vehicles, one of which has 90k miles and have not had a rattle yet. The leather is superior and holds up for years. The seats are more comfortable IMO and the warmth of the interior is a stark contrast to the cold machined interior of the BMW. I've had 3 BMWs so I have some first hand experience.
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Originally Posted by Vetluver
One of the reasons I keep buying MB rather than BMW is because of interior quality. I've had 5 E class vehicles, one of which has 90k miles and have not had a rattle yet. The leather is superior and holds up for years. The seats are more comfortable IMO and the warmth of the interior is a stark contrast to the cold machined interior of the BMW. I've had 3 BMWs so I have some first hand experience.
As far as the new BMW interiors are concerned, the piano black trim with a light vanilla interior is the best way to go, in my opinion.
Last edited by W210; Jun 30, 2005 at 03:12 AM.
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
I test drove a new 6 series which I was going to custom order for the wifey, and sadly it had just as many rattles, if not more than my 2003 Honda Accord. This right there was a big turnoff for me. BMW needs to get its act together as does Honda/Acura. My E55 and E350 along with my fathers S600 have been flawless in execution of interior materials and its precisions placement of materials. Things just felt real cheap in the BMW. I will say that the 2006 E350 I have has overall better fit and finish than the 2004 E55. Something about how things close and the feel of plastics and materials is different. Even when the door is closed on the E350 it closes with a solid thunk (very deep sound) when compared to the E55.
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Out Of Control!!
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It is random, I don't have any sqeaks but I do have a rattle from the speakers when I listen to bass-y music.
My door handles are peeling, you can tell because the silver is peeling off revealing a black underneth. It sucks and I need to get it fixed very soon.
Edit: I'm an idiot. I have a MY2004 BMW X5 4.4i
That information might be a little useful.
My door handles are peeling, you can tell because the silver is peeling off revealing a black underneth. It sucks and I need to get it fixed very soon.
Edit: I'm an idiot. I have a MY2004 BMW X5 4.4i
That information might be a little useful.
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M5
Originally Posted by krispykrme
...I had fewer mechanical and electrical problem on both E39 combined than one W211. As far as I can remember the problem on my E39 were as follows-
1. 01 MKIII navi would crash often and is very slow (CD-rom based).
2. O-ring issue on the M5.
That was it.
My W211 on the other hand has not been trouble free. Audio gateway has been replaced, alignment issues, airmatic failed, mysteriousy issue with battery drain, car would shutoff by itself after starting, rought shifting 7G transmission on the E500, and couple other minor issues.
1. 01 MKIII navi would crash often and is very slow (CD-rom based).
2. O-ring issue on the M5.
That was it.
My W211 on the other hand has not been trouble free. Audio gateway has been replaced, alignment issues, airmatic failed, mysteriousy issue with battery drain, car would shutoff by itself after starting, rought shifting 7G transmission on the E500, and couple other minor issues.
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From: Earth
W208 CLK320 & E39 M5
Originally Posted by a_ok2me
Worse is that dealers are not trained to fix electronic problems. They are CLUELESS.
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From: So Cal
2003 E55 Techtite over Blue Leather.
My 2003 E55 has it's share of rattles. If no one sits in the passenger seat while driving, the vibrations shake the headrest making a noise. Also the center vent mounted on top of the dash makes a noise now and then. The biggest culprit is the Pano roof. Whenever the car's body twists from going up a driveway approach, the roof creaks. Not the end of the world, but it would sure be nice to have a tighter car.
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M5
Originally Posted by Maestro
Must be your dealers, because mine are fantastic when it comes to familiarity with electric problems.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=55889
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 399
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From: Honolulu
Originally Posted by a_ok2me
I'm not sure about that. I've had experience from multiple dealers and have read other posters who feel frustrated with their dealer's knowledge resolving their electronic glitches. It seems like the electronics are built by vendors so BMW doesn't feel the need to train their techs on diagnosing the problems or fixing it. Instead, they simply replace the part if they physically see a problem with it. Here is someone's example of a clueless dealer. If my car wasn't warrantied, I would be frustrated with it, especially if I have to come back a million times and pay $$$ each time for a diagnostic that results in no repairs.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=55889
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=55889
I think both Mercedes and BMW have pretty much screwed any form of 3rd party service after the warranty period. They've most certainly implemented this system to keep you returning to your dealership for service. I wouldn't keep any of my modern Mercedes or BMW's past their warranty period. Can you imagine someone trying to fix an E65/66 7-series or the upcoming S-class?
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From: Monroe, Louisiana
SL 65 AMG and E63s AMG
Originally Posted by onesixeight
My BMW dealership is pretty good about diagnosing and fixing problems with my 7-series. Although there are some outstanding issues both my dealer and BMWNA have been unable to resolve. Filing a PUMA case on most issues seem to come back with answers and fixes.
I think both Mercedes and BMW have pretty much screwed any form of 3rd party service after the warranty period. They've most certainly implemented this system to keep you returning to your dealership for service. I wouldn't keep any of my modern Mercedes or BMW's past their warranty period. Can you imagine someone trying to fix an E65/66 7-series or the upcoming S-class?
I think both Mercedes and BMW have pretty much screwed any form of 3rd party service after the warranty period. They've most certainly implemented this system to keep you returning to your dealership for service. I wouldn't keep any of my modern Mercedes or BMW's past their warranty period. Can you imagine someone trying to fix an E65/66 7-series or the upcoming S-class?
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1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
My '01 E55 is indeed so far rattle free.... except the suspension that creaks every time the car enters a steep driveway (luckily not my driveway.... so no every-day creaking noise 
).
Pretty much, most, if not all, of my (ex) cars are rattle free, except my junk S70 T5:
- '04 Cayenne S (till now from new) - 99% rattle free (just the cargo liner that rattles)
- '03 E55 (3 months ownership - mfg buy back) - rattle free (not sure.... 50% of the time was at the shop)
- '02 540i (3 years ownership - totaled) - rattle free (no creaks, no squeaking, nothing)
- '02 C4S (1 year ownership) - rattle free (hard to believe for a Porsche - but true)
- '98 S70 T5 (3 years ownership) - 20% rattle free (almost everything rattles.... glove box cover, console cover, seats, vent outlets, door trims, suspension creaking, etc. etc. etc.)
- '96 Maxima (till now from new) - 90% rattle free (just one vent outlet on the dash and front passenger's back rattle during cold days)
Am I lucky?
Don't know....
I think it depends on how the car has been driven.... if it was always or almost always driven without care (e.g. speed on potholes or speed bumps or rough roads), I think the car's interior would soon rattle a lot.....
).Pretty much, most, if not all, of my (ex) cars are rattle free, except my junk S70 T5:
- '04 Cayenne S (till now from new) - 99% rattle free (just the cargo liner that rattles)
- '03 E55 (3 months ownership - mfg buy back) - rattle free (not sure.... 50% of the time was at the shop)
- '02 540i (3 years ownership - totaled) - rattle free (no creaks, no squeaking, nothing)
- '02 C4S (1 year ownership) - rattle free (hard to believe for a Porsche - but true)
- '98 S70 T5 (3 years ownership) - 20% rattle free (almost everything rattles.... glove box cover, console cover, seats, vent outlets, door trims, suspension creaking, etc. etc. etc.)
- '96 Maxima (till now from new) - 90% rattle free (just one vent outlet on the dash and front passenger's back rattle during cold days)
Am I lucky?
Don't know....I think it depends on how the car has been driven.... if it was always or almost always driven without care (e.g. speed on potholes or speed bumps or rough roads), I think the car's interior would soon rattle a lot.....
Last edited by zoink; Jul 2, 2005 at 05:38 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 399
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From: Honolulu
Originally Posted by zoink
My '01 E55 is indeed so far rattle free.... except the suspension that creaks every time the car enters a steep driveway (luckily not my driveway.... so no every-day creaking noise ).
Pretty much, most, if not all, of my (ex) cars are rattle free, except my junk S70 T5:
- '04 Cayenne S (till now from new) - 99% rattle free (just the cargo liner that rattles)
- '03 E55 (3 months ownership - mfg buy back) - rattle free (not sure.... 50% of the time was at the shop)
- '02 540i (3 years ownership - totaled) - rattle free (no creaks, no squeaking, nothing)
- '02 C4S (1 year ownership) - rattle free (hard to believe for a Porsche - but true)
- '98 S70 T5 (3 years ownership) - 20% rattle free (almost everything rattles.... glove box cover, console cover, seats, vent outlets, door trims, suspension creaking, etc. etc. etc.)
- '96 Maxima (till now from new) - 90% rattle free (just one vent outlet on the dash and front passenger's back rattle during cold days)
Am I lucky? Don't know....
I think it depends on how the car has been driven.... if it was always or almost always driven without care (e.g. speed on potholes or speed bumps or rough roads), I think the car's interior would soon rattle a lot.....
).Pretty much, most, if not all, of my (ex) cars are rattle free, except my junk S70 T5:
- '04 Cayenne S (till now from new) - 99% rattle free (just the cargo liner that rattles)
- '03 E55 (3 months ownership - mfg buy back) - rattle free (not sure.... 50% of the time was at the shop)
- '02 540i (3 years ownership - totaled) - rattle free (no creaks, no squeaking, nothing)
- '02 C4S (1 year ownership) - rattle free (hard to believe for a Porsche - but true)
- '98 S70 T5 (3 years ownership) - 20% rattle free (almost everything rattles.... glove box cover, console cover, seats, vent outlets, door trims, suspension creaking, etc. etc. etc.)
- '96 Maxima (till now from new) - 90% rattle free (just one vent outlet on the dash and front passenger's back rattle during cold days)
Am I lucky?
Don't know....I think it depends on how the car has been driven.... if it was always or almost always driven without care (e.g. speed on potholes or speed bumps or rough roads), I think the car's interior would soon rattle a lot.....
I agree...if you drive on billard-smooth roads everyday, it will be hard to bring out rattles and squeeks. But here in Hawaii where politicians claim poor road construction is in the name of safety to slow down cars, that is almost impossible for me to find smooth road here in Hawaii.
I think the two worst cars I've had with rattles and squeeks are my '98 ML 320 and my '02 Porsche 996TT. Cars of two sides of the price spectrum...goes to show, price doesn't factor into the build quality and lack or rattles and squeeks.
