05 MCS Dash Rattle That's Really Loud
 

So my Aug build 05 MCS (3800 miles) has always had a little chorus of random buzzes, squeaks, and rattles that drown out easily with the stereo and clime control on. I figured it was no big deal, for my dealer (Schomp in Denver) always fixed them OK. And thery're always worse when the temp is below 37 degrees. But what happened the other night has really put a damper on my motoring experience.

After sitting idle in a garage for a week-and-a half (gone for a work trip) I took my MCS out on the interstate. After a few miles at 60-70mph on concrete surface, I started to get this clakety-clakety popping noise that seemingly came from the entire dash that sounded like bubble wrap being twisted and popped (or remember when we used to stick playing cards in our bike spokes?) it was SO loud NOTHING could drown it out: radio, CC, rolling down windows, nothing (outside temp: 35 degrees.) Truly the most obnoxious noise my otherwise perfect MCS have ever made. :sad:

However, I was able to stop the noise by pressing in on the dash right above the speedo, or pressing down on the dash on the center airvent. Then as the temps warmed up I only heard the same sound when going over hard bumps or expansion joints.

Anyway, I took it to Schomp yesterday (60 degrees outside) and explained what was going on, and they told me I was the first 05 coming in with this problem. They made it sound like it was similar to problems 02s-04s had, but when we tried to reproduce the sound, of course it wouldn't appear, just a crackling sound when pressure was placed on the dash on either side. :roll:

So they suggested I leave it overnight when I get back from my next work trip on the 14th, and they would drive it when cold out and see if they can reproduce. They even blocked time the next day for repairs, and seem willing to go in and try to eradicate this noise that only likes to appear when cold. They even offered a loaner for me while they try to diagnose and fix.

Me? I'm just frustrated that I spend $25,000 on a car and the dash rattles, supposedly taken care of with the new 3 peice design, are still evident (and actually worse) that the 04 models. I've driven at least 8 2004 demos in cold weather with more miles on the clock and never noticed any rattlin, certainly not as LOUD and OBNOXIOUS as this particular one on my 05. Although Schomp seems more than accomodating, in and out of the shop for warranty work is NOT how I envisioned owning this car. :mad:

Anyone else out there experience this specfic problem, or am I alone in the woods? Thanks for the rant, Jimbo

Ya, I've got the same problem although not as amplified as yours. It's almost a crackling noise - your bubble wrap would be it if the bubbles were very small and very numerous. If I just touch the top of the speedo trim it stops, so I took some electical tape a rolled it into a small cylinder and pushed it between the speedo trim and the upper dash. It worked, but only if it was not shoved in too hard. A temporary fix for sure but better than nothing. Please post the results from your dealer, and good luck!

Yea I have got that too. This is the one thing I do hate about these cars, they have to much expandable plastic parts.:mad:

And today all's well
 

Glad someone responded, thanks:thumbsup:

..and today, a near flawless day of spirited motoring, a real delight, no "popcorn" rattle to speak of (granted it was 60 degrees and sunny out)
:sly: :smile: :sly:

I really needed this day. It's hard when the bubble finally bursts. Jimbo

Do you have the chrome line trim? I noticed at the height of the madness the other evening it seemed like everything was crackling. I carry my micro cassette recorder now if it ever happens again. I hope my dealer doesn't think I'm high....

Or maybe I need to 1. get a job in a warm year-round clime or 2. Just not drive the MCS when it gets below 40. :roll: Jimbo

I have a '05 MCSC and I have the same problem, but again not as amplified ...yet... The dealer ordered a part and is supposed to fix it Wednesday. I'll let you know if it helps.

I do have the Chromeline trim Jimbo. I'm not sure the outside temp makes a difference tho. I had the problem at 8 below and 50 above and in any case the inside temp is roughly 70. Good luck on the taping. Mine is definately heard above the radio etc and yours is apparently worse so should work.:thumbsup:

That "...yet..." sounds ominous, I'll keep my fingers crossed it doesn't get worse!:wink:

I have the exact same rattle. I'll probably wai til my 10,000 checkup to do anything about it, though.

Same problems with my one. It got worse after my last (4th) trip to the dealer to fix things.

By all means!! If there's a "part" get the number and post, I have to advise my SA-- being in the Great American Wilderness we get things kinda late out hare...

And mine started out not so amplified. Glad others are reporting problems, hope we can get this solved. Jimbo

sequence, yours and mine were built very close to one another and I have the same problem in similar climes here in SLC, UT. The bubble wrap sound describes it perfectly. I had described it as something like two ballons rubbing against each other. Nice to know I am have company in this, as I can't stand rattles, and was looking forward to the dealer giving me the cold shoulder on this. Please post details, those who have had it fixed!

We have the same problem - '05 January build with interior chrome :sad:

I've got the same dash buzzing & the chrome interior. Also an annoying driver's side rattle. I've determined it's the window so yesterday I stuffed one of my business cards folded several times between the window & the rubber molding. The rattle is gone. Can't put the window down but no rattle:roll: I guess it's a trip to the dealer:sad:

Lois:grin:

Wow!! Look at everyone with rattle problems!!

I have an 04', and the only time I had rattle problems was once, it sounded like little pieces of sand hitting my windshield, but it was definitely rattle. Went away as soon as I pressed the dash, and never been back since, lol.

Bubble Wrap Dash Rattle Syndrome (BWDRS)
 

Wow, this seems more widespread than I thought! And all 05s as well, HBs and Cabs. There has to be a connection, what with the new dash design (we are technically in build year one of the new dash here):sad:

Anyone else out there? Has anyone called MINIUSA to vent? If not, we all should all plan a barrage of NICE, yet CONCERNED calls to them here over the next week or so and let them know this is happening to the new dashes....

Any takers? jimbo

LFSL: Could also be something in the driver's side B-pillar. I had rattles coming from that side and Schomp fixed it nicely. Man these cars have crappy interior plastics! Jimbo

I came across this website today, but I'm not sure how much relevance it has with the new '05 dash. I might just have to check it out when the weather gets nicer.

http://mini.uglydoris.com/archives/000030.html#

.

Thanks for the post, but this info is dated-- the 05 dash is a completely different animal. most repairs to the dash in 02-04 models are now done thru removal of the windshield and from that side, rather than removing the dash vis a vis the "ugly Doris" method Jimbo

:eek:

Nice black car.

thanks for the link. That's exactly where my rattle is coming from!

Just for the record, I don't have chrome interior, so I don't think it has anything to do with that option.

I don't think it's the chrome either
 

I think it has something to do with the way the new 3-piece dash's top section (that's one piece now) is fastened to the other 2 dash pieces, because it seems to be happening to hatchs and cabrios alike.

Until some dealer identifies and rectifies the crackling situation, however, we may be left in the dark--perhaps this needs to be a widespread problem to effect a fix. jimbo

Is there a DIY somewhere for removing the new dash?

Have the same problem here on my 08/05 build. REALLY pronounced and annoying in the colder weather here in Chicago, however my dash seems to rattle more towards the forward section of the dash(towards the windshield).

I will be calling the dealership today or tomorrow to setup an appointment to get this fixed as it is bugging the heck out of me.:mad:

My car also seems to have an annoying rattle from the righ rear of the car near the passenger's seatbelt. I am relatively certain the seatbelt is not causing the problem, however need to take a better look at it to make sure.

Plastic + Super stiff suspension = Rattles (thats my theory anyway).

Peter