On the 05/06 dash, yes, you need to remove the a-pillar trim (interior) to remove the top of the dash.

 

05 MCS Dash Rattle That's Really Loud


Post #122 of the above link lists Service bulletins that cover this problem. You guys should check that thread out. It shouldn't cost anything for the fix. Actually I'm having the dealer fix mine over the next couple weeks while other body work is being done. I hope it works.

 

a rattle in the dash board may be better than a rattle snake in your dash board

 

Well that stinks. Fortunately I didn't need to take it completely off. I was able to get a piece of foam under the vent by just lifting the drivers side up a bit. I'll go for a cruise tomorrow and see if it's fixed. The lip on the dash pad that goes under the A-piller trim did pop out, but I was able to coax it back into place by sliding my ID badge under the front of the trim & pulling back to flip it over the dash pad. It took quite a bit of pushing/pulling on the pad until I figured out what to do. After that it was a breeze.

Thanks Dave.

 

Yeah, I know they'll take care of it, but I don't plan on taking it in, unless I absolutely need to. My dealer is about 90 miles away.

 

 

Same here. That's why I put up with it for a few months.

 

My dash had an awful rattle and creaking noise when steering especially at low speeds.
Had the steering column replaced under warranty and that helped the creaking noise a bit, for the rest I just rolled up a duster cloth and wedged it along the gap between the windscreen and the dashboard. I put the cloth about 2 inches to the right of that circle thing whatever it is... But if you are left hand drive I guess it would be 2 inches to the left of that thing.

 

Good Call! I'll have to try that!
Thanks!

 

I had the same rattle I fixed it by putting a small amount of oil between the upper windsheild molding and the body.

 

The windshield guys fixed mine.

 

Hello all,
Has any one here experienced a loud sound while driving past 90 mph?
The sound is best described as putting a sheet of paper between your lips and blowing. The faster I go, the louder the sound. The sound seems to be coming from the front center dash area. Pressing on the windsheild or dash while the sound is present makes no change.
How do I even explain this to the dealer? They aren't going to exceed this kind of speed.

Thank you,
Jo

 

This darn dahboard rattle in my '04 S is driving me nuts; it happens when it's cold and it stops if I just press the dash lightly. I'm not sure I want to try to repair it myself, but the dealer quoted me $1,000.00 to fix it! How difficult and time consuming is this to DIY? Thanks. Robert

 

I never owned car with so many rattles! I just learned to put up with them when the Chicklet box is empty.

I had the exact same rattle. Very annoing! Only when it was cold though.

To tried to get rid of the rattle you describe, more like a loud clicking. I removed the dash board and glued some felt around all the mounts. It didn't help!

Actually there's a pin dead center in the car behind the windshield. It holds the superstructure to the frame. The only way to get to it is through the opening. You prolly need to wait until you replace the windshield in order to get to it. I taped a note to the dash so I wouldn't forget.

Now I'm working on the rattles in the moon roof and hatch. Any help on these would be appriciated.

 

hey, any chance you have any of those pics for ripping out the dash of an 06 cooper? i have some hidden rattles still, driving me crazy. 2 hours of no results removing dash! help! lol thx

 

found it. it was the auto AC sensor.

 

Make sure the rattle is actually inside your dash. I had an Ipass transponder mounted high up near the rear view mirror in a suction cup mounted bracket that occassionally rattled against the inside of windshield. However, the sound traveled down the windshield and seemed to me and others that it was originating inside my dash. I was convinced the rattle was inside the dash. I had an appointment to have the dash ripped out. However, by happenstance I was wiping the inside of my windshield, my cloth swiped against the side of the transponder, and I heard the rattle.