Sunroof Creaking

TechCTU · 01-02-2023, 09:11 AM

Anyone notice a creaking coming from the sunroof when temps have dropped.

I am hearing creaking noises that were not there in the summer.

Anyone else?

Paladin1 · 01-02-2023, 09:20 AM

Not mine, -15F...but not unusual for cold plastic parts to create noises in a car that weren't there in warmer temps. At a minimum, expansion and contraction can affect fit in close contact.

VirtualGuitars · 01-02-2023, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechCTU

Anyone notice a creaking coming from the sunroof when temps have dropped.

I am hearing creaking noises that were not there in the summer.

Anyone else?

Although I don’t have my iX yet, the sunroof on my M550 will occasionally make creaking sounds when I go down a steep driveway or any type of steep slope at slow speeds. I haven’t really paid attention to see if it’s weather-related or not. Just something I’ve noticed on occasion. Aside from the noise, I’ve never had any problems with leaking or anything like that.

JBG · 01-02-2023, 09:45 AM

Yes, I have noticed the same creaking. I haven't decided to take it in yet, but am relieved that I can indicate to the service advisor that I'm not the only one. Thanks for posting this.

VirtualGuitars · 01-02-2023, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBG

Yes, I have noticed the same creaking. I haven't decided to take it in yet, but am relieved that I can indicate to the service advisor that I'm not the only one. Thanks for posting this.

Are you guys hearing it under normal driving conditions, or when you’re backing out of the driveway at an angle, for example? I don’t think it’s too uncommon for the chassis to flex.

JBG · 01-02-2023, 10:08 AM

I experience this sound under normal driving conditions. Not dependent upon angles or speed.

TechCTU · 01-02-2023, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

Are you guys hearing it under normal driving conditions, or when you’re backing out of the driveway at an angle, for example? I don’t think it’s too uncommon for the chassis to flex.

Yes, just driving and hearing creaking. It has settled down somewhat but still happens. No leaking or anything, I figured it was all the glass weight and cold was causing some creaks but it keeps happening.

Plony · 01-02-2023, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechCTU

Yes, just driving and hearing creaking. It has settled down somewhat but still happens. No leaking or anything, I figured it was all the glass weight and cold was causing some creaks but it keeps happening.

I hear it too in cold weather. Not sure it's the roof, but it comes from the rear right side of the car. It almost always goes away after a few minutes of driving.

deutsch100 · 01-02-2023, 05:12 PM

Both our iX have this too, and we have only noticed it since our temps have been in the 30s-50s F (which is quite chilly for So. Cal). When the temps are in the 70s-100+, there is little to no creaking. Also, not sure if it is the glass roof, the surrounding area, rear side window surrounds, etc....

I think if the iX was ICE, the noise would be not noticeable really, but since the car is bank vault quiet, any little noise is easily heard.

Wanderer73 · 01-03-2023, 04:59 PM

Is it a minor annoyance, or can you hear it over music at a moderate level? I’ve always got music on in my X7 so tend not to notice little noises.

deutsch100 · 01-05-2023, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanderer73

Is it a minor annoyance, or can you hear it over music at a moderate level? I’ve always got music on in my X7 so tend not to notice little noises.

While the creak noise is not continuous, thankfully, we cannot hear it over music, even music at a volume level where one can still comfortably converse.

ricerboi · 01-05-2023, 02:30 PM

So that’s what I’ve been hearing and I’m at -1F right now in Canada. My service advisor in Los Angeles will laugh at me though since they won’t be able to reproduce it at 50F.

SpaceRock · 01-06-2023, 04:23 AM

Yes the sound is there on my latest ix3 as well. I wouldn’t call it a creak but a subtle rubber noise as the car goes over bumps or whatnot. It’s totally normal (unfortunately) and most cars I’ve had with a sunroof (Mercedes) had this annoyance in cold temperatures. Silicone rubber sprays can help reduce the noise completely on my ix3 but not sure how I’d apply the spray on the iX since it’s roof is solid.

VirtualGuitars · 01-06-2023, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceRock

Yes the sound is there on my latest ix3 as well. I wouldn’t call it a creak but a subtle rubber noise as the car goes over bumps or whatnot. It’s totally normal (unfortunately) and most cars I’ve had with a sunroof (Mercedes) had this annoyance in cold temperatures. Silicone rubber sprays can help reduce the noise completely on my ix3 but not sure how I’d apply the spray on the iX since it’s roof is solid.

It is normal, and I think it’s because the chassis is flexing. After all, it’s aluminum, not steel, and a big sheet of glass like that is a weak point on the structure.

deutsch100 · 01-06-2023, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

It is normal, and I think it’s because the chassis is flexing. After all, it’s aluminum, not steel, and a big sheet of glass like that is a weak point on the structure.

We can blame/thank f'ing Tesla for these giant glass roofs. iX, Taycan, I-Pace...

Our new B8 Alpina has the solid carbon fiber roof, and not only does it look amazing, but it is 100% quiet, no heat, strong, awesome....

I think the glass roofs are rubbish form over function.

I'm glad Porsche allows one to order a Taycan with a solid roof and in Europe, Jaguar allows customers to delete the glass roof as well.

Paladin1 · 01-08-2023, 10:21 AM

Sunroof is an option in Europe for the iX as well I believe. My suspicion is that any interior sound is unrelated to the sunroof (which is essentially a fixed part of the roof), but interior trim, door frame, dash, or any other "moveable" parts.

VirtualGuitars · 01-08-2023, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Sunroof is an option in Europe for the iX as well I believe. My suspicion is that any interior sound is unrelated to the sunroof (which is essentially a fixed part of the roof), but interior trim, door frame, dash, or any other "moveable" parts.

I believe it’s actually the sunroof. I only say that because the sunroof on my M550 would make a creaking sound on cold-weather days when I reversed out of my driveway at an extreme angle. It felt like the chassis was flexing a little bit and that’s where I would hear the creaking sound. There was never any leaks, and appears to be normal behavior.

Paladin1 · 01-08-2023, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

I believe it’s actually the sunroof. I only say that because the sunroof on my M550 would make a creaking sound on cold-weather days when I reversed out of my driveway at an extreme angle. It felt like the chassis was flexing a little bit and that’s where I would hear the creaking sound. There was never any leaks, and appears to be normal behavior.

Same on one of my X5s as well, but those were actually windows - not fixed to the roof but a frame (the moveable section, which is what creaked), subject to movement, leakage and misalignment - but designed that way. Any creaking or movement in an iX sunroof would indicate the seal is broken, or at least loose

VirtualGuitars · 01-08-2023, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Same on one of my X5s as well, but those were actually windows - not fixed to the roof but a frame (the moveable section, which is what creaked), subject to movement, leakage and misalignment - but designed that way. Any creaking or movement in an iX sunroof would indicate the seal is broken, or at least loose

You might be right. Either way, it appears to be the chassis flexing as glass will always be a weak point on the chassis itself. I only noticed it when going down something steep, or at a weird angle.

Mcar2008 · 01-11-2023, 09:26 AM

I heard creaking sound at rear right side, maybe roof or some plastic parts inside, only on local street, below 25 mph, not on freeway, anyone got it fixed?

BimmerCam23 · 01-19-2023, 01:49 PM

I've only owned the car when its cold out but I too have a creaking / ticking sound when I start driving and the car is cold. Seems to come from the right side, I guess sunroof. Also seems to go away after the car interior heats up.

deutsch100 · 01-19-2023, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerCam23

I've only owned the car when its cold out but I too have a creaking / ticking sound when I start driving and the car is cold. Seems to come from the right side, I guess sunroof. Also seems to go away after the car interior heats up.

It has been what I call "California cold"

Our mornings are around 35-37F, and I have this exact creak/tick when the car is cold for the first drive. Once the car is warmed up, it goes completely away.

There is comfort knowing many experience this, and no service action is needed

01-02-2023, 09:11 AM	#1
TechCTU Major 768 Rep 1,073 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW X5 M60i Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Northeast iTrader: (0)	Sunroof Creaking Anyone notice a creaking coming from the sunroof when temps have dropped. I am hearing creaking noises that were not there in the summer. Anyone else?
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01-02-2023, 09:20 AM	#2
Paladin1 Brigadier General 5556 Rep 4,504 Posts Drives: 2022 iX xDrive50, DGM Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 iX xDrive M60 [0.00] 2022 iX xDrive50 [10.00]	Not mine, -15F...but not unusual for cold plastic parts to create noises in a car that weren't there in warmer temps. At a minimum, expansion and contraction can affect fit in close contact.
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01-02-2023, 09:45 AM	#4
JBG Enlisted Member 24 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 2012X3 35i, 2018 X3 30i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Yes, I have noticed the same creaking. I haven't decided to take it in yet, but am relieved that I can indicate to the service advisor that I'm not the only one. Thanks for posting this. __________________ 2022 iX Aventurin. 2019 G05 40i M Sport 2018 X3 30i sold 2012 X3 35i M Sport sold 1988 745i Executive (gray market) sold 1979 528i sold. 1985 733i sold
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01-02-2023, 10:08 AM	#6
JBG Enlisted Member 24 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 2012X3 35i, 2018 X3 30i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I experience this sound under normal driving conditions. Not dependent upon angles or speed. __________________ 2022 iX Aventurin. 2019 G05 40i M Sport 2018 X3 30i sold 2012 X3 35i M Sport sold 1988 745i Executive (gray market) sold 1979 528i sold. 1985 733i sold
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01-02-2023, 05:12 PM	#9
deutsch100 Colonel 3945 Rep 2,393 Posts Drives: i7 60, XM, M3 Comp, 911 GTS Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Calabasas, CA iTrader: (0)	Both our iX have this too, and we have only noticed it since our temps have been in the 30s-50s F (which is quite chilly for So. Cal). When the temps are in the 70s-100+, there is little to no creaking. Also, not sure if it is the glass roof, the surrounding area, rear side window surrounds, etc.... I think if the iX was ICE, the noise would be not noticeable really, but since the car is bank vault quiet, any little noise is easily heard.
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01-03-2023, 04:59 PM	#10
Wanderer73 Major 674 Rep 1,021 Posts Drives: X7 M50i Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Is it a minor annoyance, or can you hear it over music at a moderate level? I’ve always got music on in my X7 so tend not to notice little noises.
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01-05-2023, 02:30 PM	#12
ricerboi Lieutenant 836 Rep 579 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i, G30 M550i, iX 50i Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW M550i [0.00] 2016 BMW X5 50i [0.00] 2022 BMW iX 50i [7.50]	So that’s what I’ve been hearing and I’m at -1F right now in Canada. My service advisor in Los Angeles will laugh at me though since they won’t be able to reproduce it at 50F.
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01-06-2023, 04:23 AM	#13
SpaceRock Private 132 Rep 93 Posts Drives: BMW iX3 Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Yes the sound is there on my latest ix3 as well. I wouldn’t call it a creak but a subtle rubber noise as the car goes over bumps or whatnot. It’s totally normal (unfortunately) and most cars I’ve had with a sunroof (Mercedes) had this annoyance in cold temperatures. Silicone rubber sprays can help reduce the noise completely on my ix3 but not sure how I’d apply the spray on the iX since it’s roof is solid.
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01-08-2023, 10:21 AM	#16
Paladin1 Brigadier General 5556 Rep 4,504 Posts Drives: 2022 iX xDrive50, DGM Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 iX xDrive M60 [0.00] 2022 iX xDrive50 [10.00]	Sunroof is an option in Europe for the iX as well I believe. My suspicion is that any interior sound is unrelated to the sunroof (which is essentially a fixed part of the roof), but interior trim, door frame, dash, or any other "moveable" parts.
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01-11-2023, 09:26 AM	#20
Mcar2008 Private First Class 30 Rep 181 Posts Drives: F12 M6, G30 540i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: BAY AREA, CA iTrader: (3)	I heard creaking sound at rear right side, maybe roof or some plastic parts inside, only on local street, below 25 mph, not on freeway, anyone got it fixed?
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01-19-2023, 01:49 PM	#21
BimmerCam23 New Member 8 Rep 15 Posts Drives: BMW iX m50 Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Northern Illinois iTrader: (0)	Got on my 2023 iX I've only owned the car when its cold out but I too have a creaking / ticking sound when I start driving and the car is cold. Seems to come from the right side, I guess sunroof. Also seems to go away after the car interior heats up.
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