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Author Topic: That annoying centre dash rattle..  (Read 7396 times)

Offline slix

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That annoying centre dash rattle..
« on: September 23, 2016, 12:09:17 am »
I know most people get it, but how do you stop the damn things creaking and annoying the hell out if you? Especially on the motorway. :confused:

It's the bit above the middle air vents if anyone isn't sure what I'm on about.
Stage "1.5" ED30 [330BHP] Rtech


Offline 99hagued

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2016, 12:52:08 am »
Mine used to do the same thing mate bought a new one from the dealers think it was about £30-£40 fixed the problem

Offline flashp

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2016, 06:29:53 am »
Mine used to do the same thing mate bought a new one from the dealers think it was about £30-£40 fixed the problem
This is what I did, best £40'ish I ever spent!  :signLOL:

Gone but not forgotten :-)

Offline slix

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2016, 08:09:19 am »
I've lost count of the amount of times I've smacked it in a rage lol. Might see if I can take it off and take it apart if anyone thinks that may be a good idea?
Stage "1.5" ED30 [330BHP] Rtech


Offline lukemk5gti

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2016, 08:25:07 am »
I took mine apart to fit something onto the head unit and when I put it back together I found a missing screw.

Happened to have a spare T20 torx so I replaced it and the rattling stopped.

It's very common for a previous owner to remove the head unit and not replace all the clips and screws causing it to rattle.

I would start there.

Side note - they are a rattly car but anything loud enough to actually annoy you is not normal!

Offline pudding

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2016, 10:23:32 am »
Which bits do you need to replace?  Up for shifting the rattle too!


2007 ED30 | 2009 TDI 140 | 2016 BMW 330D

Offline Paulo P

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2016, 10:42:43 am »
interesting, I didn't know it was common, I thought that it was just my car and that someone had changed the headunit and not put it back together properly. I've got to investigate mine too.

Offline lukemk5gti

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2016, 11:10:14 am »
Which bits do you need to replace?  Up for shifting the rattle too!

Take the fascia off first of all and then take off the top vents.

It's only T20 and T25 torx holding it in place.

Use a plastic trim removal tool to take the fascia off.

5mins work to do both.

Put it all back together one piece at a time and check every single clip goes in tight and tighten every single screw really well.

Mine doens't creak anymore!

If you have a cracked clip on the other hand then you'll need to replace that section.

Offline Andy

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2016, 12:53:56 pm »
I stripped mine apart and put a piece back in a bit at a time till i found the rattle which was the top vent

Offline shail

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #9 on: September 23, 2016, 01:27:47 pm »
The last owner of my car took it to VW. I have an invoice - 'Investigated and fixed dash top vent rattle'.

When I fitted my headunit last year, the 'fix' was a bead of some sort of black low-tack soft silicone-type stuff applied to various areas.  Works well.

Offline absolute

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2016, 01:33:12 pm »
I don't get, or hear, a rattle on mine. I have a vent on top of the dash on mine.

Perhaps you could fit a top compartment? Useful things to have aswell. Part no # 1K0857921D

Edition 30 #1994 now sold. *cries*

Offline pudding

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #11 on: September 23, 2016, 02:27:23 pm »
When you guys say top vent, do you mean the bit that looks like a speaker grille?

Which bits do you need to replace?  Up for shifting the rattle too!

Take the fascia off first of all and then take off the top vents.

It's only T20 and T25 torx holding it in place.

Use a plastic trim removal tool to take the fascia off.

5mins work to do both.

Put it all back together one piece at a time and check every single clip goes in tight and tighten every single screw really well.

Mine doens't creak anymore!

If you have a cracked clip on the other hand then you'll need to replace that section.

Cheers for this!

I kind of did that already when I fitted an RNS 510 and I noticed the top bit is cheap nasty flimsy plastic that creaks when you press on it.  Previous owner had fecked around with all that as well and some clips were missing off the front panel.  I replaced that panel but the area still creaks / rattles.  I'll have to go in there with some butyl tape then I reckon and just stop the things from rubbing / moving.  I think the weight of the RNS510 doesn't help either!


2007 ED30 | 2009 TDI 140 | 2016 BMW 330D

Offline slix

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #12 on: September 23, 2016, 03:15:41 pm »
Yes it looks like a speaker grille.

And I popped one of the back small rectangle covers off and there was a thing with 2 led type looking things on. What is this?
Stage "1.5" ED30 [330BHP] Rtech


Offline andy7ven

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Re: That annoying centre dash rattle..
« Reply #13 on: September 23, 2016, 06:24:15 pm »
That's a light sensor I think...

Follow this guide to take it apart...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea8nos5SbLw

When I fitted the Kenwood DNX525DAB I found the climatic controls to be loose as well... Tightened the screws up, put anti rattle tape everywhere I could, still rattles occasionally but not as bad as it used to be...