How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

[cgoh]

I have recently bough a 02 E46 Cab. While test driving with the dealer, there was loud noises coming from the canvass top when driving over humps. The dealer promised to fixed before I buy. He did solve the problem by sticking a strip of black felt tape around the back of the car (where the top meets the boot when the top is up). He claims that he spend $80 with a shop in Alexandra who specialised in cabriolet to do this.

I was satisfied with the solution then and have been driving it for 2 weeks. This morning, I discovered that noise is coming back again (although not as bad a my previous encounter - not as loud).

To all the bro, who are driving a cabriolet, do you have the similar problem? What can I do to solve it? Thanks.

 

[kenntona]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

I have recently bough a 02 E46 Cab. While test driving with the dealer, there was loud noises coming from the canvass top when driving over humps. The dealer promised to fixed before I buy. He did solve the problem by sticking a strip of black felt tape around the back of the car (where the top meets the boot when the top is up). He claims that he spend $80 with a shop in Alexandra who specialised in cabriolet to do this.

I was satisfied with the solution then and have been driving it for 2 weeks. This morning, I discovered that noise is coming back again (although not as bad a my previous encounter - not as loud).

To all the bro, who are driving a cabriolet, do you have the similar problem? What can I do to solve it? Thanks.

Hi cgoh, all these creaking noises are inherent of a cabriolet. You could minimise the creaks by taping or "creaming" all the joints, including the windows and the canvas, or you could heavily ICED your ride......

Bear in mind if your chassis is stiffened - from struts and ARBs - the creaks will get worse......

 

[cgoh]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Kenntona,

Thanks for the reply. Er .... what do you mean by "heavily ICED your ride"?

 

[kenntona]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Kenntona, Thanks for the reply. Er .... what do you mean by "heavily ICED your ride"?

ICE = In-Car Entertainment system.

Your could use ICE to mask that creaking noises.......

 

[cgoh]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

For the benefit of all the cabrio drivers out there, I would share with you something that was taught to me by a E46 320 Ci Cab driver (car plate XXX88X) today which help t reduce the creak in my car.

I met this nice gentleman at Vicom Changi in the morning (I was getting my IU replaced whicle he was there to do his car inspection). Seeing that it is a chance for me to get to know another BMW Cab driver, I went across to him to chat. I then mentioned about the creaking in my car. He proceed to show and share with me that he uses a Silicon Lubricant on all the rubber joints (where the folded top meets). This is a silicon grease that looks like a clear gel and it will stay on for a long time. He then offer to pass me some to use if I would follow him to his office. Since I was in a rush to pick up my daughter from her music class, I only pick it up from him from his place this evening.

I have just applied this magic gel on my car and to my delight, the creaking are gone!

I feel that this information may be useful to those who like me are irritated by the creaking in our cab. Happy lubricating!

 

[Nuke]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Requires consistent maintenance(gel again in prob 2-3 weeks). Gunks up the tip of the window tops. So when you lower the windows, and raise them, sometimes it smears downwards on the glass. Then u whip out the cloth to wipe.

When you cannot take it anymore, get a coupe.

Part and parcel of cabrio ownership. Some can deal with it, some choose not to.

 

[Oilman]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Agree with Nuke. I haven't tried the gel myself but the boys at Spa4Cars mentioned there's a chance your windows will be messed up when you wind them back up.

Cabriolets do have their quirks, but they're special

 

[pg7170]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

my solution is simpiest.... open the freaking top n blast the music...

but as for now... i wont be singing in the rain... openly...

 

[SMYUEN]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

thats the beauty and extravagance of the soft top... with all its creaks and rattles...

its fun!

 

[cgoh]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Also got a very useful tip from a CSR at PML 2 weeks ago. He asked my to buy the Rubber Protector spray ($12.50) from PML and spray on all the rubber seals around the door. Worked like a charm. My ride has been very quite since. Of course, I have to do it once every month or two but it is acceptable by me. I am a very happy cab driver now!

 

[jawzsg]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Hi, when you do get unhappy... can pass the cabrio to me hor... I love soft top creaking noises.. kekkeke.. Merry X'mas Clement.

 

[cgoh]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Joseph, you wait long long!

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year!

 

[adrian26]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Squeals and creaks on mine are made even worse due to my 19" wheels. Especially now that Singapore roads seem to be bumpier (has anyone noticed that lately?). Sometimes I get damn annoyed but other times it doesn't bother me. Depends on my mood. So far, I seem to be able to live with it and think it's part and parcel of cabrio ownership ...

Maybe I'll try the rubber spray cgoh mentioned someday!

 

[cgoh]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

Squeals and creaks on mine are made even worse due to my 19" wheels. Especially now that Singapore roads seem to be bumpier (has anyone noticed that lately?). Sometimes I get damn annoyed but other times it doesn't bother me. Depends on my mood. So far, I seem to be able to live with it and think it's part and parcel of cabrio ownership ...

Maybe I'll try the rubber spray cgoh mentioned

Try it. You will notice the difference straight away.

 

[chris27]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

the only creaking sound i encountered is frm d windows...went down to pml..paid $88++ to adjust d windows...n quiet ride aft tat

 

[cgoh]

Re: How to get rid/reduce the noise coming from the canvass top of my Cab?

the only creaking sound i encountered is frm d windows...went down to pml..paid $88++ to adjust d windows...n quiet ride aft tat

Good for you. Anyway, I am very happy with my ride now. Does not seems to have much noise now. Either I have solved all the problems our I have gotten used to it :laughlik: