E46 rattle noise

[TannersE46]

I have had this annoying rattle under my car for months and I've posted before and still have not found the issue. The rattle starts when I'm in reverse, and drive at an idle, but once I press the accelerator, it goes away. Until I come to a stop, it returns. It also is aggregated by the A/C, in idle. But it's not a random rattle, it's a constant rattle. It is under the drivers side towards the wheels. It's not the suspension, or inside the engine. I can't pinpoint it. Also when the car is off and I close the door, you can hear that rattle. Almost like its jiggling around? Anyone else had this issue or know of any ideas? *NOT A FAN HITTING, HEAT SHIELDS, BREAKS, OR SUSPENSION* thanks!

[Aokenomon]

I have the same problem, I've let the car idle and looked around and could not find anything, you right once you step onthe gas it goes away. I have to update my signature currently I drive a e46 330ci

[328ISNoMasPowa]

A loose pulley?

[pmachan]

I have the same rattle, 01 330i. Its a low rpm vibration, I can't find it.

[goodycar]

just a guest but have your center support bearing checked its in the middle of the drive shaft as you drive you can hear it an it gets louder when slowing down

[esberelias]

just a guest but have your center support bearing checked its in the middle of the drive shaft as you drive you can hear it an it gets louder when slowing down

THIS.

That was the case for me on my e30....

[chet31]

I had a rattle that drove me nuts for a couple of months, turned out to be the rear shock mounts. Noticed it more going over bumps, but if they were loose enough, they could rattle at idle, and they definitely rattled when the car was off and I slammed the door.

[legoman67]

automatic or manual?

throwout bearings like to rattle when they start to go bad in the manuals

[TannersE46]

So update from my problem! I was feeling around when the noise was present and when i put pressure on one of the supports, (looks like a big /\ on the bottom), it stopped, it was a loose bolt... Wtf. Ive been looking for this noise for a year..

[blabbleblah]

Hey there, I'm sorry to bump an old thread, but I'm experiencing the same issue. Which support are you talking about? along the sides of the car? My mechanic is having me replace my engine and transmission mounts, but i just can't imagine this type of noise come from bad mounts. I mean, it must be some super fast spinning to cause such a high-pitched rapid rattle/screech. It only comes on when in drive or reverse at low speeds. foot on the accelerator and it goes away, just like you described. lol.. Any advice would be tremendously helpful. Please provide clarity on what you mean by "pressure on one of the supports, (looks like a big /\ on the bottom), it stopped, it was a loose bolt."

[easymoney]

Hey there, I'm sorry to bump an old thread, but I'm experiencing the same issue. Which support are you talking about? along the sides of the car? My mechanic is having me replace my engine and transmission mounts, but i just can't imagine this type of noise come from bad mounts. I mean, it must be some super fast spinning to cause such a high-pitched rapid rattle/screech. It only comes on when in drive or reverse at low speeds. foot on the accelerator and it goes away, just like you described. lol.. Any advice would be tremendously helpful. Please provide clarity on what you mean by "pressure on one of the supports, (looks like a big /\ on the bottom), it stopped, it was a loose bolt."

At idle, place your hands on the wheel. If you can feel a strong vibration chances are it's the motor mounts. I mean excessive than normal vibration. If it's a rattle during a take off (normal or spirited) under the center console and it goes away when the speed increases it's the center support bearing.

[Gold Beemer]

Hey there, I'm sorry to bump an old thread, but I'm experiencing the same issue. Which support are you talking about? along the sides of the car? My mechanic is having me replace my engine and transmission mounts, but i just can't imagine this type of noise come from bad mounts. I mean, it must be some super fast spinning to cause such a high-pitched rapid rattle/screech. It only comes on when in drive or reverse at low speeds. foot on the accelerator and it goes away, just like you described. lol.. Any advice would be tremendously helpful. Please provide clarity on what you mean by "pressure on one of the supports, (looks like a big /\ on the bottom), it stopped, it was a loose bolt."

I had the same metal sound for years ..but here s my fix Try taking your alternator belt off ...and spin by hand your top and bottom Tension pullys ..if u hear a squeal or it doesnt spin freely replace.....also u have a 3rd tension pulley on right side bottom for AC....But try top ones at alternator first...I just changed both... cause when one go bad....The other is right behind it, and 2 stones is less labor then doing it twice GL