Interior - Creaking Noise From The A-Pillar
SI B51 13 12Body Equipment
April 2012
Technical Service
SUBJECT
Creaking Noise from the A-Pillar
MODEL
F10 (5 Series)
Produced from December 31, 2009 to February 9, 2012
SITUATION
A creaking noise may be heard from the instrument panel by the A-pillars, specifically when the car is in motion.
CAUSE
The retainers that secure the acoustic insulation are rubbing against the wiring harness, or the instrument panel securing screws are loose or missing.
PROCEDURE
1. Confirm the noise is coming from the instrument panel by pushing the panel down where it meets the bottom of the A-pillar trim. If you can duplicate the noise at the A-pillar, use Repair Instructions 51 43 201 to remove both A-pillar trim panels; then use Repair Instructions 51 45 030; and remove the complete instrument panel.
2. With the instrument panel removed, turn the instrument panel upside down, and place on a clean surface. Locate the two plastic retaining pins for the acoustic insulation, as shown by the yellow arrow. This close-up is of the passenger side plastic retaining pin, as viewed from the side of the instrument panel.
3. This close-up is of the underside of the instrument panel, near the passenger side A-pillar. Using a pair of pliers, snap off the plastic retaining pins from both the left and right sides of the instrument panel.
4. On some vehicles, the 2 upper mounting screws used to secure the instrument panel may be loose or missing.
5. If the screws are missing, replace the two screws with P/N 07 14 9 240 740.
Re-install the removed parts in the reverse order of their removal. Quality check the effectiveness of the repair by pushing down on the instrument panel, as described in the first step.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION