Rattle in dash under acceleration

[m3f_nialscorva]

I'm looking at a nearly perfect condition 99 M3 coupe. The only flaw I've found in it is that there's a rattle in the dash that seems to be resonating with the engine noise. I was curious if this was a common thing, or if anyone knew about common things to look at. I'm taking it to a mechanic to inspect before closing on it, but any thing the community might know would be appreciated.



Thanks in advance.

[m3f_AMPowerJ_e8f979e5cd]

I wouldn't worry about a little rattle. If the mod bug bites you and you starting installing things like an exhaust, intake, etc. you will not hear it anymore anyway. :thumbsup:

[m3f_MitchSF]

This can be difficult.



Does it have an aftermarket radio? Sometimes the wires aren't secured very well.



Take both passenger and driver under dash panels off, and go for a drive with a friend. Have him listen while you drive. When he puts his head under the driver side of the car, make sure you're somplace where nobody knows you!



Mitch

[m3f_nialscorva]

It does have an aftermarket stereo. The seller let me borrow it tonight, and I'm taking it to the mechanic tomorrow for the pre-purchase inspection hopefully to be followed shortly by the finalization of the sale. I drove 30 miles on interstate and it didn't make the sound. The loose stereo wires sounds like a good bet. They probably shifted into a more stable position.



I'm hoping to avoid the mod bug as much as I can, but considering that I already have a short throw shifter and an alarm/keyless entry kit in my shopping cart at bavauto.com ready to fly as soon as I get the car, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to hold out.



Thanks for the replies, I'm finding these forums to be a good read.

[m3f_Predator_7d824d33ea]

Just make sure its not a lose screw. Last time i had a rattling that drove me nuts for one week solid, turns out its a screw lose under the steering wheel, just where your knees are.

[m3f_AMPowerJ_e8f979e5cd]

Glad it wasn't a loose screw behind the wheel! :drive2:

[m3f_nialscorva]

More in the saga.



Pre-perchase inspection turns up leaky rack and pinion or steering hose, valve cover gaskets, cylinder head gaskets, and water pump, plus a cracked flex coupling on the drive shaft. This is a 99 with just less than 57k on it. Mechanic said it sounds like someone autocrossed it a lot without taking care of the engine.



I'm thinking that I'm going to pass on this one and try to find something else in the area.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Sorry to hear the inspection didn't turn out that well. Good thing you got it checked out though.

[m3f_frmcol]

I also have a 1999 m3, with 50k, that makes a faint rattleing noise while accelerating at high rpms. Are there any other signs that I may want to look for? Is it worth spending the cash to get the car inspected?