Does anyone have any tips for a rattling tailgate? I've eliminated all "normal" sources of vibration - thanks to the excellent instructions in the FAQ I opened it up to fix a sticking lock and a loose wiper motor. Everything nicely lubed and tight now, and the tailgate feels like it did when new - very good seal, and no visible play at all. But this rattling noise still persists.

Could it be a trim piece near the proximity of the back? I've checked as best I can, but perhaps someone more experienced might have more suggestions...

Thanks!

If it sounds like a tailgate, I might check the bumper stops, if this car has them. I had an old ('80) 245 that rattled until I adjusted the stops all the way out. They should sit along the ends of the tailgate, but again they may have redesigned the tailgate. Iv'e not even payed attention to my V90 to see whether these exist anymore.
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 98K

When you said tailgate, I take it to mean that of a stationwagon?
There is the possibility that the rattle may come from outside of the gate. Did you check the license plate? Are all four mounting nuts tightly screwed in?

I would suggest you go for a little spin: get a friend to drive (gently!), and you sit back in the cargo and try to locate/isolate the sounds.

I did this when I first got my wagon, and found I had lots of the usual rattle from the tailgate trim panel, plus some from the rear seats and cargo area side trim panels that were a bit loose. Tailgate got the FAQ-prescribed treatment... seat hardware got lubed... I used some sticky putty stuff (dum dum?) to settle down the side panels.

- Brian '93 945T

Have you checked the bins under the floor at the sides, or the spare tyre well for wheelbraces etc lying about. On my 740 estate I located one rattle to one of the number plate light holders which had fallen into the tailgate. The other rattle I have is the rear bumper mount on one side has rusted through, allowing the bumper to move up and down a bit. Haven't got round to fixing that one yet.
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'86 740 GLT 2.3 injection 7 seater estate, '89 740 SE 2.0 injection saloon, '87 BMW 316 carb Coupe