Creaky Center Armrest

[jclaib7]

Yes you know what i'm talking about.

I'm assuming that they all creak like an antique rocking chair. Mine sure does.

It's not a huge deal but is there any way to lubricate or tighten the knuckle and make it creak less?

[Harlequin]

I cannot count the number of times this has been covered off...

[tranism]

It's a design flaw - and one BMW no longer uses in any of its vehicles. Easy fix is to just put a strip of thin foam tape or something that provides a cushy rest point for the arm rest when in the down position. This takes the pressure off of the joints which overtime get creaky. I wouldn't recommend lubrication unless it's safe to use on plastics.

[cheshirecat79]

Little pads on the bottom or silicone lube. Go to google and type site:1addcits.com and follow that up with "squeaky armrest". you'll get a lot of feedback.

[jclaib7]

Originally Posted by tranism

It's a design flaw - and one BMW no longer uses in any of its vehicles. Easy fix is to just put a strip of thin foam tape or something that provides a cushy rest point for the arm rest when in the down position. This takes the pressure off of the joints which overtime get creaky. I wouldn't recommend lubrication unless it's safe to use on plastics.

Since when? This vehicle went through production end of August 2013.

Thanks all. I'll try the foam pad thing.

[Chunner]

put a rag or microfiber cloth inside the armrest. fold the cloth till you have resistance closing the arm rest.

[tranism]

Originally Posted by jclaib7

Since when? This vehicle went through production end of August 2013.

Thanks all. I'll try the foam pad thing.

I just mean the center armrest was always poorly designed. If you bring it to the dealer, they'll replace it, it'll sound fine for a few weeks before the creaks start back up again.

[jclaib7]

I used strategically placed neoprene padding and silicon spray and the creaks have largely gone away.

[rking117]

i had mine replaced and not more creeeeeeek.

[Sylon]

Originally Posted by Chunner

put a rag or microfiber cloth inside the armrest. fold the cloth till you have resistance closing the arm rest.

I'm gonna have to try this one. I always keep a microfiber towel in the car.

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by Sylon

I'm gonna have to try this one. I always keep a microfiber towel in the car.

It really depends on where the noise is occurring- if it's in the hinge assembly, this won't solve it, but it may fix it if the noises are coming from the armrest assembly itself.

BMW needs to do better when it comes to their plastic on plastic contacts.

[rking117]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

...BMW needs to do better when it comes to their plastic on plastic contacts.

Yeah like not having plastic at all.

[jclaib7]

The silicone spray around the knuckles and neoprene/foam pads technique really has worked I must say. Unfortunately now, without the creaking, I can hear all of the other little annoying rattles in the car!