I have had my 04' is3 for 4 months and just the past week i've been hearing a rattling in the roof when i drive unless the road is perfect or i am driving slow. I tapped the roof on both sides and it rattled...so its not like there is a screw loose its jus like the panel is...has anyone ever come across this?

 

I take it you have a sunroof. Look carefully inside the tracks and see if there is any particles or debris that could be keeping it from shutting completely and forming a good seal. Even if it works properly, a sunroof will take out a little of the roof's structural integrity........not as much as on a T-Top or full convertible.......so rattles and creaks will develop sooner than on a standard hardtop.

Other things that could cause an overhead rattling would be: loose bulbs inside the map lights, the roof-mounted radio antenna or antenna cable not securely attached, or a loose inside trim piece on the upper part of the A-pillar.

Good luck.

 

Yeah i have a sunroof and actually as of late i have had it open...i might just bring it to the dealer if it keeps going...cuz i dont think it is anything that fell in it might be something that i couldnt help. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

You aren't alone. My 5 month old 2004 IS w/12,700 miles does the same thing...but only when it's colder. A quick fix would be to lubricate/condition the rubber gasket around the moonroof glass. Another thing is to keep the painted metal where the gasket meets waxed & cleaned so the surface is smooth. Try to use a non petroleum distillate or alcohol free conditioner for the rubber gasket.

 

oh yeah i forgot to mention that the rattling wasnt near the moonroof though....i was around where the handles are above the rear door...on and the rattling only comes from the rear driver side...so i dun think it is the moonroof giving the problems