2004 E46

[krimsonkane3]

So I have a few issues with my car that the dealership seems to be unable (or unwilling) to find. First off there's a rubbing sound like metal rubbing together when I first accelerate (coming from the front passenger side wheel area) or I'm at a constant speed on the highway. The noise is most noticeable when the car first starts or in cold weather. I did a test run with a certified bmw foreman in the car and just my luck...the noise wasn't present. As soon as I got on the highway to work...guess what?!!! That's right the noise came back. They've deal with this several times and now they're just BS'n me. Does anyone know what could be causing this?
Secondly I'm trying to find sun shades for the rear wind shield (manual or auto) to install for myself...does anyone know where in the US I can purchase these or point me towards a website?
Thirdly I'm uncertain if my car has bluetooth installed. The buttons are on the steering wheel and when I press the P/T button the radio displays "phonebook empty" Does that mean bluetooth is installed?

[Dirty_Tool]

noises are tuff to diagnose over the internet but id be checking the RF brake pads and rotor really closely.
No idea on the sun shades
From the factory bluetooth was not installed until 05 model years 9 or 10 of 04 and later on the e46 depending on which chassis. All cars come to the US with option code SA640 which is telephone preparation giving you the buttons on the steering wheels. To do a full bluetooth factory retrofit costs roughly 1K at the dealer.

[jayton]

As far as the vibration noise is concerned, you have to try to troubleshoot the area with the problem so you can be more specific when explaining to your dealer's service department. It sounds like a wheel bearing from what you describe, but there would also be a significant difference in the noise when going around turns, which you did not mention. It could be something to do with the AWD system.

For the rear sunshade, go to RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog to find out the part numbers you need. Enter the last seven of your VIN to be sure you get the right parts, as their are many different versions. The Rear roller sunshade will be under the category "Vehicle Trim" and under subcategory "Sun Visor/Mirror"

All the part numbers that you need to order will be right there. You can either order from an online parts store such as getBMWparts.com. I have used them 3 times and I was very satisfied with their service for all three orders.

Otherwise, you could take those part numbers and call the parts departments at your local dealers to get the prices. I found that local dealer prices are sometimes way over list price, and if you mention to them that you know the list price from RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog, they will usually give it to you for that price. The online parts stores are always going to be much cheaper.

You can also find the Bluetooth retrofit part numbers on the RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog website.

Good luck!