Clicking noise from the air ducts behind the dash

[fritchy]

Just bought a 98' 328i with 74,500 miles, and I must say i'm in love. It is so awesome. It is in very good condition and I most certainly will keep it that way. It is the car I always wanted. I just always loved the E36 style. I think it looks so much better than the new rounded style.

The only thing that concerns me is a weird noise that I hear when I turn the car off. I sometimes hear a clicking noise in the air ducts, behind the dash. It gives about 8 clicks that each descend in its volume. Does anyone know what that could be? thanks.

Also, does anyone know a good BMW mechanic in Tampa, FL besides the dealership?

 

[Big Daddy]

Sounds like a vent motor. I had this happen with my e30. Does pressing the re-circulate (freah air) button change anything?

 

[newguy]

I was told once that the clicking noise you described was the vents "adjusting" to allow the outside and inside air to "balance". If the heat/cool system is turned off it doesn't happen...no biggie really. Its just kinda spooky to hear it the first few times...

 

[Chesty Bonds]

I was told once that the clicking noise you described was the vents "adjusting" to allow the outside and inside air to "balance". If the heat/cool system is turned off it doesn't happen...no biggie really. Its just kinda spooky to hear it the first few times...

yeah this is what my old man told me once too. He used to engineer cooling-towers so I'm not going to argue with him about air-conditioners.

 

[mjbst111]

thats normal. Put your ear up to the controls after its done clicking and you'll hear humming too! yay!

I thought it was strange when i bought my car but as long as it doesn't kill my battery i don't care.

 

[fritchy]

Thanks everyone. I feel better now. I had a feeling it was nothing serious.

 

[Joe_31]

There might be another explanation for that. I had a problem with my climate control unit for a while, it kept shutting off and on. I started hitting it on the side of the middle console thinking that would fix it... it didn't but what happened was in the climate control unit there is a little fan that spins to draw air over the temp sensor. When I hit it the fan was spinning off center. I took the unit out to fix the problem of shutting off and had to pull the fan off and center it back then re-install the unit.