Flapping/ Clicking sound coming from the dash after switching off engine

[lenixl]

I have just purchased a 2004 330 CI. Very proud of it, and in excellent condition, but I'm a bit concerned about a strange noise coming from the dash after switch off. It sounds like it is coming from the fans, inside the car as opposed to it being outside in the engine bay. The noise is best described as being a loud whiring with intermittent clicking/ flapping. Any ideas? think it's something to do with the air conditioning, but wouldn't have the first idea ho to get behind the dash to check? is it a big job?

Any ideas most appreciated.

Also- minor point, but there seems to be a squeak coming from the rear parcel shelf or seats- any common faults that could provide a quick fix?

[danewilson77]

May just be something caught up in the blower motor?

What does after "switch off" mean?

[kayger12]

With the car running, turn the blower fan completely off and see if you can reproduce the sound. Might just be a blower fan. Mine were always making noise in my 325.

[lenixl]

by "switching off" I just mean turning the ignition off at the key. Is the blower motor easy to get to? I suppose something small could have fallen down the windscreen blower vent and is catching on the fan?

[danewilson77]

It is located under your in cabin air filter housing.....

Look for the blue dot.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/DSC03010sz1200-1-1.jpg

[lenixl]

many thanks- i'll try stripping it down and re-assembling.

[danewilson77]

I bet it wouldn't hurt to change out that nasty in cabin filter either.....lol. This is one thing people overlook, and they wait for it to smell, before they change it. I recommend every 15k....or...every other oil change.

[MrMaico]

Here's a good thread I saved a while back about various rattles/squeaks and how to fix them.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=605933

Barry

[Oli77]

My 325 does the same thing OP.

I thought it was normal, like if there was a flap that slowly closed to prevent fresh air from coming in.

If, with the engine running, I turn the blower fan all the way down until the AC/heat unit shuts off, I hear the same noise.

[danewilson77]

My 325 does the same thing OP.

I thought it was normal, like if there was a flap that slowly closed to prevent fresh air from coming in.

If, with the engine running, I turn the blower fan all the way down until the AC/heat unit shuts off, I hear the same noise.

Probably the dampner system.

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[Oli77]

Do you concur that this is normal Dane?

OP, for the rattle in the back, here (http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429992) is a DIY for preventing the shelve vibrating/rattling. Needs removal of speakers if you have HK sound.

That might help you with the sound coming from the back.

[Darin Worthington]

Could just be that the GPS attenna came loose, it is located in the back shelf. You will have to take out the speaker to see as previously stated.

[danewilson77]

Do you concur that this is normal Dane?



It is hard to be positive if it's normal or not. I would like to hear a recording...

[Oli77]

I recorded a file but it is so low, far and subdued that it doesn't come out on the recording. Need better microphone I guess...

[Acyd]

I notice my dash makes noises after i shut the car off as well. I always assumed its the Air system shutting down. Vents closing, ect ect.

[Darin Worthington]

I notice my dash makes noises after i shut the car off as well. I always assumed its the Air system shutting down. Vents closing, ect ect.
Same here, I hear it in both cars, and has been doing it since new.

[billschusteriv]

I also have this "whirring" coming from the dash/vents after shutting off the car. As Dane said previously, I had just assumed it was dampers in the ventilation system. I'll keep an eye out for an explanation...