[TwnTrboCAT1212]

This annoying intermittent clicking sound (about every 10 seconds or so) seems to be coming from the upper right rear seat area, but Only when I'm using climate control functions (not dependent on the usage of hot or cold air or different fan speeds). Another thing is that it only does this for about the first 10 minutes or even less after starting the car (usually in the mornings on the way to work or after sitting for an extended period of time/overnight). While the sound isnt particularly loud, it sounds very similar to the windsheild wiper relay that im sure we've all heard come from the glove box area when it rains, only slightly louder. I'm thinking it has something to do with the air conditioning of the rear area around where the rear defroster is but I'm not positive. If anyone has experienced this or has any idea as to what it may be, I'd appreciate some feedback. I'm sure its not an issue worth dwelling over but it doesn't seem like it should be happening. Ahhh the perks of having OCD and becoming comfortable with a new car. Thanks,
~ Chris ~

[ede92]

I have the same issue and since I live closeby to you our outside air temps are the same.

[JZinNM]

I have the exact same noise. It sounds like a little piece of plastic is loose on the ledge beneath the rear window. I only hear it on my way home after the car has been out in the cold all day. I also didn't hear it until the weather got cold, so maybe it has something to do with the heater???

[ede92]

Yes it only happens on a cold start typically.

I hate going to the dealer for these things unless I can pinpoint it. Or better yet fix it without going!

It sounded like a clicking relay to me as well.

[matts335]

I have the same issue. I believe it is the air re-circulation kicking in. Makes a noise while recirculating, stops when it's not. If you have that auto-recirc button pressed (which is the default when using auto climate control), it will turn off and on. Try turning off that button while it's making the noise to see if it stops. I believe i confirmed that with mine, but it may have just been a coincidence(sp?).
Of course, why does the air recirc make that annoying noise? that's another question.

[ede92]

I'll try that in the AM.

[ede92]

Turning off the heating system this morning definitely stops the clicking sound. And I was underway.

So it is not from going over bumps for sure and is related to cold start use of the heating system for sure - in any mode from what I can tell.

[daixloxbmw]

ditto, i have the same exact clicking noise. i have found that it is NOT dependent on road speed or road smoothness either. my initial thought was that his clicking noise was related to my speed or how bumpy the road was. however, i have had this clicking noise even when my car was at a dead stop at a traffic light.

it is sooooo frustrating!!!

someone please find the culprit so i can shove my foot in it's @ss!

[SUperfunkMF]

+1

[mpaulits]

I have the same issue. Is there any update on a resolution?

[branabolic]

i hear it too. i thought it had something to do with the rubber seals around the windows, obviously not if it does it when stopped. it sure is annoying, guess i'll just turn up the stereo.

[ctgazer]

aha, same here...but it goes away after about 10 mins...

[ede92]

Made a call to the local BMW Service Center but no luck on them ever hearing about this before - big surprise there Only way to pursue having them find it IMO is to leave it with them overnight so they can cold start in the morning. Pain in the butt with loaner car and all...

[mpaulits]

Based on comments from this forum, I tried a few things on the way home last night. Turning the AC on and off had no impact on the noise. However, the sound disappeared when I switched from the auto recirc setting to the manual recirc setting. It reappeared when I went to the no recirc setting. This should at least help the BMW dealer identify the issue.

[Higgs1]

Do you have a wedding ring stuck in your vents?

[arefog]

I had the exact same sound - after reading a few other threads I determined it was most likely the plastic vent at the base of the rear window. Just last week my dealer put in a new vent, using foam tape as an extra precaution, and Voila, no more noise! Some folks have reported success using the old vent with the addition of foam tape. The problem seems to be different expansion rates between the glass, the plastic, and the metal mounting points. When the air flowing out the vent is noticeably warmer or colder than the outside air the clicking is much more likely to occur. The vent part # is: 51-46-7-139-342 and it was done under warranty.

Edit........I have an E90 so the part # won't work for the OP.

Dick Fogg

[ede92]

Originally Posted by arefog

I had the exact same sound - after reading a few other threads I determined it was most likely the plastic vent at the base of the rear window. Just last week my dealer put in a new vent, using foam tape as an extra precaution, and Voila, no more noise! Some folks have reported success using the old vent with the addition of foam tape. The problem seems to be different expansion rates between the glass, the plastic, and the metal mounting points. When the air flowing out the vent is noticeably warmer or colder than the outside air the clicking is much more likely to occur. The vent part # is: 51-46-7-139-342 and it was done under warranty.

Edit........I have an E90 so the part # won't work for the OP.

Dick Fogg

Excellent info Dick. I will see what kind of home remedy I can come up with to avoid the dealer trip. But at least you eliminated leaving the car overnight if I do end up going.