F31 Heater noises

capefire38 · 03-10-2020, 09:51 AM

My series 3 F31 has developed a 'clicking noise' on start up from behind the climate control panel. It stops - until you change the heat setting and then starts clicking again. Does anybody know what is causing this? Thanks for any assistance.

Tony Twoclicks · 03-10-2020, 07:42 PM

I have the same on my F30 and I too would like to find out what this is!

I think it may be coming from the servos controlling the valves. It almost seems like maybe the valves are sticky while the servo keeps on pushing against resistance, causing the clicking or rattling sound. Adjusting the heat triggers the clicking noise for me, as well as changing the airflow (to window, air vents, or foot well). The clicking lasts only a few seconds while the valves are adjusted. I hear it only during the winter, mostly behind the centre console, on either the left or right side depending on the heater's settings (mine is 2-zone). Sometimes I also hear it behind the steering wheel somewhere, close to the wind shield.

Anyone knows what causes this and how to fix it?

James90 · 03-15-2020, 08:07 AM

Mine has also done this before (F30) when my car was not in daily use. Now it's in daily use I've not heard it for ages.
It will be one of the actuators (there are several)
Not very expensive but would require a bit of disassembly to get at them

capefire38 · 03-16-2020, 09:57 AM

Thanks for the info, James. Its so annoying !!

MetzgerMeister · 03-20-2020, 12:16 PM

Have this on my F30. I thought it was going to be a leaf stuck in the blower motor but after removing, cleaning and lubing it, the noise is still there (there was no leaf). When sitting in the driver's seat it sounds like it's coming through the vents. The noise stops when the blower is turned off.

James - any more info on these actuators and possibly a DIY for replacing them?

03-10-2020, 09:51 AM	#1
capefire38 New Member 6 Rep 16 Posts Drives: BMW F31 Touring 3 series Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Liverpool UK iTrader: (0)	F31 Heater noises My series 3 F31 has developed a 'clicking noise' on start up from behind the climate control panel. It stops - until you change the heat setting and then starts clicking again. Does anybody know what is causing this? Thanks for any assistance.
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03-10-2020, 07:42 PM	#2
Tony Twoclicks Second Lieutenant 124 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2012 F30 320i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	I have the same on my F30 and I too would like to find out what this is! I think it may be coming from the servos controlling the valves. It almost seems like maybe the valves are sticky while the servo keeps on pushing against resistance, causing the clicking or rattling sound. Adjusting the heat triggers the clicking noise for me, as well as changing the airflow (to window, air vents, or foot well). The clicking lasts only a few seconds while the valves are adjusted. I hear it only during the winter, mostly behind the centre console, on either the left or right side depending on the heater's settings (mine is 2-zone). Sometimes I also hear it behind the steering wheel somewhere, close to the wind shield. Anyone knows what causes this and how to fix it?
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03-15-2020, 08:07 AM	#3
James90 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW F30 320d Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Midlands iTrader: (0)	Mine has also done this before (F30) when my car was not in daily use. Now it's in daily use I've not heard it for ages. It will be one of the actuators (there are several) Not very expensive but would require a bit of disassembly to get at them
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03-16-2020, 09:57 AM	#4
capefire38 New Member 6 Rep 16 Posts Drives: BMW F31 Touring 3 series Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Liverpool UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info, James. Its so annoying !!
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03-20-2020, 12:16 PM	#5
MetzgerMeister Private First Class 16 Rep 112 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Have this on my F30. I thought it was going to be a leaf stuck in the blower motor but after removing, cleaning and lubing it, the noise is still there (there was no leaf). When sitting in the driver's seat it sounds like it's coming through the vents. The noise stops when the blower is turned off. James - any more info on these actuators and possibly a DIY for replacing them?
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