That noise inside the dashboard after shutdown

[Jay 535i]

I know that it's kind of a running joke around here that all newbies ask what that noise is, but I can't find the answer. You know the one I mean. What is it?

[632 Regal]

its the heater ac doors closing. scares small children.

[Jay 535i]

its the heater ac doors closing. .

Why? Every other car seems to do fine without the mysterious whirrings.

[632 Regal]

the noises are a good thing, its when you dont hear them you start worrying.

Why? Every other car seems to do fine without the mysterious whirrings.

[pundit]

I know that it's kind of a running joke around here that all newbies ask what that noise is, but I can't find the answer. You know the one I mean. What is it?

1. Climate control stepper motors
2. Heater valve solenoids
3. ADV - windshield wiper pressure control motor (The noisiest of them all!)

Dashboard noises

[Jay 535i]

Thanks for all that.

Funny that my 1986 Toyota Celica also has motorised vents -- and they're barely audible. Dunno why BMW couldn't manage that...

[Alexlind123]

I think the dual zone climate control on the e34 is a lot more sophisticated than your toyota celica, more motors, etc... The celica might also not shut everything when you turn the car off, just a guess but the e34 might shut everything to hold heat/cool in longer and keep smells out. When i first got the car, i was sort of worried and very puzzled at what the strange noise might be, i thought it was the speakers at first.

[Paul in NZ]

as pundit said the wiper control is the really noisy one,in behind the dash by the drivers wiper????> i think most cars just shut down and leave all the steppers etc in the same place,not close everything up

[Nick.Hay]

I love freaking passangers out when you switch the car off, and a bit later it starts doing its own thing!!

[Jay 535i]

I love freaking passangers out when you switch the car off, and a bit later it starts doing its own thing!!

Yes, I've been telling them they're being weighed for ejection.