Clicking / Knocking sound from behind dashboard

[Kwj]

Hello Everyone,

I’m having a constant knocking / clicking sound coming from behind my dashboard and wanted your thoughts on what might be happening.

I recently had an incident where I had my windshield tinted but the process completely destroyed the leather on the dashboard (no one know why or how..) but the tiny guy took ownership of the problem and completely replaced the top of the dashboard. I think that he may have not connected something properly, or didn’t have the correct fit during the process?

I’m attaching the links below for your reference:

Engine on: https://youtu.be/InPjLwM4y6Q

Engine off: https://youtu.be/MD_fSDbQHCE

The clicking continues when I turn off the engine for a minute or two, but then there’s a continuous, quieter noise for a few seconds then it stops. It almost sounds like there’s a small motor the moves the vent in the back that’s stuck on something. If that’s the case, I’m wondering if it’s possible to turn it off (via BimmerCode or something?). I spoke to my mechanic, and he said to really find out, he’d have to completely take off the dashboard, which all of you know is not an easy (nor cheap) task..

[Kwj]

So I listened a little more closely and I think it may be coming from the vent/airflow system? I’ve also noticed that with each “click,” the A/C airflow dips down a little bit

There’s a quieter/softer intermittent whirring noise if you listen closely, in addition to the clicking noise.

https://youtu.be/SbeQUpl2bJ4

[tomppa]

I heard the same noise in my car...but only once, last week. I felt it in the steering wheel, maybe even stronger on steering column.
I also thought about airflow flaps...