Hamsters in the Dash

[Beemdog]

So if I open the door of the M3 when it is parked, and sit in it for a bit, there is an intermittent sound behind the instrument panel that reminds me of small rodents running around inside the dash. Now, I know that it has done this since I bought the car, so I'm pretty sure Mickey hasn't taken up residence in the dashboard area, but I am curious if this is normal and what creates the sound. From an engineer's point-of-view, it could be the sound of a bunch of small electrical relays toggling states, but I don't know why they would be doing that with the car off (maybe an alarm function?)!

[anom3]

Next time grab a stop watch and note the time you open the door, close the door, and when the ticking starts.

If its roughly a round number (30 / 60 / 120 / 240 / etc) its possible the car is just disabling battery sucking systems.

But my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong anyone) is that this is done inside the junction box, which is located behind (once again, correct me if I am wrong) the fuse panel.

Originally Posted by Beemdog

So if I open the door of the M3 when it is parked, and sit in it for a bit, there is an intermittent sound behind the instrument panel that reminds me of small rodents running around inside the dash. Now, I know that it has done this since I bought the car, so I'm pretty sure Mickey hasn't taken up residence in the dashboard area, but I am curious if this is normal and what creates the sound. From an engineer's point-of-view, it could be the sound of a bunch of small electrical relays toggling states, but I don't know why they would be doing that with the car off (maybe an alarm function?)!

[happos2]

Wait a second...I thought you had hamsters, but you elude to Mickey which is a mouse!! The diagnosis for a mouse and hamster are very different!!

For real though, I don't have much input but curious on what it could be!

[Amirsm3]

Mine makes this sound, too, like raccoons scurrying around in my attic.

[Jab555]

This is pretty funny, I always hear this and think the exact same thing. I don't know whats going on in there!

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by Jab555

This is pretty funny, I always hear this and think the exact same thing. I don't know whats going on in there!

Well, at least I'm not the only one hearing this "rodent activity".

But unlike that start-up clank noise thread, I am not going to spend thousands of dollars trying to investigate this-- sorry guys. I basically wanted to find out what the heck it is and whether I should mention it to the dealership service guy next time I'm there (last free warranty service coming up).

[Amirsm3]

I'm gonna mention mine before my warranty is up. If they find it, great. I'm not too worried about it since it's a consistent sound (doesn't worsen, happens every time during shut down). My assumption is it's normal.

[Dougeefresh]

Lol I have this too and thought of the same thing. I also assume it's normal since I get it regularly.

[Z K]

I have heard this before. It is the car turning on and off electrical systems.

I have a DVD-based navigation in my M3 and you'll hear the DVD disc spinning all the time even with the car off. After shut down, it will spin for a while and then turn off. If you sit there long enough with the key inside, the DVD will start back up again... Same when you unlock the door and get in, you can hear it spinning before you start the car.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

It's the car doing it's thing. When you turn the car off, the car starts turning off accessories, then it pressurizes the lines to make sure there aren't any holes or leaks. Take it to the dealer and let them check for any chewed wires or evidence of rodents.