My car has developed a ticking from some where behind the front trim panel. It happens when you open any of the doors lasts for approx a minute then stops sounds like a relay try to latch. Once it’s stoppef you can get in and out as many times as you like without it reoccurring. However if you leave the car for about half an hour and go back to it open the door and it does it again. Any clues??

Mine started doing the same last month. It's the AC blend motor behind the trim panel next to your left leg (assuming in the drivers seat).

I got one second hand off ebay for a tenner. BMW part #6917943.9 (ECB515).

It's currently sitting on my desk in front of me, keep meaning to go out there and pop the panel off and swap it out (apparently it's easy accessible when the panel is off) 2004 Vogue TD6 - Remapped
2008 Porsche Cayenne S
1998 Lotus Elise

Many thanks will have a look

Just checked and you are spot on it’s sitting there ticking away. Easy to get to but can’t see how it is attached there is one screw at the bottom off to the right but can’t see what holds it in place at the top.

If you mean the trim, then yes remove that screw at the bottom, then grab the trim at the front and pull towards the driver's door 😀 it's just held on with plastic poppers. 2004 Vogue TD6 - Remapped
2008 Porsche Cayenne S
1998 Lotus Elise

No I meant the actual unit appears to only have one retaining screw but seems stuck at the top.Just had another look there is an inexcusable screw at the top behind the trunking why do they make things so difficult 😡

OK you've actually prompted me into replacing mine

So here's a quick how to:

Remove the torx screw for the centre console side panel (drivers side). Once removed, grab hold of the wood bit at the front of the panel and pull towards the drivers door. Panel is held on by poppers and will pop off:

Thanks for that I did consider that but thought it might bust something as I was sure there would be more holding it in place. I have ordered a replacement off eBay just waiting for it to be delivered and I will pop it in.
The ticking is annoying isn’t it.

Unnecessary quote removed

Popped mine out took cover off no damaged cogs put it back together now running smoothly was just stuck it seems. Have another on order so will change it when it arrives just in case.

Result. Yes the noise was driving me mad! 2004 Vogue TD6 - Remapped
2008 Porsche Cayenne S
1998 Lotus Elise

Good post, I have the same thing to fix.

Does anyone know if the various 515, 516 etc variants of the part are interchangeable ? Here is my one:

Click image to enlarge

Before you buy a new one have a look at the old one I prised the cover off and it was full of crap. I cleaned it with some wd40 gave it a good flush out then sprayed it with silicone oil. Been working fine ever since.
Obviously if any of the teeth are worn it will need replacing but mine was fine just stuck.

thanks - I will try that first...

I got around to doing this and as suggested I tried servicing the existing motor rather than just buying another. It's actually quite straightforward to do - the motor unclips (by pressing on the release, no unscrewing required). And then the motor itself can be carefully prised open - its in 3 parts, by taking off the back you can clear out any fluff etc and then apply some wd40. Once it was all free moving put it back in.

Hi, hi the same problem and just curious what function this motor performs. Rgds, J