[325_bucks]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this or if it should be moved.

On the search for fixing all the rattles, I took apart the top of the dash where the speakers are under the grille. I dropped a screw into one of the air vents next to the speaker (not the vents right by the windscreen).

Does anyone have any idea how I can get to this? I’ve tried magnet on a string but that gets as far as the diverted flaps in there.

Any insight would be welcome? I’m thinking I might have to take the whole dash out to fix the last rattle so i guess I could get it that way, but I’m the meantime I’d like to try and get it out!

Photo attached

[pbonsalb]

Just guesses.

Research how the vent cover come out and remove it to open up your passage.

Pull the drivers or passenger footwell covers to look for the ducting from below. Separate ducting and try to magnet it out.

Remove glovebox to look for ducting from the side. Then same as above.

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Just guesses.

Research how the vent cover come out and remove it to open up your passage.

Pull the drivers or passenger footwell covers to look for the ducting from below. Separate ducting and try to magnet it out.

Remove glovebox to look for ducting from the side. Then same as above.

The vents have been apart from the top open, there's on so far you can go without removing the dash. I haven't tried from the bottom but worth a shot I guess.

[pbonsalb]

Another idea would be a vacuum. A strong one with reducer fittings rigged up to a hose that would fit down the hole with the grill removed.

One concern that came to mind is the screw has now fallen past a flapper door when the door opened to flow air but the door is closed with the car off so you can’t get to the screw from above. Just a thought.

[nerdogray]

Might be able to find a variation of one of these types of tools, small enough to fit through the fits and flexible/rigid enough to work past the difficult areas to get to the screw.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...ool/617293_0_0

Edit: This looks better closer to what I had in mind.

https://www.amazon.com/Performance-T.../dp/B07GVTWJHG

[325_bucks]

Oh yes that's a good idea, I'll have a look for one of those in the UK, thanks

[pbonsalb]

Useful tool — I like the flexibility and the small head. Magnet on a wire or string might also work.

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Useful tool — I like the flexibility and the small head. Magnet on a wire or string might also work.

I tried that with a magnet on a fishing wire but firstly the magnet got stuck on the flaps and took ages to get free, and secondly the wire didn't have the solidity needed to push it around bends. I have bought some curtain wire which is flexible but thin, plus some magnets so I plan to make something that might work. Thanks for the idea though

[MNoob]

I'm going with the silver lining on this one: it's an air vent and not the intake.

[pbonsalb]

In the past, I have occasionally cut an access hole to get onto an enclosed area to avoid having to remove a lot of stuff. You could cut a hole in the duct if you find it under the dash or behind the glovebox but significant things would have to be removed to disconnect a section. You close up the hole with a patch of some kind. I have even done this on a transmission bell housing.

When I changed the ventilation filters a few weeks ago under the passenger footwell “roof,” I did not explore how far you might be able to reach with a tool. If that screw is rattling it could be on the other side of the fan blades.

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

In the past, I have occasionally cut an access hole to get onto an enclosed area to avoid having to remove a lot of stuff. You could cut a hole in the duct if you find it under the dash or behind the glovebox but significant things would have to be removed to disconnect a section. You close up the hole with a patch of some kind. I have even done this on a transmission bell housing.

When I changed the ventilation filters a few weeks ago under the passenger footwell “roof,” I did not explore how far you might be able to reach with a tool. If that screw is rattling it could be on the other side of the fan blades.

Well I don't mind digging around as I have to try and fix that last rattle that seems to be coming from the passenger airbag area, so could need a whole dash removal anyway!

[pbonsalb]

Automotive stethoscope can help locate the source of a noise. Maybe take out glove box and passenger footwell cover and start probing. If you hear only when driving you might have to remove the passenger seat so you can sit or lay on the floor and probe/listen while someone else drives. Fun. I have pulled dashes before though not on this car and it’s a big enough job usually that it wound be a last resort.

[325_bucks]

I can’t find the guide for the glovebox removal, I’d seen it somewhere but I can’t find it now. Any ideas?

[pbonsalb]

There is a post with some pictures at the end of this thread. If that is all it is, it does not seem complicated. https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1852786

[325_bucks]

Yes that looks like it thanks! I’ve just got the ambient air system to work around but otherwise that should be all there is. Thanks for that