Annoyed by the noise of your indicator 'tick'? An easy cure...

Phil325i · 12-17-2013, 08:41 AM

One thing that really annoyed me was the most un-BMW like noise from the indicator tick. The over-loud, cheap-sounding 'tick tack, tick tack' was almost embarrassing.

I investigated whether the volume could be programmed down (no) and found that the sound is generated by a physical speaker in the instrument cluster, rather then the more usual relay.

Anyway, I've devised an easy cure.

1) Remove the two torx screws at the top of the cluster:

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2) Gently pull the cluster away from the dash. No need to disconnect the wiring, as there is all the free play you'll need.

3) Identify the holes which allow the speaker sound out the back of the cluster (top right in the pic below) and the vent slots in the top (right) of the cluster.

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4) Cut a suitable piece of tape that is good for sound insulation - I used this:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/evo-stik-f...FSYHwwodvjcAIQ

and stick over the holes and vent slots.

5) Re-assemble the cluster and enjoy the nicely muted indicator tick.

xenon · 12-17-2013, 08:48 AM

Well there's a cure for a problem I never knew I had.

Jase 320d · 12-17-2013, 09:07 AM

Im going to try and listen for this problem

Can't say i've noticed

Phil325i · 12-17-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jase 320d

Can't say i've noticed

It may be the noise varies between models. I recently drove a new 1-series, and the ticking noise was much quieter than mine...

sylonien · 12-17-2013, 10:11 AM

Had 3 E92s and never bothered me

ukbeemerboy · 12-17-2013, 10:37 AM

Never bothered me or noticed the ticking to be too loud.

I'd be more worried out the cluster over heating through blocking up the vent holes with tape to be honest because they aren't cheap to replace.

bishbosh · 12-18-2013, 03:32 AM

Indicator tick has never bothered me. In fact it's a handy reminder that I've left the indicator on at those junctions where the indicator doesn't always switch off by itself.

I don't want to be like those buses that have their indicators flashing for the next 10 miles or so!

Frobius · 12-18-2013, 04:06 AM

You've probably muted all your bongs too now as afaik it's the same speaker. Hence if you take your seat belt off whole driving then indicate, you don't get the tick - just the bong.

hey joe · 12-18-2013, 04:18 AM

Even easier cure ... don't indicate !!!

Icekube · 12-18-2013, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hey joe

Even easier cure ... don't indicate !!!

spoken like a true Bavarian pilot!

CapnCook · 12-18-2013, 12:05 PM

My 2009 E91 indicator sounds the same as the last 4 BMWs I've owned..

Sounds fine to me

bungleaio · 12-18-2013, 02:36 PM

I like the tick but good tip to change it.

Also the bongs come through the radio speakers as they get a lot louder when you do the alpine upgrade.

doughboy · 12-18-2013, 03:29 PM

OP, are you sure the sound comes from a speaker there?

The indicator click speaker in my 335i was in the kick panel above the pedals, under the steering column.

When I removed that panel as part of the work to hide my OBD port I had to unplug the speaker to get the trim panel out.

I forgot to plug it back in when I refitted it and I only noticed when I next indicated only to get no sound, I thought the indicators were broken.

Very strange with no click!

Phil325i · 12-18-2013, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doughboy

OP, are you sure the sound comes from a speaker there?

The indicator click speaker in my 335i was in the kick panel above the pedals, under the steering column.

When I removed that panel to do the OBD port hiding trick I had to unplug the speaker to get the panel out.

I forgot to plug it back in when I refitted it and I only noticed when I next indicated only to get no sound, I thought the indicators were broken.

Very strange with no click!

Thanks - but in my 325i it's deffo coming from the rear of the instrument cluster.

ed330D · 12-19-2013, 08:33 AM

The last thing I would want is to not realise the indicator is still on because I can't hear it above the radio etc. Asking for a T-bone at a junction.

Ok, there's a visual warning as well, but I'm more likkely to hear a warning than see one.

So thumbs up for a loud tick.

///Mposter · 12-19-2013, 10:05 AM

I think the only time the blinker sound is annoying is when on a phone call. My wife always says... "Oh you are driving and turning" .

Edit: on Bluetooth connection thru the car

rakumarji · 02-15-2021, 03:39 AM

Hello, in my BMW E90, 325i 2006, there is no Turn Signal Blinker noise, no chime sound, or does not have any sound any more. no emergency light clicking noise and no turn signal clicking noise? I bought is used one. Do you think old owner may have done this (as you described)? to make it silent? What I may need to do to bring it back the clicking noise? Pls suggest. All signals works fine but no sound at all. Thanks in advance.

therealdb1 · 02-15-2021, 06:27 AM

Funnily enough I always believed that indicators had to have an audible warning and that is why manufacturers persevered with ticky relays for so long rather than using much more efficient and probably cheaper FET's for the switching.
Reading up on the MOT requirement, provided that you have some warning that the indicators are working, like a flashing light on the dashboard, for example, then that is all that is needed so if you want to kill the sound you can.
Personally, I've never found the sound intrusive but in a BMW rear view mirrors and indicators are superfluous anyway!

12-17-2013, 08:41 AM	#1
Phil325i Brigadier General 616 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Annoyed by the noise of your indicator 'tick'? An easy cure... One thing that really annoyed me was the most un-BMW like noise from the indicator tick. The over-loud, cheap-sounding 'tick tack, tick tack' was almost embarrassing. I investigated whether the volume could be programmed down (no) and found that the sound is generated by a physical speaker in the instrument cluster, rather then the more usual relay. Anyway, I've devised an easy cure. 1) Remove the two torx screws at the top of the cluster: 2) Gently pull the cluster away from the dash. No need to disconnect the wiring, as there is all the free play you'll need. 3) Identify the holes which allow the speaker sound out the back of the cluster (top right in the pic below) and the vent slots in the top (right) of the cluster. 4) Cut a suitable piece of tape that is good for sound insulation - I used this: http://www.screwfix.com/p/evo-stik-f...FSYHwwodvjcAIQ and stick over the holes and vent slots. 5) Re-assemble the cluster and enjoy the nicely muted indicator tick. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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12-17-2013, 08:48 AM	#2
xenon Major General 1397 Rep 8,083 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	Well there's a cure for a problem I never knew I had. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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12-17-2013, 09:07 AM	#3
Jase 320d Wheelbarrow Edition 60 Rep 1,608 Posts Drives: Arctic 320d Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dumfries and Galloway iTrader: (1)	Im going to try and listen for this problem Can't say i've noticed
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12-17-2013, 10:11 AM	#5
sylonien Major 114 Rep 1,326 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Had 3 E92s and never bothered me __________________ Please consider checking out my YouTube Channel for car and tech videos.
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12-17-2013, 10:37 AM	#6
ukbeemerboy Beemer Heaven 462 Rep 2,941 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Competition Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Somerset UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW F82 M4 Comp [0.00] 2017 BMW F30 330d M ... [0.00] 2014 BMW F30 330d M ... [0.00] 2009 BMW E90 330d M ... [0.00] 2006 BMW E90 330d M ... [0.00] 2002 BMW E46 325i S ... [0.00]	Never bothered me or noticed the ticking to be too loud. I'd be more worried out the cluster over heating through blocking up the vent holes with tape to be honest because they aren't cheap to replace. __________________ Scott 2018 BMW M4 Competition 2019 Mini Countryman Cooper S : 2008 Mini Cooper
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12-18-2013, 03:32 AM	#7
bishbosh Lieutenant Colonel 840 Rep 1,993 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sheffield iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 BMW 335d [0.00]	Indicator tick has never bothered me. In fact it's a handy reminder that I've left the indicator on at those junctions where the indicator doesn't always switch off by itself. I don't want to be like those buses that have their indicators flashing for the next 10 miles or so!
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12-18-2013, 04:06 AM	#8
Frobius Major 40 Rep 1,021 Posts Drives: F11 530d M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Huntingdon, UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 E91 330d M-Sport [0.00]	You've probably muted all your bongs too now as afaik it's the same speaker. Hence if you take your seat belt off whole driving then indicate, you don't get the tick - just the bong.
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12-18-2013, 04:18 AM	#9
hey joe Private First Class 5 Rep 100 Posts Drives: e92 330d Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: hants iTrader: (0)	Even easier cure ... don't indicate !!!
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12-18-2013, 12:05 PM	#11
CapnCook Gibbon 26 Rep 192 Posts Drives: E91 LCI 320d Touring Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Wolverhampton, UK iTrader: (1)	My 2009 E91 indicator sounds the same as the last 4 BMWs I've owned.. Sounds fine to me __________________ Past Cars: Mini Cooper 1.6 / VX220 2.2 / Z4 3.0i / E46 320CD / E53 X5 3.0D
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12-18-2013, 02:36 PM	#12
bungleaio Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 295 Posts Drives: Pug 208 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Leicester UK iTrader: (0)	I like the tick but good tip to change it. Also the bongs come through the radio speakers as they get a lot louder when you do the alpine upgrade.
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12-18-2013, 03:29 PM	#13
doughboy Major General 1545 Rep 8,970 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Comp 6MT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	OP, are you sure the sound comes from a speaker there? The indicator click speaker in my 335i was in the kick panel above the pedals, under the steering column. When I removed that panel as part of the work to hide my OBD port I had to unplug the speaker to get the trim panel out. I forgot to plug it back in when I refitted it and I only noticed when I next indicated only to get no sound, I thought the indicators were broken. Very strange with no click!
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12-19-2013, 08:33 AM	#15
ed330D Private First Class 18 Rep 189 Posts Drives: E92 330D Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: SW France iTrader: (0)	The last thing I would want is to not realise the indicator is still on because I can't hear it above the radio etc. Asking for a T-bone at a junction. Ok, there's a visual warning as well, but I'm more likkely to hear a warning than see one. So thumbs up for a loud tick.
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12-19-2013, 10:05 AM	#16
///Mposter Macgyver 208 Rep 942 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Greensboring iTrader: (0)	I think the only time the blinker sound is annoying is when on a phone call. My wife always says... "Oh you are driving and turning" . Edit: on Bluetooth connection thru the car __________________ GTX3076R , ADV, JB4, FMIC, BOV, 17"APEX, 255/40/17 SQ, 6-SPD Manual
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02-15-2021, 03:39 AM	#17
rakumarji Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW 325i 2006 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: California iTrader: (0)	BMW E90 Turn Signal no Blinker noise Hello, in my BMW E90, 325i 2006, there is no Turn Signal Blinker noise, no chime sound, or does not have any sound any more. no emergency light clicking noise and no turn signal clicking noise? I bought is used one. Do you think old owner may have done this (as you described)? to make it silent? What I may need to do to bring it back the clicking noise? Pls suggest. All signals works fine but no sound at all. Thanks in advance.
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02-15-2021, 06:27 AM	#18
therealdb1 Lieutenant 106 Rep 576 Posts Drives: Graphite E93 335i Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Norfolk UK iTrader: (0)	Funnily enough I always believed that indicators had to have an audible warning and that is why manufacturers persevered with ticky relays for so long rather than using much more efficient and probably cheaper FET's for the switching. Reading up on the MOT requirement, provided that you have some warning that the indicators are working, like a flashing light on the dashboard, for example, then that is all that is needed so if you want to kill the sound you can. Personally, I've never found the sound intrusive but in a BMW rear view mirrors and indicators are superfluous anyway!
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