Passenger seat "clicking" noise

[kbz80]

I've been experiencing increased frequency of a clicking noise under, or near, the passenger seat in my 2002 Z8. Never seems to do it for the service shop, but happens during driving with increased frequency. Sounds electrical, as if a motor for adjustment is being clicked on for less than a second. I sometimes am able to stop it by moving the seat forward or backward a bit, but it always returns. My O2 sensor on the catalytic converter failed and were replaced, and the clicking started afterwards, though there may be no causal association.

Any suggestions on whether this is seat motor related, airbag sensor related, or something else around the passenger seat area are appreciated.
Thanks!

[Silverfox02]

Boy I haven't experienced anything like that in my 2002 Z8. There is a principle from one of my favorite mystery writers, Aaron Elkins, "Interconnected Monkey Business." The principle applies when there doesn't seem to be any obvious explanation but a lot of clues. Would seem that the last clue the sensors would be the place to begin.

[Kuyu]

i sometimes experience the same noise, i think. sounds like the passenger seat moving back and forth or similar, no idea what it is... since it only occurs sometimes i don't really bother...

[Z8Mark]

I had a clicking noise coming from somewhere around the passenger seat, though it didn't sound electical in nature, and it too would come and go. Turned out to be the seat back slowly coming unglued, which is a common problem on our cars as you know. After re-gluing the sound went away. Hope this helps.

[Kuyu]

Mark, do you know anything more specific about it? since my z8 is in for service right now i could let that be checked as well. or is it that common that it is enough to just tell bmw about the "seat-issue"? thanks

[Z8Mark]

The plastic shell on the back of the seats is held at the top by two large plastic clips. These clips were epoxied onto the plastic shell. Over time (I replaced/repaired the drivers side in year two) the epoxey fails and the clips slowly come unglued. In my case, as the seperation increased, the plastic shell began to bang back and forth against the seat, causing a clicking/cracking noise. The problem is easily identified by looking at the top of the plastic shell to see if it is no longer in contact with the seat back.