Hissing noise from 2008 550i

One month ago, I bought a 2008 550i. Last few days, I have been noticing a clearly audible hissing sound coming from a small opening near the passenger footwell. Not exactly the air vent, but a small opening where the right big toe of the passenger would be pointing to if he is sitting with his legs straight... yeah somewhere around that.

I poked around and took a couple of pictures. In one pic, you see the opening and in the second, you see where it is on the passenger side... to the right of the lamp.

This hissing sound is NOT air. It starts after a few minutes the engine starts and stops after a few seconds the engine stops. If I don't have radio or fan/AC running, this sound is very irritating.

What is this? My car is till under warranty, so if I take it to the dealer to look at this, will I have to pay even if this is a "normal" thing? Frankly, I cant believe BMW will let the engine hissing noise come inside through an opening.

Thanks in advance...

Raj

I have the same car you do. No hissing from mine. Take it to the dealer and have them fix it, that doesn't sound normal.

Keith

PS - have you or one of your neighbors lost a snake recently?

Originally Posted by Campfamily

...
PS - have you or one of your neighbors lost a snake recently?

hahhahaha that's what came to my mind

(sorry, I am not being helpful)