Intermittent Background Motor Noise

My 2009 diesel FL2 has an irritating noise that sounds like an electric motor with a bearing that is running dry. The noise is heard intermittently, but is mostly noticeable after coming to a stop when, for the next 5 -10 seconds, it sounds as if an auxilliary motor gradually slows to a stop. The noise is not speed dependent.
The noise can also be heard sometimes when travelling at a constant speed - it starts and stops seemingly unrelated to anything mechanical.
My local garage does not know what to suggest. Any ideas?

With a car that age you might want to ask the main dealer (although be careful about minimum charges for workshop time). It sounds like you've asked a local independent who in fairness might not be up on FLs that new. You haven't got a leaf stuck in the air vent at all? Silly thought but been there recently with my Jaguar and a P38 and it is autumn after all.

it could be the fuel burning heater, (fbh) this only comes on when the ambient temp is low, it continues to run on for a while after stopping the engine , they have been known to catch out new owners,
look at the front nearside bumper you should see the heater exhaust outlet pipe

hope this helps ,

Didn't realise they still had them on the new ones. Worth looking though as if they do that's what it is.

The noise I am hearing (easily audible) occurs mostly after coming to a stop with the engine still idling - it's then that I hear what sounds like an auxilliary motor slowing down before stopping. The noise occurs more often when the engine is fully warmed up than when it's cold. Could this be the fuel heater in which case I will suggest this to my dealer here in Cape Town to check it out? This is my first Freelander so I'm still getting to know her!

Sounds like it is a pre heater. They come on at 4 degrees C. Wouldnt have thought it was that cool where you are.

what about turbo bearings?

Hope not at that age but..................if it does it when it's hot.

Maybe it's the FL2 emergence of the EGR DUCK???
Check out Willo's thread for the video and soundtrack.

I've got a FBH and I doubt its that. Thats a very definite noise separate from other engine noises and wouldnt sound like a motor slowing down....