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2003 325XI directional problems

I have a question regarding my 2003 325XI. The left directional light warning light on the dashboard keeps coming on, then going off. The front and side flasher flash rapidly. Seemed like an easy fix. Must be the back bulb. However, a few weeks later, the warning light for the rear bulb came on again and the front and side bulbs flashed fast again. I saw that the bulb fit in loosely. So, I pulled up on the thin metal tab under the bulb. This seemed to work for another few weeks or so.

Tonight, I lifted the tab, and stretched out the spring so that it would apply a little more force under the metal tab when the bulb is reinserted. No luck. The flasher warning light is still on and the front and side directions are flashing rapidly.

Is this an issue with the bulb housing, or a deeper electronic issue? I can call the BMW dealership, but thought I'd check with you folks first. Am I looking in the wrong place?

Has anyone been through this? Any other suggestions?

Thanks, = Steve

Reply to
Steve Olivieri
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I just had a front turn signal bulb and housing replaced on my '99 328i. It began as an intermittent problem for a day or so and the dealer said that it's not unusual to replace the housing, as heat can cause the bulb/housing to short out. The total cost was about $40.00.

Tom K.

Reply to
Tom K.

Take the light unit out and have a look at the metal tracks - these are usually galvanized sheet steel and are crap. A fix is to locate the dodgy fitting and clean all the burn marks off then get a reasonably good - 50W and above soldering iron and repair the track where the bulb holder fits.

Done this on my 7 series and it's lasted 5 years so far unfortunately the other light has a split lens and is filling up with water. The heat from the sun expands the air in the double layer of lens acrylic and when it cools creates a vacuum. If it happens to be raining or misty the water laden air is sucked into the light unit lens and over a period you can get up to 1 litre 2.2 pints IMP in there. Only way to go then is replacement.

Sir Hugh of Bognor

The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!

Hugh Gundersen snipped-for-privacy@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK

Reply to
hsg

Update to the problem.

Found the problem last night. There's actually a question after mine with the title "electrical tip needed." He describes the exact problem that I have, with the exception that not only did the male end of the connector melt, but also the female side (on the rear tail light unit) melted as well. In addition, the #2 pin broke. and the #2 wire behind the tab turned black and melted a few millimeters.

BMW dealer wants $250 to repair. Think that's way to expensive, so I'll try and go an alternate way.

Thanks to all for answering.

= Steve

Reply to
Steve Olivieri

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