Side and rear lights stay on 2002 BMW Z3 E36

[Bobbybiscuit]

car been going well but tonight I went to turn off my lights (dipped went off ok) and the remainder did not. Is it the light switch that is faulty? Only goes in one position when pushing it off. No second position. Dont understand why.

On ebay there is this light switch that looks like mine - item number 303792338226 - https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=303792338226&_sacat=0

is it this that is faulty ? Cant find anything on any forums about it.

Thanks

Bobbybiscuit

 

[t-tony]

If the switch is only operating one stage pull/push I would say the switch is definitely faulty.

Tony.

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

Thank you - the seller says This part will need coding/programming to your car with professional licensed software. It will NOT plug and play. is that correct?

 

[Althulas]

It should go all the way in, it might be faulty and possibly partly melted I had this once. I would remove it and inspect just in case of fire risk.

Quite easy to do

Removing the Headlight Switch - zroadster.net

What that seller is stating is complete cobblers, it’s just remove and replace. There’s a cheaper switch on eBay if needed.

BMW Z3 HEAD LIGHT SWITCH | eBay

Little bit of wear under the switch on the black plastic as pictured. PH6-26, PH30-50. PA20-78, PA80. LL15-49, LL51-78. KY9-10, KY14-16. KA19, KA26-28.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[t-tony]

Thank you - the seller says This part will need coding/programming to your car with professional licensed software. It will NOT plug and play. is that correct?

I'm not aware that a lighting switch needs coding on a Z3 .

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

This may be of use when you're removing the switch, (unless you already have). In Spanish and English subtitles.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlN-g_Lth48


Tony.

 

[mwpe]

The switch doesn't need programing, I have replaced mine as have several members on here. I would be wary of buying a second hand one from E bay as they are known to have problems. Get a new OEM one.

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

The switch doesn't need programing, I have replaced mine as have several members on here. I would be wary of buying a second hand one from E bay as they are known to have problems. Get a new OEM one.

any ideas of how much they are or the part number? or where i can get the part number. - thank you

 

[t-tony]

Have a look on realOEM.com

Tony.

 

[mwpe]

Part number 61.31.8.353.506, it was £91.92 in Aug 2017 from Sopers.

It is worth reading this thread.

Headlight Switch - Be warned.

Ok well yesterday I had this very dry almost scraping noise from my headlight switch when adjusting the brightness of the dash lights as they were off then on then off again. Decided to take a look this evening when I had a chance as it's a known issue for overheating and catching fire. I have...

zroadster.org

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

Part number 61.31.8.353.506, it was £91.92 in Aug 2017 from Sopers.

It is worth reading this thread.

Headlight Switch - Be warned.

Ok well yesterday I had this very dry almost scraping noise from my headlight switch when adjusting the brightness of the dash lights as they were off then on then off again. Decided to take a look this evening when I had a chance as it's a known issue for overheating and catching fire. I have...

zroadster.org

Not had any issues like that just that there is only one position now when turning off the lights (instead of 2) was fine until this evening.

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

Part number 61.31.8.353.506, it was £91.92 in Aug 2017 from Sopers.

It is worth reading this thread.

Headlight Switch - Be warned.

Ok well yesterday I had this very dry almost scraping noise from my headlight switch when adjusting the brightness of the dash lights as they were off then on then off again. Decided to take a look this evening when I had a chance as it's a known issue for overheating and catching fire. I have...

zroadster.org

and forgot to say thank you. It helps me to take it apart

 

[MRH1966]

Had this on my 1.9........turn out to be the screw holding the knob had come out and was stopping it being pushed back in all of the way........simple fix once I had found the problem.....in the dark.....10:30 at night!!!!!!!

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

ahhhh thats interesting . will have a look at that before the weather deteriorates.

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

Following on re replacement of light switch, how does the small light fitting (the one connected with two wires) fit in. I just cant make it stay in place. Pic attached (not a good one - sorry) where i have tried to show the mini lamp. Look mid left of page, tried to mark the print out.

 

[t-tony]

There is a video on YouTube which shows how to do this. I’ll find it later and post you a link.

Tony.

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

There is a video on YouTube which shows how to do this. I’ll find it later and post you a link.

Tony.

Thank you Tony. Put it back together now without light - Not screwed the screw in either - one in there came out to easy. Do you know what size screw holds in the light unit in place? (I will pop to halfords and buy a pack then)

 

[t-tony]

I’m fairly sure the nut is 8mm.

Tony.

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

I’m fairly sure the nut is 8mm.

Tony.

Sorry i did not explain myself very well. The one you screw on when chrome knob off - that screws in to the car frame to hold unit in place.