a DIFFERENT kind of electrical problem...

[Auslander RML]

Now this is one that has me completely boggled! My 318i has something going on with the left-hand turn signal. It will only flash occasionally when I hit the switch, but the right hand signal is fine. I also noted that the left indicator on the dash will sometimes stay dimly on. [???1] And for some reason, like if I am at a light with the left signal activated, my touching the brake will sometimes turn the signal off, make it go really fast, or make it go really erratically. I thought it could be a sh*tty relay, but the thing with the brake light affecting it is driving me insane! I have never even heard of this happening before...anybody have this happen before or any suggestions?

 

[ODDferkOUT]

OMG! My left one does the same thing!!!!

I checked the bulbs and everything. I'm stumped as well.

 

[Auslander RML]

Yeah, I was thinking that I may try taking out all the taillight bulbs and cleaning contacts. We'll see about that...

 

[DrPierceMD]

I had the problem with my turn signal blinking really fast and all it was, was a bulb in the left rear taillight that either wasn't connected all the way or was missing. I don't remeber exactly, but I would check your rear taillights.

 

[andreyiv]

DrPierceMD, the turn signal will blink twice as fast when one of the bulbs goes. This is a way to tell you that you have to check your turn signal bulbs, that is normal.

Auslander RML and ODDferkOUT, check the relay. I can't think of anything else, it is not the bulbs for sure since they have no effect on turning the signal off. If you say that pressing on the brake turns the turn signal off, then my best bet is that a wire that runs to the turn signal bulbs is touching something like the brake wire or the ground. Check all the connections and the relay. Electrical probems are really hard to find because you never know what to look for.

 

[junglestylz]

You might want to run around the electrical system and try to seek out any points where the grounds have come loose.

 

[AndrewBall]

check the wiring, i know my lights all ended up having to be replaced. the connections go bad, from anything really its german they only said it would work when it left the factory anythime after that you have to guess.

 

[Auslander RML]

LOL Yeah Andrew, I can definitely hear that. I'm definitely going to have to look into a Bentley manual...I have a manual by Hayes for my car, but all I ever hear about for manuals is Bentley. I know the one I got was about 8 or 10 dollars at a local shop, and I see the bentleys can be more than three times that. Can anybody convince me to pick one up?

 

[AndrewBall]

my uncle and grandfather are pretty much walking BMW manuals so i cant help you there, but its worth a buy. helpful when you dont knwo what goes where or what teh hell the german engineers were thinking when they designed this or that, and what you need to replace something cause i belive the Bentley Manuals tell you every screw/bolt/nut/clip size, and thread type for everything on the car.

 

[junglestylz]

I am very amazed! Somebody has an M10 Jetronic 318i that has a problem that hasn't happened to my car too.

 

[Auslander RML]

Oh, I could go on for DAYS...