Onboard Computer Brake light check
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 3 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 3 Series (E21, E30, E36, E46, E90, E91 & E92)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=27797
Printed Date: 03-May-2024 at 06:34
Topic: Onboard Computer Brake light check
Posted By: 325i
Subject: Onboard Computer Brake light check
Date Posted: 28-February-2006 at 16:28
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Hi there,
i am afraid i am a bit new to all this but here goes. just bought my first bmw, a rather nice E36 325i se (1994) but under slow breaking the obc comes up telling me to check the brake lights, but they both work. checked bulbs and are fine........ any ideas please. thanks  ------------- Jay |
Replies:
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 28-February-2006 at 17:40
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Hi 325i - don't be afraid - be Proud! Don't worry, they probably "all do that" - well my E30's all did (do) anyway. It's the earth! Check all the connections in the boot. ------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
325i wrote:
Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 01-March-2006 at 04:52
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My previous e36 325i and my brother in laws former e36 M3 both did it. The current 325i doesn't, yet! ------------- Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i. |
Posted By: Pegsta
Date Posted: 01-March-2006 at 17:40
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Mine does it every now and then. Just complains for no reason I can see about the "brake light circuit" failing. It'll complain every time I drive the car for a few weeks and then I'll have nothing for months.. then it'll come back. If your lights are working and you know they are working then I shouldn't worry about it unless it becomes a real nuisance to you having the light on the dashboard and a silly flashing notice. *I did ease it a little by getting bulbs from BMW for all three brake lights on mine - but it still does it occasionally.* Gaz ------------- 1998 Boston Green 328i SE Chipped by ChippedUK 
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Posted By: Defblade
Date Posted: 01-March-2006 at 18:16
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This is (almost*) always the switch on the brake pedal. About £15 from the dealers and 5 minutes to change.
*I did have a bulb with a loose conection somewhere in the cap which gave the same trouble for a bit..... ------------- 
http://www.e36coupe.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46078 - Does this mean I can mention modding now?! |
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 01-March-2006 at 18:38
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This 'may' be the case for the E36, but in my experience with the E30's it's "almost always" been a dodgy earth - as an earth for the cluster or the bulb itself.
(WD40 is a wonderful thing!)
------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: Defblade
Date Posted: 02-March-2006 at 02:47
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As the OP has an E36, I'd go with mine. If in doubt about suggestion, try searching e36coupe.com on something like "brake light obc" (but you'll be wasting your time, as they all say "change the switch", 'cos that's the dodgy bit on E36s). -------------
http://www.e36coupe.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46078 - Does this mean I can mention modding now?! |
Posted By: e46fan
Date Posted: 02-March-2006 at 04:39
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what about for an e46????? my car shows on the dash that there is a rear bulb gone and surprise surprise there isnt any ideas ???? |
Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 03-March-2006 at 10:36
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e46fan Not sure about the e46, but the e39 has 2 tail light bulbs on each side. Might be worth double checking. ------------- Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i. |
Posted By: pockets
Date Posted: 07-March-2006 at 04:46
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just replaced brake light switch no more warning on dash about £15 and 5mins to do ------------- 
got rid of wife got this |
Posted By: e46fan
Date Posted: 07-March-2006 at 06:37
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from other threads on here it seems that the break light switch is almost always the problem on the E36. does anyone know if the E46 suffers from the same rubbish break light switch or is it something else causing my car to tell me there is a bulb gone when there isnt???? probably worth replacing it anyway coz there are not expensive eh??? |
Posted By: dougster
Date Posted: 07-March-2006 at 11:49
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This used to happen to my E36 M3. I took the bulbs and holders out and gave then a clean with a dry cloth. No problems since! |