Been there, sorta. (More) (archive)

Thanks Andy, but unfortunately I have already been there done that. A few months back I thought I solved the rapid fire problem once and for all. I was growing weary of the problem so I ordered a new indicator assembly and was going to replace it until I crawled under the front and found what a pain it is to get at with the spoiler. I didn't replace the assembly but I did clean all the contacts quite good. I then gave the wire a 360-degree twist before re-assembly just for good measure. All has been fine up until 2 weeks ago when I installed a new radio. I doubt the two are related. Here is why. I disassembled the center console, which is fairly simple, installed the new Blaupunkt Sydney using all the factory connectors therefore, ensuring that I could simply plug my old unit in if I desire. I then ran the signal lines to the trunk under the carpet along the drive shaft tunnel. I also ran new speaker wire to the front speakers. I disconnected the factory wires and attached the new ones. I have yet to run the wires for the rears, hook up the power wire that runs to the trunk, install the amps or, get this, put the rear seat and parcel shelf back together that has been apart for over 2 months! In short, the radio isn't being used yet but it can be powered up by the switch on the front of the unit. I work very slowly and I have been extremely anal about the whole process. This is one of the reasons I am eating a whole in my stomach! ARRGH! Aside from breaking the plastic retainer for the wire cover under the passenger side doorsill the whole process has went off without a hitch.

Then on Friday night I turned on my headlights and was treated to a nice glow behind the right dashboard turn indicator. The next morning I fiddled and twiddled till my fingers were blue. All of the bulbs are from the dealer and they are extremely clean. At times it seams like the problem is fixed and then it comes right back within seconds.

For the rapid fire blinker, I am seriously considering replacing the socket since I have a new one but yuk, it looks light it will be a bear! As far as the glowing indicator goes I am at a loss. This is truly baffling. Perhaps you know where to find a different/better schematic than Bentley?

Thanks,
Darin S.
'87 535is

Well things have gone from bad to weird. I still have the glowing dashboard turn indicator but now there are new developments. My machine gun blinker has returned intermittently. The right blinker will function fine for many miles of driving and then without warning I will push the stalk to turn on the right indicator and it will mysteriously go into rapid blink mode. Occasionally, (GRRR!) my "check" light will flash on the dash telling me to check my overhead indicators. Sure enough lighted LED's! The license plate and taillight indicators are glowing a nice red. The blinker will continue to rapid fire until I cancel the switch and may or may not function correctly from then on. It is very random. The overhead lights will remain lit until I shut the car off and restart it. (I have checked the license plate lights and taillights and they work as they are designed to.) After restarting the car, the right blinker may or may not work for many cycles of engaging and disengaging the right blinker switch. Here is another symptom. When the blinker goes in to rapid fire mode the front blinker will not light. The rear lights just fine.

I have cleaned the ground for the front light. I have fiddled with the pins inside the bulb holder. I have cleaned the rear ground. I have disconnected and reconnected the two connectors behind the trunk lock frame. Any idea where to go from here? Where can I get a detailed electrical schematic for my car and what should I expect to pay.

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom. HELP MR. WIZARD!!!!

Darin S.
'87 535is

try wiggling the harness connector to r/f directional, whilst it is in rapid blink mode. the rear bulbs are either cruddy connections or mismatched. non bmw bulbs need tinned bases. the bormann6 will usually do it after closing the trunk,mosta the time its a false alarm. be happy, most cars dont even have a warning to let you know the bulbs are out

Follow Ups:

Another WAG... RonW 16:58 7/29/2001 (6)
- Hmmm. Darin S. 17:12 7/29/2001 (5)
  - BMW 528e/535i Electrical Troubleshooting Manual RonW 17:40 7/29/2001 (4)
    - Re: BMW 528e/535i Electrical Troubleshooting Manua Darin S. 17:44 7/29/2001 (3)
      - BMW e28 ETM suspiciously similar to Bentley... RonW 18:36 7/29/2001 (2)
        
        Re: BMW e28 ETM suspiciously similar to Bentley... Joseph Brock 20:49 7/29/2001 (0)
        
        Thanks. Definitely now on the NEED list. (NT) Darin S. 18:42 7/29/2001 (0)

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