If it's like a U.S. model... (archive)

If it's like a U.S. model, the problem is either a bad stalk or a bad connection. All of the following is for a U.S. model, so make appropriate allowances if your car is right hand drive.

There's a solid green wire connected to the stalk. This wire should have 12V when the ignition is on, whether or not you're pulling the stalk switch. If it does, the stalk is bad. To verify this, check the voltage at the white wire at the stalk. When you flash to pass, you should have 12V at this white wire, courtesy of the green wire, but I bet you don't.

If the green wire is not at 12V whenever ignition is on, the problem is probably a certain connector on the left side of the steering column. If you remove the driver's kick panel, you'll see a stack of connectors on the left side of the steering column. The rightmost one is dark. The one next to it is light colored, and has (ta-da!) a green wire. This is the suspect connector. You could try unplugging & reseating it.

HTH

My 518i shows all four headlights when pressing the stalk to permanent high beam - but there is no "flash to pass" when pulling the stalk forward. What is the likely culprit - I have changed the relay in the fuse box - is there another in around the steering column area or am I in for a new stalk?

TIA

1981 525Ia
1985 525e
1986 518i

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