Hi All,
this is my first post and my first 8 that purchased today :redspot

this is my problem, when i step on my brakes my back brake lights are not coming on and I am getting this error on the computer " brake light circuit see owners manual" :-( please help I dont have the owners manual....

Hi and welcome to the 8 owners club!

Technical questions are probably best asked at

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e31/

There is a very active community of 8 owners there. Lots of technical help. Here is for Pictures.

First though. The brake light warning is telling you that the computer believes that one or more brake light bulbs are burned out. It periodically checks all of the bulbs for continuity.

Try replacing the bulbs first. NAPA should have the bulbs in stock. Get a matched set and don't forget the third high brake light.

Also you need to register at http://www.8-fest.com/

The fuse box is in the engine compartment right in front of the driver. The list of fuses is in the lid and the numbers are right next to the fuses. Take a flashlight.

Check the fuse first. All of the 5 brake lights are reachable thru the trunk.

Here are the Owners manual instructions.

Thanks terryY,
I checked all that and all the bulbs seem fine and so do the fuses, I will be taking the 8 to the mechanics tomorrow. :-( all the other lights work fine, reverse,turn signals.....

Brake light switch was a problem on the E32 7series. I havent heard much about it on the 8 but have them check that first.

Guess what! it was the brake light switch.. they charged me $100 USD to replace GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!

first thing.. TerryY is a great resource for information.. he has guided me on several situations..

second thing.. if you are looking for a manual.. try a google search for Faxon Auto Literature.. they have a lot..

third thing.. just be aware that the 8 series as with all BMWs are real wallet hogs when it comes to repairs. Inspection II on my 8 was $1239.00 US.. just want you to be aware of what is in store for you. .but I think when you have driven it for awhile.. you will justify the cost of owning one of the greatest vehicles ever made.. also.. be sure to check the forums for typical problems with the 8's.. (headlight adjusters, etc).. there are bulletins regarding most of these.. and the dealerships will charge you full price unless you are informed..

Good luck with your new 'baby'..

I am somewhere in the process of high resolution scanning all 144 pages of the '94 owners manual. I think I am up to page 50 :(

When I get done I will try to put it up somewhere online. May need to put it into adobe first to make it manageable.

The '94 book covers the 850ci, 850csi and 840ci. That would make coverage of at least 95% on the early 850i and late 840ci and 850ci.