Failed inspection for two reasons:
1. Right front parking light does not go on - turning signal works, four-way flashers work...but parking light does not go on when headlights are on (or the middle setting of the headlight toggle switch).
2. Right low-beam headlight housing is loose (probably because the random gas station mechanic broke it loose while poking around the parking light, last time I go to a random gas station for an inspection).

Moving on, I took the center grill off and the right headlight grill off. As I suspected, the problem with item #2 was one of the three "arms" holding the headlight housing was broken. Slipped the headlight housing loose from those three screws and am gluing the 3rd, broken one now. Should be a fine temporary fix. It was never in any danger of flying off the car.

Next, item #1: in my Bentley manual it appears that there is only one bulb for front turning signal/parking light/etc. Section 630 specifically, exterior lighting. Is that true and in fact the problem with item #1 above is not the bulb but rather something else? Wiring? I've no idea.

Thoughts anyone?
Thanks in advance.

post-script: another annoyance: replacing a headlight on a circa 2001 VW Golf requires a star screwdriver with a head bigger than what I have. I can only think of just buying the bigger size to fix that issue.

Cheers

I have an 89 535i and 89 525i and both developed problems with the wiring harness in the trunk near the trunk lid hinge - if you are not getting power to the socket - I'd check there.

Disclaimer: this is the front right parking light.

If there was a power issue wouldn't the turning signal and 4-way functionality not work? I'm trying to say, if it is just one bulb, why is just the parking light functionality of that one bulb not working?

Update: called a local BMW shop. A guy there said it's a dual-filament bulb and one of the two may be dead, which would possibly explain why the turn signal works but the parking light doesn't.

So yes it is just one bulb, will try replacing it and see.

Final update for the day:

Couldn't get the turn signal assembly out because I could not reach the screws necessary and I didn't have some kind of magical screw driver to reach said screws.

The ones I'm referring to are under Section 630-3 of the E34 Bentley manual, Figure 8.

Called a local indy shop and will take it in for their perusal Monday a.m., but in the mean time, if anyone has any theories as to how to reach those screws without that guy from Fantastic Four, I'm all ears.

Time for a beer.

Ummm, I've just used a small screwdriver and was able to get to all of the screws holding in the turn signal assemblies. But, if you're just replacing the bulb, you can just take out the connector by squeezing down on the tabs and then you can just pull it out. And they are right about the dual filaments bulbs for the turn signals.

If you just keep on trying I'm sure you can get it done, it's not too hard

yep, just remove the bulb holder and replace the bulb...
sorry no picture.

I'm confused...why do you need a screwdriver to replace the turn signal bulb? :confused

From owners manual:
http://luuk.xs4all.nl/bmwboeken/bmwe34manual/pg75.jpg

You don't, I was just saying he needs one if he really wants to remove the whole turn signal assembly

You don't, I was just saying he needs one if he really wants to remove the whole turn signal assembly

Sorry, I should have quoted "Smolder"...my post was directed toward him (not you) as to why was he using a screwdriver to remove the turn indicator assembly if all he needed to do was change the light bulb. :)

Yes, you guys are right. I didn't need a screwdriver to just replace the bulb. I was able to do so and it's fixed. Thanks for the help everyone. It's funny that the owner's manual has a better picture than the Bentley manual.