This DIY was snagged off of the bmw320i.com site before the lights went out permanently over there. I did not write it and take no credit for it. It was very helpful to me. I did not change the words of the original poster - only some punctuation, spelling and emphases. I may have aligned the page a bit differently from it's original form. I will be posting all of the DIYs I saved from over there that have not been posted here already (like Jester's tranny swap) ENJOY!
An easy fix to a common problem on these vehicles.
With the flasher removed from the dash - easily accessed by removing the speaker grill and pushing on the backside of the flasher - use a small screwdriver or pocket knife and carefully pry the top half of the switch off the base.
Watch out for the spring when you get the two pieces apart.
When you get the flasher apart and you retrieve the spring that went flying across the room you should see the metal follower in the base of the switch that rides in the cam on the upper half.
Usually the pin (red arrow) is bent up - as shown by the blue arrow. Note the angle of the pin.
Using a pair of needle nose pliers, grab the metal arm just below the pin and gently bend (or twist may be a better description) the arm inward.
Here's a view of the pin and arm after realigning the pin.
Now carefully replace the spring and the upper half of the switch.
Here's a view of the pin riding in the cam on the upper half of the switch.
A word of advice - let the red button out gently when turning the flashers on. Don't poke at it and let your finger slide off allowing the button to "pop" out. That's how the pin and arm get bent.
I know that the button attracts attention, but remind your passengers that they are in a classic BMW that's 20 years old or better and to "leave the damn button alone!
excellent. I'll add whatever you post to the faq.
Well written and excellent pix.
Very Nice!!
problem solved....FINALLY ! Thanks alot!
81 320is, Stock m10, CAI, TEP headers, 'high performance' wires, ST lowering springs (1.5''), Billie sports, Front and rear stress bars, Alpina bar, Poly bushings
I'm always changing it, it needs endless money, and i love it with all my heart. This is my baby.
i did this same technique with my rear defroster switch. a new one of those is 85 bucks.
Heh... I think mine's been continuously ON for about 5 years. I kind of like the styley little purple light.
VERY HELPFUL!
Fixed my hazzard switch and rear defrost with this
E21 320iS
B5 A4
Aha! So that's why my old one likes to pop-out when it's sitting in blazing sun heat!
That esplains it . Robert
Tbd
I've got a couple working hazard light switches for sale ('78 & '80), if anyone needs one. Ian (Ontario, Canada): pringle_5@sympatico.ca
when i got a new haz switch i put it in and it started to smoke =0 ideas?!
^ it was probably made by Lucas and not OEM.
Tom D
77 e21 - m42
88 e30m3
04 330 dinan3
84 r1000rt
02 r1150rs
all of them gray
14 f800gsa - red headed stepchild!
Last edited by e21Terry; 11-02-2012 at 09:11 AM.
"The water was not fit to drink. To make it palatable, we had to add whisky. By dilligent effort, I learnt to like it." Sir Winston Churchill
It took about an hour. Some of the plastic tabs are mangled. The triangle isn't perfectly aligned. But now it works, and I ain't got that daggone paper clip no more. Thanks for postin.
Bookmarks