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E34 Dash errors - Lights

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Rupi View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rupi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: E34 Dash errors - Lights
    Posted: 01 May 2021 at 12:58pm
Hi all, 

I have a regular set of errors that appear on my dash when: driving, the headlights are tuned on and I have pressed the foot brake, the error appears once I have hit the brake for the first time on the journey. 

If I am driving without the lights being on, no errors. 

I know the car has had issues in the past related to the headlight adjusters (not sure how well this issues was fixed as I did not own it) and I have already installed a brand new CCM (Control Check Module). All the lights work. 

Any pointers please let me know, I would be happy to take it to someone knowledgable for a diagnosis and fix, am open to replacing associated components on the lights. 

The car is a 1995 540i. 

Thank you.
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Tony View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2021 at 11:36am
Might help narrow down the diagnosis if you can tell us what errors are appearing - is there a symbol, or some text that comes up?
2006 Z4MC
164k mile, Individual Ruby Black, Extended Champagne & Piano Black trim
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rupi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jun 2021 at 11:04pm

Hi Tony, 

apologies for the late reply - the car broke down on me and was off the road for other reasons (alarm system cutting power to the fuel pump), my mechanic has just got it running again and I’ve noted the messages from the dash as below: 

Dip beam

lic. plate light

brake light


Any pointers would be useful, thank you. 

Rupi
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Tony View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jun 2021 at 3:15pm
A lot of OBC lighting errors come from high resistance in the ageing wiring, and/or from bad contacts in the bulb holders (or lack of resistance from LED bulb replacements).

You can try to clean these initially, but you may find new bulb holders and/or cut & splice of new wiring is the only permanent fix.

BTW, my experience comes from e34 M5s of the same era, and I ended up retrofitting a HID headlight set in the end - and put LED number plate lights in!


Edited by Tony - 09 Jun 2021 at 3:17pm
2006 Z4MC
164k mile, Individual Ruby Black, Extended Champagne & Piano Black trim
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Rupi View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rupi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jun 2021 at 11:19pm
Thanks Tony. 

We've tried cleaning contact points and checking connections, will continue to investigate. I know it all works, just annoying having the warnings on the dash and would like to resolve it. 

Do you have a recommendation for the HID conversion?

Rupi
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jun 2021 at 4:11pm
There's probably many better solutions out there now, as mine were fitted with what was called a 'Gen 2' kit over 15 years ago. I don't have the car anymore either, so I can't even go and check for you.

However, the Morimoto HID/LED kits for other models/marques seem to be well regarded - https://www.morimotohid.com/buyer-guide-by-vehicle/1994+BMW+540i


Edited by Tony - 19 Jun 2021 at 4:11pm
2006 Z4MC
164k mile, Individual Ruby Black, Extended Champagne & Piano Black trim
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Rupi View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rupi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jun 2021 at 10:29pm
Thanks - LEDs would make a good upgrade to the current head lights, they are very effective on my other car. 
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