3-Series (E21, E30)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1975-1983 and 1984-1991 line. Specific models: BMW 315, BMW 316, BMW 318, BMW 318i, BMW 320/4, BMW 320i, BMW 320/6, BMW 323i, BMW 320i. E30 Family models include: BMW 325e, BMW 325i, BMW 325is, BMW 325ix.
Silly question time... my reverse lights don't work and I've checked the fuse and the bulbs. Checked the price for a new switch and they're cheap (around $10). If it IS the switch is it located where I can get to it by lifting my car with a floorjack? Or am I gonna need garage lift access? This is the most important item that I'd like to fix.
The L.E.D. clock on the dash is stuck on 1:00 and I've tried to set it with no luck. I really don't care if the clock works or not. But if it's something that cheap/easy to repair or replace, I'll gladly do it. Any experience, out there, regarding this?
The power mirror adjustment (like many cars) doesn't work, either. Again, I don't care if they work or not. But before I spend $40 on a new switch, I'll most likely have to make sure that the wires are still decent on both doors, yes?
Thanks in advance... any positive advice will be appreciated and put to use.
__________________ Cheers,
Mark
1982 320i 5spd.
1987 Volvo 245DL Estate 5spd.
1967 Volkswagen Beetle 4spd.
Too many surfboards & skateboards to count.
with the switch, it is on the side of your tranny. Its really a 5 min fix and i dont think you would have any trouble changing it out. basically unclip the electrical connector and unscrew the old switch, screw in the new one and clip the connector back up.
Not sure on the clock.
With the mirrors does it do anything when you try and do the switch? is it the gearing or is there no power at all going to the mirrors. What i would do is check the connection that hooks up to your motors first to make sure it isnt a blown motor so you wont waste your money on a switch that isnt bad.
__________________
I shall NEVER doubt the pirate again...
The Clock can be tricky - it only likes to be changed while the key is in the 1st postion. Should be able to change the time now.
PS. my backup lights don't work either, let me know how you get em up and working.
I'll try your advice regarding the clock... thanks! A few days ago, I replaced the reverse light switch for only $8. It was easy and my reverse lights work. Made me one happy camper that night.
__________________ Cheers,
Mark
1982 320i 5spd.
1987 Volvo 245DL Estate 5spd.
1967 Volkswagen Beetle 4spd.
Too many surfboards & skateboards to count.
With my reverse lights, they stopped working but the switch was tested and was in perfect working order....
turns out I had a loose connection under the shift boot....I just uplugged the wire that goes down to the switch and then hooked it back up....they've worked ever since.
With my reverse lights, they stopped working but the switch was tested and was in perfect working order....
turns out I had a loose connection under the shift boot....I just uplugged the wire that goes down to the switch and then hooked it back up....they've worked ever since.
Cool that you were able to find/fix that reverse light problem.
Well, I tried adjusting my digital clock in the first key position and all of 'em... to no avail. No worries if it works or not. The clock display is stuck on 1.00 which I'm assuming is a factory default. But if it's a cheap fix, and/or something that I can do myself, I'll take care of it. Same goes with the mirrors. The wires look good going out to the mirrors. So I'm guessing that it's most likely the door panel switch. One of these days I might replace it. My local parts shop (Mesa Performance) can get 'em for around $44.
__________________ Cheers,
Mark
1982 320i 5spd.
1987 Volvo 245DL Estate 5spd.
1967 Volkswagen Beetle 4spd.
Too many surfboards & skateboards to count.
Sorry 'bout the clock, thx for the info on the reverse lights!
No worries about the clock. Hey, what kind of wheels do you have on your car, Crispy1st? I normally don't like aftermarket wheels on my cars, but those look pretty nice.
__________________ Cheers,
Mark
1982 320i 5spd.
1987 Volvo 245DL Estate 5spd.
1967 Volkswagen Beetle 4spd.
Too many surfboards & skateboards to count.
Thanks, just got em a month or 2 ago, they are 16inch Enkei rims. Got them off of Craig's List for $400 but had to buy two new tires and a set of tuner bolts that then need to be Machined down. Also got the hub centric rings too.
By the way, I replaced my reverse light switch and the lights work now. The switch is located on the top of the transmission and easily accessed via the engine compartment. Found a switch for only $8 at Mesa Performance in Costa Mesa. Even got some new center wheel cap logos while I was there. Wheels look like new again.
__________________ Cheers,
Mark
1982 320i 5spd.
1987 Volvo 245DL Estate 5spd.
1967 Volkswagen Beetle 4spd.
Too many surfboards & skateboards to count.
Last edited by Rennsurfer : 02-11-2008 at 02:17 PM.
Wheels look good, I think I may have stated the clock fix wrong- try the second position. I know that it took me some trial and error to find the correct spot.
About that switch you got, is it for bimmers only or is it generic?
Wheels look good, I think I may have stated the clock fix wrong- try the second position. I know that it took me some trial and error to find the correct spot.
About that switch you got, is it for bimmers only or is it generic?
Thx, Crispy.
I tried the clock adjustment in just about every combo with different ignition positions. No luck. No biggie... besides the power mirror switch, it's the only thing on the car that doesn't work. Which is impressive for how old the car is.
As for the reverse light switch, I'm guessing it's made for that 5spd. transmission only, but it may fit others. I bought it from Mesa Performance in Costa Mesa, CA for only $8. I was happy to see that it fixed my reverse lights. Hopefully, that's all that's wrong with yours. First check your connections at the shifter, the switch, and your lights. Of course, the fuse would be the easiest and first place to check. Good luck.
__________________ Cheers,
Mark
1982 320i 5spd.
1987 Volvo 245DL Estate 5spd.
1967 Volkswagen Beetle 4spd.
Too many surfboards & skateboards to count.
Rennsurfer,
i have a 320i jus like yours except mines safari bage and dosent look ne were near as good as yours does! nice car bro
yea my power mirrors work but the switch for some reason is inverted, meaning up = down, left=right....you get the point. and two questions how did you get your rims and bumpers to look so nice? my rims have shit on them that i could get off and i sat there with a tooth brush for 30 min each. and your bumpers look good redone or original. if original how do you keep them looking clean? i cant get mine to shine up at all
-SNAKE
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