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.
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so I am doing some work on my brothers 87 325i convertible while he is away on military duty. I am not quite sure if there are some lights out on his speedo, but I cannot find the cel, only the "check" light which is of course dead center. Can anyone provide a pic or just tell me the location on the speedo for the cel? thanks in advance.
Three possible ways to triangulate "red" check engine light
1. Straight below the F on the fuel gauge.
2. Slight below and to the left of the trip meter reset button.
3. If you extend a line from the speedometer needle when the car is off.
I'm using a 1990 325iC and 1991 318i as my reference points. The check engine indicator should light up temporarily when the ignition is in the run position prior to starting the car.
With the 90, I wasn't getting the cel. Traced it to not having a 2721 bulb in the holder. I had the padded trim panel below the steering wheel off because I was troubleshooting other issues. With a long pair of straight needle nose pliers, I had just enough leverage to reach up, pull the holder out of its circular housing in the instrument panel, press in a 2721 bulb, push it back in, and I was in business.
Props to your family -- I served in the Air Force for 20 years.
mike, thanks for your time. Im thinking the previous owner pulled the bulb in an effort to hide the apparent fault light. thanks for the props, my bro is also air force. he recently did basic and all that and of all the bases that he could have been assigned he got travis here in nor cal, barely an hour from home. haha, what are the odds?????
mike, thanks for your time. Im thinking the previous owner pulled the bulb in an effort to hide the apparent fault light. thanks for the props, my bro is also air force. he recently did basic and all that and of all the bases that he could have been assigned he got travis here in nor cal, barely an hour from home. haha, what are the odds?????
You're welcome.
I was born and raised in east-central Pennsylvania, and my first active duty assignment was in Syracuse, NY (150 miles away).
so after pulling the speedo out I notice that there is nothing plugged in to the check engine spot. I search around in the dash only to NOT find any wiring that could go into the speedo. Not a good deal. Anyone know what color wires the cel uses? Thanks.
From the 90 E30 Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM)
Quote:
Originally Posted by soooooawesome
so after pulling the speedo out I notice that there is nothing plugged in to the check engine spot. I search around in the dash only to NOT find any wiring that could go into the speedo. Not a good deal. Anyone know what color wires the cel uses? Thanks.
Green/white and brown/black are the wire insulation colors according to the ETM. If you want an idea of what the light and its holder looks like size-wise, the rear ashtray light is probably the easiest place to look.
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Three possible ways to triangulate "red" check engine light 
Sometimes better than you think 
From the 90 E30 Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM) 
Linear Mode
