Need Help! Electrical Problems 87 325i Convertible

[Joe Glenn]

First time poster here:

I saw the thread posted about the SI light batteries in instrument cluster, I am having the following problems which all started at about the same time for no apparent reason:

-Right turn signal (front and back) do not work but hazzard lights work all around
-Back up lights do not work (have checked and replaced bulbs all the way around)
-Gauges shut off (except speedo) after a couple seconds (SI lights also not
working)
-Heater/AC blower quit working

I have checked and replaced appropriate fuses even if they only look suspect.

I am mystified - could it be relays? If so, I can't find anything to tell me which one and where they are located. Would the SI batteries be responsible for all of these problems.

I'm about to bend over and take it to a BMW dealer. I'd really appreciate any help I can get here.

Thanks!

 

[Big Daddy]

Sounds like SI board batteries could be the culprit, at least for the gages. The heater/AC sounds more like a resistor or relay but have no idea where it would located. You should invest in a Bentley manual, they are great for these things. Other more experienced E30's owners will chime in here, in the mean time Welcome!

 

[Doughnut]

Have you owned the vert for a long time and these problems have just started one by one, or all at once?
First things first, replace your SI board batteries - more than likely your gauge cluster problem.
With your reverse lights check and make sure your fuse is fine, Jack the front right side of the car up and inspect the right side of the gearbox for the reverse light switch (plugged to the side half way up in the middle) should have one wire going to it, if it does, remove the wire and use a spanner to remove the switch, now you need a helper, with the switch out plug the wire back in and press the switch by hand, if nothing replace the switch.
Might be the turn switch too for your indicator light problem.
Not to sure about your Heater/AC blower, probably like what big daddy said check relays and fuses first, inspect resister.
hope this helps

 

[Joe Glenn]

--- Great responses, thanks!

I've owned and driven it daily for nearly two years and this is the first time I've had any electrical issues. The problems seemed to develop within a few days of each other but to be honest I'm not positive about that.

I'm definately going to replace the SI board battery, there doesn't seem to be any doubt about that, but thanks to you guys, I wouldn't have even known about that.

I rechecked all fuses and the relay in the fuse panel (K5 if anyone is interested) and they are fine. I also managed to get ahold of the BMW E30 electrical manual (link below) and from looking at it, I think I'm going to take it to a mechanic for these repairs - I just don't have the time right now to tear into the dashboard!

BMW E30 electrical manuals (for many E30s in PDF format):

http://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e30/

 

[Joe Glenn]

Got everything fixed.

As the people in forum said, The SI board battery was the the problem behind the gauges working for a few seconds and then shutting off.

The right turn signal problem was fixed by getting a new turn signal indicator lever on the column.

The heater/ac blower thing is still a mystery, my crazy local mechanic (non-bmw dealer) didn't elaborate.

$400 total repairs - a fair deal I think.

 

[Doughnut]

As the people in forum said, The SI board battery was the the problem behind the gauges working for a few seconds and then shutting off.

The right turn signal problem was fixed by getting a new turn signal indicator lever on the column.

The heater/ac blower thing is still a mystery, my crazy local mechanic (non-bmw dealer) didn't elaborate.

$400 total repairs - a fair deal I think.

Good to hear you got it all looked after, yeah those SI batteries tend to be quite a known problem for your gauges acting up! good to hear you have sorted it out...

Except that damn blower fan...