Electrical problem BMW 3 Series

[TomC21]

Hi Guys,

I have a BMW 3 Series (E46) 2001 convertible.
I have been having a few problems with the Electrics and just wanted to see if I could get any advice on here before having to fork out on an Auto Electrician to take a look at it.

Both the rear warning lights are on (I have checked all the bulbs and they all work perfectly fine). They do however flick off for a minute or so but then will come back on.
My button to open the boot is intermittant.. sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't so I end up having to open it manually with the key.
A month or two ago I did notice that there was a delay from turning the key in the ignition and the engine actually turning over but that hasnt happened for a while now (I would turn the key and have to wait about 3-5 seconds for the engine to turn over)
And also I have an intermittant quick relay on the right indicator (only right)

Does anyone know what this could be? My Dad seems to think there could be a dodgey earth somewhere but I have no idea where to begin looking.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks,
Tom

 

[telectrix]

a dodgy earth seems likely. try the strap from body to engine block.

 

[Ib≤In≤Iz]

As telectrix said possibly an earth problem.

Locate all the earth points & look for signs of oxidized connections, continuity problems.

Give them a good clean, reconnect & smear some petroleum jelly over the top to keep them dry.

 

[ifindoubtdont]

I would start looking around the right rear light cluster. A quick flasher unit on right only, points to an indicator lamp gone, if it still works and if the electric boot lock is linked to right hand rear light cluster then 99.9% its a bad earth. If the light cluster has a multi plug type of connection then check there is no corrosion in the terminals.

 

[TJ Anderson]

Fit some M3 Wheels and an "M" badge on the boot. Even if the car don't work, at least it will look better on the drive

 

[plugsandsparks]

If you mean that the dash display is showing blown bulbs when they are not, I would get inside the boot and pull off the multiplug that connects to the light cluster. Have a good look at the pins and the socket, you may find that it may have broken and as such is sending a false signal. As for the rest , the delay before starting could be a weakening battery in the key or could be a worn ignition switch. The boot thing again could be a weak battery in the key. cheers P&S - AKA BMW specialist - ha, I have had them for many years E30,E46 and E39

 

[ruston]

I would agree with P&S that it could be a corroded or broken connection in the wiring , and that the key fobe battery is getting low.

It is also possible that the lamp holders may have a bad earth, but I will go with P&S as he obviously has had the experience with the BMW.

If there are general signs of wiring corrosion , do as others have said and give them a good check and clean.

 

[PEG]

Hi,you are probably going to have to have it coded,and chase those electrical demons! Some models have perimeter back-up,so marker lights which are inoperative,are "subbed" with alternative lamps,in the same cluster.

Also Canbus systems give additional complication to what used to be a basic way of warming a filament...

The two things which have changed,over the years,regarding fault finding on vehicles such as these,is

1) The inordinate complication inserted between actuating a function,and the end result,and

2) The inability to guarantee longevity of any repair,due to possibility of multitude of additional faults.

I hope the OP has success with these problems,but i have dismantled many components,removed from BMW and Mercedes vehicles,and found the quality of some internals not up to the standard of electronics in my childrens toys :icon12: