Hi, this site was recommended to me by a local BMW mechanic.
I'm 16, I've been driving for nearly a month. I got an old 1986 528e from a friend of my parents. The first day I got it, I had to replace the starter and the alternator. Since then though, I've loved driving it. It just has so much more soul than my mom's explorer.
Now though, I'm noticing two wierd electrical problems.
The back left turn signal works fine to signal a turn, but does not light up when I hit the brakes.
I recently replaced the right front turn signal bulb, which was dim. Now the right signals work when the headlights are off, but when the headlights are on, they will not blink when I hit the turn signal.
I've never had a car before, I've never tried to fix a car before, and I probably wont know what you're talking about. But bear with me, I'm learning.
Any more information you guys need just let me know.
Turn Signal Problems
Tonbra and MadHungy, maybe y'all can hook up with Jordan and show him a thing or two about working on his new E28?
Jordan, when I was your age -- wow, I feel old now -- I drove my parents' Explorer, too. I got to drive their 528e, too, though, but it was an automatic at the time. I know what you mean about soul!
The first thing you want to do is get your parental units to buy you --or help you buy -- an E28 Bentley Manual. It's a big, fat, green book with all KINDS of information to help you work on your new car. It'll cost you about $40 at most book stores, virtual or physical, but it's the best 40 duckets you can spend.
As far as your turn signal problems, let me see if I can help you out.
The left rear turn signal is not supposed to light up when you hit the brakes. The left brake light is, though. It's the red light on the bottom row of the light assembly, and it's the one on the outside. On the left side, it's the one that's the farthest left. The orange turn signal isn't supposed to light up when you brake.
If you were referring to the brake light, then it could be the bulb. Swap out the bulb and the bulb holder with the one from the right side (if it works) and see if that solves the problem. If so, then you need either a new bulb (Autozone part for $4 or so) or a new bulb holder (BMW part for about $20).
Let's move on to the right turn signal problem.
The front turn signal bulb is a dual-filament bulb. This means it has two filaments in it that can light up when they've been given the signal to do so. The reason it's dual-filament is that this bulb has to light up when the parking lights are on, when the turn signal cuts on, and BOTH at the same time. What might have happened is that you might have installed a single filament bulb into that turn signal assembly. Therefore, it will only light up when one or the other happens -- signal or parking lights -- but not both. Buy the correct bulb (Autozone part, $4 or so).
The other possible problem is that, although you may have a dual-filament bulb in the assembly, one of the filaments may be burned out. If so, you still need to buy a new bulb.
Hope this helps. Sorry if I was long-winded -- I'm notorious for that -- or confusing -- I'm delerious right now. Please come back again and enjoy the site! Oh, and check out my website, too!
http://www.oo00oo.com
P.S. I've been around here since I was 16, too, and the guys and gals here have been SO wonderful. You should have no trouble making this your home!
P.P.S. Although I'm currently in Missouri, I'm originally from Louisiana and will be down there hopefully in April. I hope to be passing through Dallas on my way back to Missouri, so if we have a meeting on that weekend, I'm sure Tonbra and/or MadHungarian will be coming out to Dallas. Maybe you can hitch a ride or follow them out to the meeting place so you can get your fill of suh-WEET E28s on a Saturday afternoon!
[Edit by Shifty on [TIME]1108290755[/TIME]]
Jordan, when I was your age -- wow, I feel old now -- I drove my parents' Explorer, too. I got to drive their 528e, too, though, but it was an automatic at the time. I know what you mean about soul!
The first thing you want to do is get your parental units to buy you --or help you buy -- an E28 Bentley Manual. It's a big, fat, green book with all KINDS of information to help you work on your new car. It'll cost you about $40 at most book stores, virtual or physical, but it's the best 40 duckets you can spend.
As far as your turn signal problems, let me see if I can help you out.
The left rear turn signal is not supposed to light up when you hit the brakes. The left brake light is, though. It's the red light on the bottom row of the light assembly, and it's the one on the outside. On the left side, it's the one that's the farthest left. The orange turn signal isn't supposed to light up when you brake.
If you were referring to the brake light, then it could be the bulb. Swap out the bulb and the bulb holder with the one from the right side (if it works) and see if that solves the problem. If so, then you need either a new bulb (Autozone part for $4 or so) or a new bulb holder (BMW part for about $20).
Let's move on to the right turn signal problem.
The front turn signal bulb is a dual-filament bulb. This means it has two filaments in it that can light up when they've been given the signal to do so. The reason it's dual-filament is that this bulb has to light up when the parking lights are on, when the turn signal cuts on, and BOTH at the same time. What might have happened is that you might have installed a single filament bulb into that turn signal assembly. Therefore, it will only light up when one or the other happens -- signal or parking lights -- but not both. Buy the correct bulb (Autozone part, $4 or so).
The other possible problem is that, although you may have a dual-filament bulb in the assembly, one of the filaments may be burned out. If so, you still need to buy a new bulb.
Hope this helps. Sorry if I was long-winded -- I'm notorious for that -- or confusing -- I'm delerious right now. Please come back again and enjoy the site! Oh, and check out my website, too!
http://www.oo00oo.com
P.S. I've been around here since I was 16, too, and the guys and gals here have been SO wonderful. You should have no trouble making this your home!
P.P.S. Although I'm currently in Missouri, I'm originally from Louisiana and will be down there hopefully in April. I hope to be passing through Dallas on my way back to Missouri, so if we have a meeting on that weekend, I'm sure Tonbra and/or MadHungarian will be coming out to Dallas. Maybe you can hitch a ride or follow them out to the meeting place so you can get your fill of suh-WEET E28s on a Saturday afternoon!
[Edit by Shifty on [TIME]1108290755[/TIME]]
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Mark 88/M5 Houston
- Posts: 8548
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: Far North Houston
Welcome. Everything Shifty said and a couple of other things.
When buying lamps for your car you want the silver colored base lamps rather than the brass colored ones. They may be labeled Euro or import.
Replace all the fuses in the fuse box with new. Some people like the enclosed glass fuses with the pointed/tapered ends. Clean all the fuse contacts with a scotchbrite pad or brass brush while you are at it.
Post again if you need help or have questions.
When buying lamps for your car you want the silver colored base lamps rather than the brass colored ones. They may be labeled Euro or import.
Replace all the fuses in the fuse box with new. Some people like the enclosed glass fuses with the pointed/tapered ends. Clean all the fuse contacts with a scotchbrite pad or brass brush while you are at it.
Post again if you need help or have questions.
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Jordan528e
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Thanks for all your help, I'm making headway. Tonbra gave me that seat (big thanks, it works great), and recommended this site to me. As for Dallas, I'll check my work/school shcedual.
Right now I've fixed the back brake light problem and have narrowed down the front turn signal problem. It's either the bulb or the bulb holder. I need to replace a front bulb anyway, and they come in packs of two, I'll see if the right bulb will fix my problem.
What bulb should I use for the front turn signals for the 528e? Brand name, type, anything I can find at the local Auto-Zone. I'm afraid the bulbs I got before might have been the wrong type, they look alot diffrent from the ones that were already in there.
P.S. I keep hearing the term "e28". What does it mean, and which BMW models fall under that category?
P.S.S. I'm getting interested in old BMWs. You guys know any site that has a list of all the old BMW models with pictures?
[Edit by Jordan528e on [TIME]1108436223[/TIME]]
Right now I've fixed the back brake light problem and have narrowed down the front turn signal problem. It's either the bulb or the bulb holder. I need to replace a front bulb anyway, and they come in packs of two, I'll see if the right bulb will fix my problem.
What bulb should I use for the front turn signals for the 528e? Brand name, type, anything I can find at the local Auto-Zone. I'm afraid the bulbs I got before might have been the wrong type, they look alot diffrent from the ones that were already in there.
P.S. I keep hearing the term "e28". What does it mean, and which BMW models fall under that category?
P.S.S. I'm getting interested in old BMWs. You guys know any site that has a list of all the old BMW models with pictures?
[Edit by Jordan528e on [TIME]1108436223[/TIME]]
Hey man cool to see another young E28 lover. Im 17 and love these cars as well. As far as the bulb goes it may be a 1157 bulb but im not sure if its different on different E28's. I wouldn't think so but just to be safe pop the bulb out. It should say on the bulb. I just replaced mine and got PIAA superwhites and they look very good. I was worried about them being a little ricey but they look good. I also got new front from TMS.
P.S if you ever decide to smoke your front turn signals or any lights with a NiteShades product or anything like that don't spray 10 coats on it. It becomes to dark, lol. Thats what i did. Look below. That pic hasn't been updated since i got the new ones from TMS.
P.S if you ever decide to smoke your front turn signals or any lights with a NiteShades product or anything like that don't spray 10 coats on it. It becomes to dark, lol. Thats what i did. Look below. That pic hasn't been updated since i got the new ones from TMS.
Oh and E28 is the chassis code these cars have. It falls from 82-88. I see a 81 sometimes that looks to be E28 chassis but im not sure about that. I could be wrong. All 528e, 528i, 533i, 535i, 535is, M535i, M5 made within those years fall in that category.
[Edit by Nick C. on [TIME]1108439546[/TIME]]
[Edit by Nick C. on [TIME]1108439546[/TIME]]
[QUOTE="Jordan528e"]Thanks for all your help, I'm making headway. Tonbra gave me that seat (big thanks, it works great), and recommended this site to me. As for Dallas, I'll check my work/school shcedual.
Right now I've fixed the back brake light problem and have narrowed down the front turn signal problem. It's either the bulb or the bulb holder. I need to replace a front bulb anyway, and they come in packs of two, I'll see if the right bulb will fix my problem.
What bulb should I use for the front turn signals for the 528e? Brand name, type, anything I can find at the local Auto-Zone. I'm afraid the bulbs I got before might have been the wrong type, they look alot diffrent from the ones that were already in there.
P.S. I keep hearing the term "e28". What does it mean, and which BMW models fall under that category?
P.S.S. I'm getting interested in old BMWs. You guys know any site that has a list of all the old BMW models with pictures?
[Edit by Jordan528e on [TIME]1108436223[/TIME]][/QUOTE]
I recently changed the signal bulbs in my sisters 528e, and all I had to do was go into my local Baxters (AutoZone was less helpful), most chains will have a computer database to look up the bulb part number, if you tell them the model, year, and bulb function. I know that you can identify the euro bulbs with the pointy oval base contacts, instead of round base contacts. Bav Auto lists them as 1157, IIRC.
An E28 is the second generation of the five series body style. First was the E12, which came about in the early 70s. The E28 hit the United States with the advent of the 1982 528e. E28s include the 528e, 533i, 535i, 535is, M535i, M5, and the rare 524td. You can get a basic rundown of all the E- codes : http://www.bmwworld.com/models/cars.htm
Also I edited this post because it looks like Nick C. replied while I was typin away. Ah well, its bound to happen.
Chris
[Edit by pdx 528e on [TIME]1108443656[/TIME]]
Right now I've fixed the back brake light problem and have narrowed down the front turn signal problem. It's either the bulb or the bulb holder. I need to replace a front bulb anyway, and they come in packs of two, I'll see if the right bulb will fix my problem.
What bulb should I use for the front turn signals for the 528e? Brand name, type, anything I can find at the local Auto-Zone. I'm afraid the bulbs I got before might have been the wrong type, they look alot diffrent from the ones that were already in there.
P.S. I keep hearing the term "e28". What does it mean, and which BMW models fall under that category?
P.S.S. I'm getting interested in old BMWs. You guys know any site that has a list of all the old BMW models with pictures?
[Edit by Jordan528e on [TIME]1108436223[/TIME]][/QUOTE]
I recently changed the signal bulbs in my sisters 528e, and all I had to do was go into my local Baxters (AutoZone was less helpful), most chains will have a computer database to look up the bulb part number, if you tell them the model, year, and bulb function. I know that you can identify the euro bulbs with the pointy oval base contacts, instead of round base contacts. Bav Auto lists them as 1157, IIRC.
An E28 is the second generation of the five series body style. First was the E12, which came about in the early 70s. The E28 hit the United States with the advent of the 1982 528e. E28s include the 528e, 533i, 535i, 535is, M535i, M5, and the rare 524td. You can get a basic rundown of all the E- codes : http://www.bmwworld.com/models/cars.htm
Also I edited this post because it looks like Nick C. replied while I was typin away. Ah well, its bound to happen.
Chris
[Edit by pdx 528e on [TIME]1108443656[/TIME]]
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Jordan528e
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Thanks, I'm going to pick up a pair of 1157s tommorow.
Since this a help forum and all, I'll just say what I did to fix my problem. I can't guarantee these solutions to any extent past my own experience. When the back top brake lights weren't working, I just switched the left and right bulb and bulb holders and it worked great. Don't know why it did, but that's worth a try.
By the way Nick, is that license plate in your signature real? I didn't know you could have accented characters on a vanity plate.
Since this a help forum and all, I'll just say what I did to fix my problem. I can't guarantee these solutions to any extent past my own experience. When the back top brake lights weren't working, I just switched the left and right bulb and bulb holders and it worked great. Don't know why it did, but that's worth a try.
By the way Nick, is that license plate in your signature real? I didn't know you could have accented characters on a vanity plate.
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Velocewest
- Posts: 1558
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: UK
When you buy bulbs, be sure to buy the ones with nickel (silver color) bases, not brass. BMW electrical systems HATE brass base bulbs, and you WILL have gremlins. 10 BMW's over 15 years is my base of experience if anyone would like to argue the point... 
Wagner makes good nickel base bulbs, as does Sylvania. The double filament are 1157, the single filament are 1156. Tail lights are small 5w bulbs, I can't remember the number off the top of my head.
Wagner makes good nickel base bulbs, as does Sylvania. The double filament are 1157, the single filament are 1156. Tail lights are small 5w bulbs, I can't remember the number off the top of my head.
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Jordan528e
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
To complete this thread, I'll confirm the fix for that 2nd problem. Again I have no experience in this, it's just what worked for me.
If one or both of your turn signals are failing to work when the headlights or emergency lights are on, chances are using the wrong front turn signal bulbs. Try switching the bulb(s0 on the problem side(s) with 1157 bulbs.
Thanks for all the help, I'm so happy to be back in my BMW as opposed to the minivan or explorer.
If one or both of your turn signals are failing to work when the headlights or emergency lights are on, chances are using the wrong front turn signal bulbs. Try switching the bulb(s0 on the problem side(s) with 1157 bulbs.
Thanks for all the help, I'm so happy to be back in my BMW as opposed to the minivan or explorer.