Intermittent Indicator Problem

[donteatthat]

Hi All,

I have a 2009 Z4 (new shape) and seemed to have developed a problem with the passenger rear indicator. So I indicate left and the dash light flashes quickly and rear indicator doesn't work.

Have taken it to my local (non bmw) garage who cant find anything wrong with it. (sods law always works when its with them although they can see the warning details when they plug it so there is proof). So they "clean it up" but still intermittent fault which seems to be getting worse. Im not techie so reliant on garages but if they dont know.. er..

I guess their next step is to replace the entire unit, guess that's not cheap.

Thanks for reading.

Simon

 

[Maniac]

Check for water in the rear lenses. Water can accumulate at the bottom from leaks or condensation and this can short out the indicators. I've had this.

Get someone to rock the car while you look at the lens and if there is water it will move.

 

[HillWalker]

Hi Maniac Welcome back. Where ya bin? Missed your knowledgeable input, not many been on here as long as us.

 

[donteatthat]

Hey maniac, thanks for that, couldn't see any water when rocking the car. Doesn't look like any damp in there at all.

The non bmw mechanics have obviously tried to clean and reset everything.

One thing, it does seem to be worse then the car is sued first thing, it tends to work more if Ive been driving around for a bit?

Thanks again, really appreciate it.

Simon

 

[cr0147]

When I had the exact same problem it was definitely water ingress. You're looking for more of a fine condensation against the inside of the plastic rather than pooling if that helps. Had the indicators replaced free twice, under guarantee and the under good will

 

[HillWalker]

Its a known and very common problem with the earlier E89, they need to replace the whole rear light unit, mine went wrong when the car was only three weeks old.

 

[donteatthat]

Thanks everyone. Really appreciate you all taking the time to respond.

One more thing, would you recommend a local garage for the repair or an official bmw dealer in this case?

Both seem pretty good to be honest, but if it's a whole unit?

I'm in surrey if anyone knows a decent option.

Simon

 

[Z42b]

Not sure if this is the correct one for your car, but you can soon do a search on here if it's not http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_Z4+Roadster_2.5_2010/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/lighting1/rear-light/?478112510&1&a5ff6a30339e6d76ec95b235f60984b5adf25254&000269

It gives you an idea of price anyway!

I'm sure someone can tell you how to change the rear light on here! It will probably only have a few connections and then just pop out, no seals to renew I wouldn't think.

EDIT* few on ebay as welll http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xe89+rear+light&_nkw=e89+rear+light&_sacat=0

 

[donteatthat]

Thanks z42b..

 

[donteatthat]

Hi just an update, my garage again couldn't find an issue so going to change. One thing is that the hazard lights work all the time but indicator intermittent still. Sigh...

 

[dario]

This happens on my F11 525. Identical! Must be something to do with LED lamps

 

[ronk]

Hi Maniac Welcome back. Where ya bin? Missed your knowledgeable input, not many been on here as long as us.

+ 1

 

[ronk]

I was feeling a bit smug that my car hadn't got any damp/condensation droplets in the rear indicator - until today!
The offside has developed more than I would like to see. It's only on the lens at this time.

I've been on holiday in Germany for a couple of weeks and the car is normally in the garage at night and it's a fair weather car at home. There have been some very hot days and some very cold wet ones so not a good combo for enclosed condensation problems.

I seem to remember reading here that these units aren't covered on the BMW insured warranty ?

 

[flybobbie]

When my rear indicator failed there was water sloshing around in the bottom of the lense. The result was the rear stopped flashing, but the side and front went to about two flashes a second mode. Drying the units when removed with a fan heater, then sealing with Evostick cured the problem.
Never had a failure with just a few dribbles of condensation.

Might have to just bite the bullet and obtain another unit.

 

[ronk]

I wonder which company manufacture the lamp units for BMW .
Maybe it's the same one that supply Europarts?