urgent - indicators flashing too fast

hey all

i just signed up here my name is jono, from australia.

i did also post on bimmer forums as i want to try and get this fixed asap

i have just bought my first bmw being a 2000 318i after having all hondas, so im new to it all really and have no idea where to start

basically my problem is that my indicators on my 2000 318i, both passenger side and driver side, flash fast, then will slow down to normal.

now this happens on the driver side more frequently, being the right side of the car due to being in australia.

i have checked all indicator bulbs and they are all working

can anyone help out??

if anyone could give as much info as possible, even pics, because i have no idea where to look when working on my Bmw.

hope everyone can help

cheers

Check the bulb sockets for any corrosion and also check your tail light grounds.

Originally Posted by Solidjake

Check the bulb sockets for any corrosion and also check your tail light grounds.

how can i tell if they are corroded or the grounds arent good?

I have the same problem

Check the bulb sockets for any corrosion and also check your tail light grounds.

do as He says^^^..there are also plenty of thread with pics on this matter..

http://www.frontiernet.net/~papi/e46...Light_Fix.html

how do you access the front indicators?

follow this..

http://www.diymybmw.com/e46/dice-ipo...ation-install/

Originally Posted by haurelio

follow this..

http://www.diymybmw.com/e46/dice-ipo...ation-install/

Not sure how that Shows how to access the front indicators

How much would it cost to get it looked at bmw?

did you change the bulbs to LED?

Originally Posted by flickinswitches

Not sure how that Shows how to access the front indicators

How much would it cost to get it looked at bmw?

Depends on what the dealer rate is. It is an easy fix. Not sure on the 2001 model year but on my 2002 MY is accesed by a small cutout at the very front end of the fender under the hood. In my car it was a screw type attachment. Unscrew the screw and the asembly will come out easily. Replace the bulb and then it should work fine. I believe on some models it is a push type tab (be gentle) to release the corner light assembly. Be careful in pulling the assembly out as it is attached in two places: one is like a plug in a round hole and the other is a two prong plastic where the screw tightens down. The prongs can break easily if not careful in fitting it back in the car.

Originally Posted by E46iT

did you change the bulbs to LED?

+1 if you did change to LEDs did you put in resistors? If not that's why they blink fast

Originally Posted by THECLEANERBEAMER

+1 if you did change to LEDs did you put in resistors? If not that's why they blink fast

Yep 8 ohm resistors worked for my LEDs fixed the hyper blinking.

If OP has bulbs, then its probably the springy metal conductor strip, has bent downward away from the bulb, Easy to bend/ pry it back up a bit... and/or the bulb tip is corroded or worn down.

Originally Posted by E46iT

did you change the bulbs to LED?

nahh i havent changed them to led

Originally Posted by ///MPR77

Yep 8 ohm resistors worked for my LEDs fixed the hyper blinking.

If OP has bulbs, then its probably the springy metal conductor strip, has bent downward away from the bulb, Easy to bend/ pry it back up a bit... and/or the bulb tip is corroded or worn down.

mmm maybe ill look at getting new bulbs then

im just not sure what to look for and how to access all the bulbs.

bit of a noob!

With this guys ... When the hazards are on are they meant to flash fast also?

Because they don't...

Also, could it be something like a battery on its way out or something?

I believe hazards flash at the same speed as indicators regularly should not 100% sure

It's just weird that the hazards flash at normal speed while the left and right indicators when used individually flash slow then fast then slow and sometimes not fast and sometimes not slow

I have a 2001 325i and was getting the same fast flash to slow flashing blinkers on the drivers side rear, also getting the dash warning light. Then the brake light failed. I replaced all the bulbs to no avail.
I found out that a common problem with this model is that the the fixture where you plug the wires into the lighting unit in the back is prone to short out.
The car is 11 years old and the plastics just disintegrate causing a short. I ordered a "Part #: 61 13 8 369 TAIL LIGHT BULB SOCKET WIRING HARNESS PLUG REPAIR KIT $27.95" from Bavarian Autosport, it came with complete instructions and was an easy fix, even though I don't know a thing about wiring.

FlickingSwitches, my first suggestion would be to buy the Bentley Manual for your car. they are expensive, but well worth it. They have plenty of photos and diagrams, I have very little auto repair experience, but between the forums and the manual you should be able to handle most small repairs and fixes.
I'll try to get some photos posted tonight.

Thanks for the reply deadfish

If you could get pics would be awesome !

I would then know where exactly to look

I just feel I'm way out of my depth

A pic of the fixture you are talking about would be good

As soon as Tropical Storm Sandy quits raining on my parade I will.