No reverse lights or backup switch?

ashgotti · 05-12-2013, 07:03 AM

Hello all.

I've noticed that I don't have reverse lights. I checked my wiring loom from the trunk and the previous owner had done some repairs. I tested the wires with a multimeter to see if they were getting power and it looks like they are. I tested the bulbs and they're OK too.

I found the part number for the reverse light switch, went to the dealer, and bought it only to spend an hour under the car looking for it on the transmission. I have a 2000 323i. I went on realoem and can't find it in the diagrams. Does the 2000 323i even have the switch? All the posts I've read said it's a 10 min job and it's in plain sight. I traced all the wires going to the transmission but don't see it.

I'm not sure what to do now, the only thing I can think of is to check the wiring again in the trunk.

fiveightandten · 05-12-2013, 07:34 AM

It should be on the driver's side, near the top, slightly behind the slave cylinder and pointing out towards the side.

It's #15 here:

That is a Getrag 5 speed manual. If you have a different transmission that won't hold true.

dmax · 05-12-2013, 07:38 AM

Check the wiring again...getting power is one thing...having a ground is another. See my elephant trunk thread and yank all the wires apart. Almost guaranteed that's it...I just know these things! lol

05-12-2013, 07:34 AM	#2
fiveightandten Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 776 My Ride: '03 330ci / '98 M3 View My Garage	It should be on the driver's side, near the top, slightly behind the slave cylinder and pointing out towards the side. It's #15 here: That is a Getrag 5 speed manual. If you have a different transmission that won't hold true. __________________ -Nick Last edited by fiveightandten; 05-12-2013 at 07:35 AM.

05-12-2013, 07:38 AM	#3
dmax Stay stock my friends! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Unit I Posts: 21,142 My Ride: '99 328i 1.03809 mu View My Garage	Check the wiring again...getting power is one thing...having a ground is another. See my elephant trunk thread and yank all the wires apart. Almost guaranteed that's it...I just know these things! lol __________________ This huge woman, like 400 pounds comes up to me and says, "Doug, I would rock your world." I replied, "but I need to breathe." The girl in my sig:http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...highlight=dmax

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05-12-2013, 07:03 AM	#1
ashgotti Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 8 My Ride: 2000 323i View My Garage	No reverse lights or backup switch? Hello all. I've noticed that I don't have reverse lights. I checked my wiring loom from the trunk and the previous owner had done some repairs. I tested the wires with a multimeter to see if they were getting power and it looks like they are. I tested the bulbs and they're OK too. I found the part number for the reverse light switch, went to the dealer, and bought it only to spend an hour under the car looking for it on the transmission. I have a 2000 323i. I went on realoem and can't find it in the diagrams. Does the 2000 323i even have the switch? All the posts I've read said it's a 10 min job and it's in plain sight. I traced all the wires going to the transmission but don't see it. I'm not sure what to do now, the only thing I can think of is to check the wiring again in the trunk.