Dodgy Indicator

[Rambam]

I've had this very small but somewhat annoying issue with my right indicator since I bought the car 3 years ago (2001 E46 320i). When engaged it almost always doubles its flicker speed for a couple of seconds (or minutes depending on how it feels) and then drops to the normal flicker rate. It's not a big deal, it just isnt right and looks like one bulb is blown but its not, all the bulbs are fine. Anyone else had a similar issue? It surely cant be the relay cause then the left one would also be acting up? The car does not have a tow bar.

Thanks!

 

[Sankekur]

The e46 seem to have grounding issue on the taillights that causes it to read older bulbs that are still working as being blown, on mine it when I turn my light on it intermittently reads the right side trailing light as being out even though it is fine. You might be having a similar issue, but just with the indicator. If you have a look at the connector to that light (right hand taillight) if the ground on it is burnt on or the connector is melted, the you can be sure you have a problem. This fis for this it to tap into the grounding wire and to connect it to the ground on the taillight, ie put another wire in parallel the current ground wire. You can search around a bit there a bunch of DIYs for it.

The has actually recently been a recall announced by by BMW in the US due to this problem, but they say its a US only problem, obviously :nonono: :facepalm:

 

[Twinz]

Yebo. The entire unit has to be replaced not only the bulb. They also reseal the light because water seeping in also affects the grounding.

 

[ChrisBrand]

My car started to do the same. But me and lighting issues go hand in hand so i don't even read into it. My Reg Number lights are not working and my one fog light is giving problems. :flyfun:

 

[Rambam]

Just for closure, this was sorted by my most awesome german mechanic raise:
in no time and at a cost of less than 1 hours labour. It was an earthing issue, apparently very common on the E46.

 

[Legacy]

Just for closure, this was sorted by my most awesome german mechanic raise:
in no time and at a cost of less than 1 hours labour. It was an earthing issue, apparently very common on the E46.

As was stated by Sankekur in the second post.