e46 blown headlight bulb warning - but bulbs working??/

[Spoiler]

Hi Guys - I'm a new member but an old BMW owner. I'm on my third generation 318i - had a lovely diamond black e30 with black leather sports seats for several years, then an E36 and now my e46 Touring.

A few weeks ago I had a minor fender bender dropping my son at school - repaired in a week. Shortly after this, the left front blown bulb warning came on.

All bulbs including the front fogs work fine. I changed the dip beam with a new bulb and the warning disappeared briefly only to reappear when I next started the car.

I have seen a thread here about tail light warning problems and was wondering if anyone else hadany suggestions re the cause.

 

[freerider]

You have a bad earth somewhere there, check all points and connections.

 

[SPIDER]

Hi Guys - I'm a new member but an old BMW owner. I'm on my third generation 318i - had a lovely diamond black e30 with black leather sports seats for several years, then an E36 and now my e46 Touring.

A few weeks ago I had a minor fender bender dropping my son at school - repaired in a week. Shortly after this, the left front blown bulb warning came on.

All bulbs including the front fogs work fine. I changed the dip beam with a new bulb and the warning disappeared briefly only to reappear when I next started the car.

I have seen a thread here about tail light warning problems and was wondering if anyone else hadany suggestions re the cause.

I have the same problem and also replaced all my bulbs and the light still remains on.

 

[msm]

95% chance that it's the small park light bulb. Even if it is working, these cause issues. Try swapping just the 2 small park light bulbs from the left to the right light and see if the problem moves with the bulb.

---

I have the same problem and also replaced all my bulbs and the light still remains on.

On older bulbs, you get these issues even if they still work. The problem is that the resistance gradually increases with age and this causes the bulb error, as the computer checks resistance to determine if a bulb is blown.

Some aftermarket bulbs also cause this issue. Best way is to identify which bulb it is and change that one only.

Could also be the earthing problem, but IIRC this is usually on the rear lights.

 

[Spoiler]

Msm I think you may be right - the flippin park light is blown in that side of my car:bravo:

 

[msm]

Msm I think you may be right - the flippin park light is blown in that side of my car:bravo:

:thumbs: I think you can get these for about R10 a Midas .... replace both while you're at it.

 

[Sankekur]

I agree with msm, check those park light bulbs first. Had a issue with one of mine as well when I got my car.
Might be a good idea to check the grounding in anyway while you are at it.

 

[Twinz]

Thx guys, this has helped me as well. My bulb warning light has also been coming and going but everything seems to work. Will check the park bulbs and earth. :thumbs:

 

[whattingh]

Also make sure your plugs is properly connecter. I know my headlight plug is a bit of bitch to fully get on. Must go on till you get the click.