Some Questions I hope you can answer...

[EvilTwin]

Alright, I going through my e34 with a fine toothed comb before I give it to my dad, and I noticed a couple of things that I need to fix and that I have a question about...

1.) The center vent in the rear... does it only blow out cool/cold air? - Answer: Yes

2.) The right side temperature control... what does that control? - Answer: Controls the passenger side.

3.) What could be wrong when my HVAC controls will blow on all the speeds, but stops blowing on 1-3, and 4 works perfect. After a while, 1-3speeds will turn on again and work normal. - Answer: The sword

4.) The parking brake... When it's pulled up, is there supposed to be a light turned on in the gauge cluster? - Answer: Yes

5.) My "LIC PLATE LIGHT" on my gauge cluster always tells me it's out, but it never is... Should I just replace the 2 bulbs? - Answer: The wiring on the 'goose' neck was messed up

Thanks in advance... I know this isn't that technical and I probably should check it over, but I wasn't sure about the 1st three questions. Thanks again.

Edit: From the post below.


OH NOES! few more questions...

6.) Alright I fixed the parking brake light bulb... Where can I get more light bulbs that tiny? I think I am going to stock up on some...

7.) Gas gauge... Every now and then I have to tap the top of the cluster to get the gas gauge to get a reading. Why is that?

8.) Speedometer... When it's uber cold out, the speedometer doesn't work, but as soon as I hit normal temperature for my coolant, the speedometer kicks on.

9.) Gauge cluster... The LEDs writing (where as before I said 'LIC PLATE LIGHT') fades every now and then, and I have to tap it to make it work, why is that?

10.) Starting... When I start my car in the morning when it's cold outside, it takes an uber long time to start... I crank for about 10-15seconds before it actually sounds like it's going to turn on. It only happens when I start the car, don't let it warm up and shut it off. Like when I pull the car into the shop when it's been sitting outside.

Thanks again!

[cmar ireland]

Alright, I going through my e34 with a fine toothed comb before I give it to my dad, and I noticed a couple of things that I need to fix and that I have a question about...

1.) The center vent in the rear... does it only blow out cool/cold air? Cold air only

2.) The right side temperature control... what does that control? Passanger side temperature

3.) What could be wrong when my HVAC controls will blow on all the speeds, but stops blowing on 1-3, and 4 works perfect. After a while, 1-3speeds will turn on again and work normal. I think this is a commom problem with the switch

4.) The parking brake... When it's pulled up, is there supposed to be a light turned on in the gauge cluster? Yes

5.) My "LIC PLATE LIGHT" on my gauge cluster always tells me it's out, but it never is... Should I just replace the 2 bulbs? Maybe the bulbs are LED's? That would cause the error

Thanks in advance... I know this isn't that technical and I probably should check it over, but I wasn't sure about the 1st three questions. Thanks again.


:)

[clevertd]

http://bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/electrical/sword.htm

[EvilTwin]

4.) The bulbs are normal bulbs.

2.) Then the passenger side temperature controller doesn't work...

I guess I am going to have to remove my gauge cluster to find out why the parking brake light won't work... or it might be that i have a stuck switch... sigh.

Thanks a bunch!

[EvilTwin]

So I should go and get a new resistor?... and if not that, then I get the 'sword'

[clevertd]

According to the site, if it was built before week 2 in 1990, then a sword it is.

[flyeryan]

wait, the real question is why are you giving away your e34 to your dad? My dad would have to pry mine from my cold, dead fingers.

[EvilTwin]

Because I got a new project car. And if I don't give him the e34, I don't get to have money to play with the e30. PLUS it's even better that shes staying in the family vs. having to sell her off to be adopted... lol

OH NOES! few more questions...

6.) Alright I fixed the parking brake light bulb... Where can I get more light bulbs that tiny? I think I am going to stock up on some...

7.) Gas gauge... Every now and then I have to tap the top of the cluster to get the gas gauge to get a reading. Why is that?

8.) Speedometer... When it's uber cold out, the speedometer doesn't work, but as soon as I hit normal temperature for my coolant, the speedometer kicks on.

9.) Gauge cluster... The LEDs writing (where as before I said 'LIC PLATE LIGHT') fades every now and then, and I have to tap it to make it work, why is that?

10.) Starting... When I start my car in the morning when it's cold outside, it takes an uber long time to start... I crank for about 10-15seconds before it actually sounds like it's going to turn on. It only happens when I start the car, don't let it warm up and shut it off. Like when I pull the car into the shop when it's been sitting outside.

Thanks again!

[EvilTwin]

Man... I just realized my car was made in 02/89. Dammit, it's the sword. Eh, he can live with it not working all the time... lol.

[EvilTwin]

Hey, I got another question...

11.) I noticed that when I leave my head lights or parking lights on, it doesn't tell me that I left it on. There is no notification telling me to turn it off... Before it used to say "Light On?" Anybody know? Thanks.

Edit: Nevermind fixed my problem

[Erick]

well i never felt like the temperature control next to fan speeds ever worked always used the dial in the middle of the 2 vents in front.

[Binjammin]

If your car keeps telling you that you have a license plate light out and they both work correctly, you should check your wiring in the trunk at the gooseneck on the left side. This is a common wiring fail point on the e34 and will cause this type of problem.

[EvilTwin]

Erick - thanks for the tip.

Binjammin - thanks for the advice. I will check on that tomorrow.

Anybody know where I can get a muffler for the 5.25i?

[bmwpower]

Erick - thanks for the tip.

Binjammin - thanks for the advice. I will check on that tomorrow.

Anybody know where I can get a muffler for the 5.25i?

www.bimmerzone.com

[EvilTwin]

So does anyone know how the sword itself goes bad?

[Binjammin]

So does anyone know how the sword itself goes bad?

It's neglected through childhood by its parents. Bullied by the bigger kids, it turns to a life of crime to support the drug habit used to numb the self loathing.










The one in your car likely went bad from corrosion or just parts getting old. I've got one for sale, I'll check to see that it works correctly, but I've no reason to doubt it.

[bmwpower]

So does anyone know how the sword itself goes bad?

It's first in line to all the debris and moisture that comes into the HVAC box.

[EvilTwin]

So wouldn't you just be able to 'clean' it from all the corrosion and debris in order for it to work correctly again?

[bimmerweez]

10.) Starting... When I start my car in the morning when it's cold outside, it takes an uber long time to start... I crank for about 10-15seconds before it actually sounds like it's going to turn on. It only happens when I start the car, don't let it warm up and shut it off. Like when I pull the car into the shop when it's been sitting outside.

Does it start on the first crank before you cut it off and try to start it again?

[bmwpower]

So wouldn't you just be able to 'clean' it from all the corrosion and debris in order for it to work correctly again?

Maybe. Maybe not. Hard to clean corrosion once it has set in.

That and it's basically a circuit board, so cleaning it can destroy it.

[EvilTwin]

If your car keeps telling you that you have a license plate light out and they both work correctly, you should check your wiring in the trunk at the gooseneck on the left side. This is a common wiring fail point on the e34 and will cause this type of problem.

Alright... Well I looked at it all, and the wiring was a bit messed up. I just added a bit longer wire and resoldered it. So now the license plate light is working right. yay!