Member
Hi All z3 knowledgeable people,
I have a 98 z3 1.9 with no light under the hood. I do however have a moment switch by the driver's side headlight. Does anybody know if this is the switch for a hood light? If so should I have a light under the hood and it's missing?
Thanks,
Life is Amazingly short. Everything you do should put a smile on your face and those around you.
Literally a Cat
It's for the alarm system option.
Member
I have not heard of an under-hood light for a Z3. Mine does not have one.
Your switch could be part of an alarm system.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/96-BMW-Z3-HO...-/271084976247
BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405
Member
Thank you. I don't have the factory alarm system so I guess the button is there for all vehicles. I did have a previous 97 z3 2.8 L that was fully loaded with a light under the hood. I believe it worked with a mercury switch. The light came in really handy for checking fluids and I really miss it on the 98 1.9.
I am going to test the little switch with a volt meter. It would be great if it turned on with the hood up. If so, I'll wire an Led light to it.
Life is Amazingly short. Everything you do should put a smile on your face and those around you.
Sim Simma
Moderator
Dont think any Z3's came with an underhood light from the factory
Coupeless Racer
There's also no "factory" alarm system, they were all dealer-installed. But they are all pre-wired for that alarm system, and yes, that is an alarm switch.
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Thin Air
That switch is open when the hood is up. You may be able to get a relay to make it work to turn on a light when the hood is open.Originally Posted by MPKaier
2002 M Roadster, Steel Gray Metailic, Gray Nappa Leather, Black Soft Top, Steel Gray Metailic Hard Top, TC Kline Double Adj Shocks with H&R Springs, Stromung Exhaust, SSR Type C Wheels. Looking for a new home.
2022 Z4 M40i, Misano Blue Metallic, Prem Pkg, Driver Assistance Pkg
2023 X5 M50, Phytonic Blue, Black Extended Merion Leather, Driving Asst Pro Pkg, Park Asst Pkg, Exec Pkg, Climate Comfort Pkg.
Member
I wouldn't bother - the switch is notoriously unreliable!
Thin Air
This is true too. I have gone through three of them before I just unplugged it.
2002 M Roadster, Steel Gray Metailic, Gray Nappa Leather, Black Soft Top, Steel Gray Metailic Hard Top, TC Kline Double Adj Shocks with H&R Springs, Stromung Exhaust, SSR Type C Wheels. Looking for a new home.
2022 Z4 M40i, Misano Blue Metallic, Prem Pkg, Driver Assistance Pkg
2023 X5 M50, Phytonic Blue, Black Extended Merion Leather, Driving Asst Pro Pkg, Park Asst Pkg, Exec Pkg, Climate Comfort Pkg.
Member
Yep...mine doesn't work either. I unplugged mine so the alarm system would work.
2000 Atlanta Blue Z3 2.5L 5 speed manual with factory hartop.
Grumpy
BMW CCA Member
The radio theft switch is very problematic when an aftermarket radio is installed. When it causes problems, the hood switch,which is on the same branch, often gets the blame.
/.randy
Member
It could have lights...
Thin Air
My hood switch issues were prior to switching out my radio. I now have both unplugged.
2002 M Roadster, Steel Gray Metailic, Gray Nappa Leather, Black Soft Top, Steel Gray Metailic Hard Top, TC Kline Double Adj Shocks with H&R Springs, Stromung Exhaust, SSR Type C Wheels. Looking for a new home.
2022 Z4 M40i, Misano Blue Metallic, Prem Pkg, Driver Assistance Pkg
2023 X5 M50, Phytonic Blue, Black Extended Merion Leather, Driving Asst Pro Pkg, Park Asst Pkg, Exec Pkg, Climate Comfort Pkg.
Member
Thanks everyone. Knowing that it is useless and often breaks is good knowledge. I like what Randy did. Nice illumination.
Life is Amazingly short. Everything you do should put a smile on your face and those around you.
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