Hazard Switch Question

[HelenWheels]

I recently purchased a 1980 320i that has a blown Hazard Warning Switch, so naturally the horn, headlights and turn signals do not work so I can't legally drive the car. The switch I need, according to realoem.com is 61 31 1 364 525, but they are impossible to find (all on backorder). Ecstuning.com has a switch it says will work on the E21 320i and the number is 61 31 1 356 584, which is available. My question is, can I use the available one somehow? Why are there so many pins on the back of these? I looks like there are 7 pins on the one I'm supposed to use and there are 8 pins on the available one.

[amarino]

The different part numbers could be a different switch for an early style E21 where the hazard switch is mounted under / next to the instrument cluster vs the later style E21s have it on the heater control panel on the center console.

Below is a copy of the Electrical Troubleshooting Manuals (ETM). I would recommend to save them all offline for future reference if you need them. You can compare between an early and later year one and see what pins are missing / different:
https://web.archive.org/web/20161017...om/e21info.htm

[320iAman]

Look Here

BMW 320i, 733i - Emergency Flasher Switch
Item# OE-61311364525
Regular price: $53.42
Sale price: $33.96
Availability: Usually ships the same business day
classicgarage_2272_610322370.jpg

https://classicgarage.com/bmw3273emfls.html

Randy

[pofo]

I think I got mine off amazon couple years ago. Did you check ebay?

[amarino]

Might still be a shortage that was posted about last year: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...witch-Shortage

[okieflats]

Where is the thread where someone shows how to repair one, repair it so it's better than new and lasts? Is the OP's problem the common issue where the thing pops on by itself?

- - - Updated - - -

check these links for repair info

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...Switch-Removal

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...flasher-repair

[okieflats]

e21 flasher 1.jpge21 flasher 2.jpge21 flasher 3.jpg

[okieflats]

It's the pin that can be clearly seen in this picture, bent outward. It is responsible for the clicking, ball point pen type on/off mechanism. The arm below the pin needs to be bent in so its not splayed out. Then the pin will be able to hold the button in.

[320iAman]

Someone bought one from the link I posted.. the price went up to $48.96 + regular price went up, the early bird gets the worm..


Randy

[okieflats]

That things only worth $10

[cgifool]

Note that the repair doesn't actually make anything "better than new and lasts". Just resets the clock until the next time it fails

[okieflats]

I took one out of the parts car I scraped, took it apart, looked at that "pin." Broke it and chucked it. So I am prepared to fix the one I have, knowing what is involved and what it looks like inside. For now it is being held in with a paper clip.

[msiert]

I painted my paper clip black, you can hardly see it!

[msiert]

Tried Bimmer World and they said the hazard switch is on permanent back order, with no date given for approximate restock.

Only one I tried lately but last I heard (last November) from several venders was spring to summer of 2021 for restocking.