brake lights not working...'76 2002

[bmw1976]

when i put on the brakes..the brake lights don't work...that's it thought...turn signals and reverse lights work...i changed the bulbs...still nothing? is there a switch that i'm overlooking?

Jordan

[eastsidebimmer]

driver side near firewall, look str8t down at the pedal action...there is a 2 wire stoplight switch. Inexpensive at BMW dealer, same part for E30, etc. I think. In a pinch--try shooting it w/ WD40 to free it up if its stuck.

Ben

[Simon]

I had a similar problem a short while back. It was, indeed, the brake light switch. the switch is on the back of the brake booster mount. However, I would recommend using a real BMW part. My first attempt with a generic brake light switch just made the problem intermittent and prolonged the agony of searching out the problem.

By the way, it is a snap to put a new switch in, literaly it takes 5 minutes, if even that long.

Simon

[Jack]

I'm replacing the brake light switch on both my cars. Right above the brake booster is a two-wire switch and it has a plunger on it. It is spring loaded. When you push on the brake pedal the arm which rests on the plunger moves toward the front of the car allowing the spring to push the plunger out and close the switch, which in turn allows juice to the brake lights. The brake light switch is a +/- $10 part. It may test out good with your meter, but I found that it hangs up intermitently.

[Simon]

Just another tip, it's easiest to change the switch if you put a rod/stick/dowel between the driver's seat and a depressed brake pedal; hence, taking the brake mechanism off the switch plunger.

Simon

[adrenaline]

I'm replacing the brake light switch on both my cars. Right above the brake booster is a two-wire switch and it has a plunger on it. It is spring loaded. When you push on the brake pedal the arm which rests on the plunger moves toward the front of the car allowing the spring to push the plunger out and close the switch, which in turn allows juice to the brake lights. The brake light switch is a +/- $10 part. It may test out good with your meter, but I found that it hangs up intermitently.

Same issue with mine replaced it with a dealer part was 13 dollars after taxes I think. Worked right ever since

Peace

[ponyboy]

Mine too... brake light switch... after I did that, I messed with the tabs on one side tail lights as one of them wasnt lighting up for brakes...

The tabs can get corroded and loose pressure for the light bulbs... these are the tabs that the light bulbs push against when installed. If after changing brake light switch, no brake lights still, try cleanin the tabs that the brake light bulb goes to with a fine sand paper a little and make sure it is pressing against bulb fairly firmly when bulb is insstalled. If bulb is not pressing tab well, try carefull pushing the tab in towards the tail light unti some...

This made my light work on the one side as it didnt have good pressure to the bulb...

Oh by the way, mine is an early 1970 2002, so round tail lights...Not sure how the square lights tabs are...

I bet it is just the brake light switch though

Good Luck, Pony Boy

[bmw1976]

thanks all! that was the solution!