Turn Signal Indicator - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Anita · 22nd April 2003, 01:40

A few days ago, I heard a chime but found no problem. A short time later, my right turn signal indicator began flashing faster then normal. I looked and found the right, front turn signal lamp was unlit. I let it go for a day or two and the signal indicator still flashed faster then normal. Last night, suddenly the fast flashing stopped and the bulb was relit.
Anyone else had this happen? Advice? Meaning?
Thanks,
Anita

GNALUZU · 22nd April 2003, 02:00

This has happened to me twice. In the two years I have had the M5 the front, driver's side, turn signal bulb has burnt out.

I have learned to recognize that when the bulb is burnt out, or about to burn out, the signal blinks twice or three times as fast.

My dealer has replaced them for free, and I usually just pull into the drive and they switch the bulb right there.

XrayMD · 22nd April 2003, 04:40

Hey Anita...nice to hear from you again!

2 things: The turn signal bulb burned out or disconnected will result in the fast blink.

The fact that it started working again may be because of a bad bulb socket. This happened in Tony's X5 in one of the rear brake lights and would drive him crazy because he'd get a ding and the dash would read brake light failure and then later it would go away so when you looked at the brakelights, they'd be fine...then it would happen again. The SA at the dealer figured out the problem and replaced the sockets and all is well.

Anita · 22nd April 2003, 18:00

GNALUZU,
Thank you for the feedback. I'll swing by the dealer one day this week and have a talk with them--I know they are always happy to see my smiling face. LOL

Steve,
Glad to see you around and in one piece--haven't been riding any motorcycles recently have you? But most of all, I glad the bulb craziness happened to Tony and not to you. I'll inform the dealer of what you told me re: the socket.

Thanks to you both,
Anita

MAH · 22nd April 2003, 18:11

Anita,

This is an indication of a loose bulb in one of the front turn signals. I have had it occur on both sides in my car. I finally wedged both of the bulbs into the sockets with some wire, but this is just a home made fix. Take it to the dealer and I am sure they can take care of it for you.

Mark

Anita · 22nd April 2003, 18:36

Mark,
Thank you very much for the info--I'm going stomping into the dealers soon.
Anita

Suretyagent · 23rd April 2003, 02:21

Dear Anita and Other Members:

I had the same thing happen to me over a period of six weeks. My front passenger side turn signal bulb would go out (fast flashing indication inside) but then it would correct itself a short time later.

My tech told me it was the bulb itself. He said the filament deteriorates but does not completely break and it causes this on-again/off-again problem. He replaced the bulb and now it's fine.

Derek

Anita · 23rd May 2003, 17:20

Follow Up From Dealership Service on Bulb Issue

When at the dealers last week I had the SA pull the turn signal bulb out for me and show me what the problem was. There were two thin wires that wrapped around the base of the bulb and one of the wires appeared corroded and burnt in a spot. The SA then said that they always replace the socket too because the coresponding part on the socket would be affected too. He said the problem is caused by the thinness of the wire and the weather elements.

FYI Part #'s for passenger turn signal bulb replacement are:

63-12-6-902-447 Bulb Yellow and
63-12-6-908-408 Bulb Socket

Hope this provides some "enlightenment" on the issue. Ha Ha

Anita

Suretyagent · 23rd May 2003, 20:41

Good to hear the problem is solved. Thanks for reporting back.

Derek

XrayMD · 23rd May 2003, 21:33

Anita...

Quote:

The fact that it started working again may be because of a bad bulb socket.

Not that I'd ever say "I told you so"!!!