How to change the flasher in a BMW?

Car: 2003 325xi. The bulb has been changed already, but the indicator is still illuminated on the dash. Also, it still rapidly flashes when activated, so I know it's not the bulb. Is there something else I need to replace, and if so, is it simple to do?How to change the flasher in a BMW?There is no "flasher" unit in a BMW like in other older cars which you can replace.

In front, usually when you replace the bulb you have to replace the bulb socket too. The bulbs' lead contacts melt and the bulb sockets' get pitted/corroded. So changing just the bulb will not fully correct the problem and the checklight including the rapid flashing would still occur. In some cases, the contacts of the bulb sockets if not pitted, may have to be pulled nearer to the bulb.

At the back, the same thing happens to the bulbs. And you still have to check the contacts of the bulb socket. In some models which have a bulb carrier separate from the bulb sockets, the bulb carrier's point of contact to the bulb sockets can also get pitted/corroded.

Additionally, the wire/cable connectors to the rear light assy. have to be checked for burnt contacts. Usually the ground pin gets burnt.How to change the flasher in a BMW?
From what I gather, you're saying that your DRL are flashing on and off even though you already changed the bulb? And inside the car its also telling you you need to change your bulbs? I would say that if you inserted the bulb correctly and everything is in place, most likely your wires have gotten skinned somewhere (they either rubbed themselves or someone left some exposed wire by accident) and now that wire keeps touching some metal and your lights and OnBoardComputer doesn't know whats happening. I would check out the wires, I had a similar problem with my tail lights and the wires were the problem. Hopefully that's your only problem, otherwise your OBC might be messed up.How to change the flasher in a BMW?check the connectors... where the wiring harness connects to the bulb... i had that problem with my tail lights, and it turns out when i plugged it back in, one of the prongs were bent by accident and did not go into the proper hole.

But that's the tail lights... I've never had to replace my signals yet.

-- own a 2003 E46 as well.How to change the flasher in a BMW?
Did you check the third brake light(the one that shines through the rear window) to see if it is working? Sometimes people forget to check this light when the display indicates a bulb is burnt out.How to change the flasher in a BMW?Just adding to the other guys here they covered some good points but they over looked the fact it maybe be this simple.





1. Check and make sure they are the correct wattage bulbs.

2. Look where all the bulbs are on the side that does not flash rapidly then make sure all the bulbs are good on the fast flashing side. Some cars have more that one bulb at each corner.



When a flasher flashes fast that is a built in feature to let you know there is a bulb out. STILL there may be a more serious problem but the "flasher" is not the problem.