Reverse Light - Not working

[E30M3EVO]

Hi Guys,

Both reverse lights at the back are not working and the following troubleshooting has been carried out:

1. Bulbs - both ok
2. Wiring all ok around shifter after removing gaiter.

Been told the culprit may be the reverse switch located on the transmission casing.

How easy is it to replace and any tests I can do to make sure its the reverse switch at fault.

Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

Reverse light switch is of a very poor internal design, so is quite likely to be your problem. To make sure, disconnect the plug and socket by the base of the gear lever, short together the two pins of the half that doesn't go down through the grommet, and turn the ignition on. Reverse lamps should light.
Switch is high up on the RH side of the gearbox, and simply unscrews after pulling off the Lucar type connectors.
It's just about possible without any dismantling, but you can undo the gearbox crossmember and drop the rear of the box a little on a jack to make it easier. There's very little weight supported by it, but keep an eye on the fan to radiator/shroud clearance.

[E30M3EVO]

Thanks Brian, always gives accurate technical advise.

Will give it a go this weekend

[Sanchez]

Last switch I bought from BMW was £7.

[E30M3EVO]

Thanks guys

Before i attempt this, will i expect gearbox oil to pour out when this is removed and will it need topping up again. Sorry if its stupid question, just want to be prepared.

Thanks

[E30M3EVO]

Thanks guys

Before i attempt this, will i expect gearbox oil to pour out when this is removed and will it need topping up again. Sorry if its stupid question, just want to be prepared.

Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

Nothing will come out when you remove the switch (unless you roll the car over for access.)

[E30M3EVO]

Guys,

All done and working. 19mm flex head spanner makes it easy.

Thanks for all your help

[Brianmoooore]

[corkie]

Mine is also stoped working,ive had it replaced about 5years ago but i cant remember if it was a ecp one or the stealers where did you get it from and how much please?

[Duncmasterflex]

Mine is also stoped working,ive had it replaced about 5years ago but i cant remember if it was a ecp one or the stealers where did you get it from and how much please?

Yeah I'd also like to know as mine needs replacing too

[BHadley]

Mine was from a motor factors, around £8 for a intermotor brand (seeing as it's only a switch)

[ACJJ619]

Sorry to hijack, but mine isn't working either, only I've got an M52 engine with I BELIEVE an E36 318is gearbox. Is the switch still located on the upper right of the gearbox? Right being offside, correct?

[Brianmoooore]

There are many reasons why reverse lights might not be working, and a duff switch is just one of them. TEST first, by shorting together the two wires at the plug and socket by the base of the gear lever, that connects the loom that goes down through the gear lever grommet to the body loom.
Even if that brings the lights on, then it could still be just a broken or disconnected wire under the car.
Switch is still in the same place on an E36 box, but uses a different electrical connector. You may have an E30 switch fitted with the original loom, an E36 switch with a loom made up with the correct plugs, or some hybrid bodge up.

[corkie]

£24.38 from the stealers are these a sealed unit or is it possible to take it apart?

[E30M3EVO]

Guys,

I bought mine from GSF with 43% off using code sept43, this is valid for September only. The total cost was around £7 and did the job with Brian's steps.

[corkie]

Gsf part for my car is comming up with 19mm spanner with m15 thread and ecp come up with 19mm spanner and m12 thread

[Brianmoooore]

ecp: 1 gsf: 0

[corkie]

Ta

[corkie]

Stupid question again !does it matter which way round the wires re-attach

[Brianmoooore]

Not in the slightest!

[corkie]

Realy ?i dont know i havent done the job yet !!

[corkie]

Mine is 22mm