Headlight issues (parkinglight)

[GabeS]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and please don't mind my bad English I am no native.
I' ve got a problem with my headlights. I bought a rhd e30 325i and restored it over the past two years, which means everything was disassembled. The only problem I've got, if it is even a problem (at least lhd e30's don't do it), is that if I have my ignition and the parking lights on the headlights are glowing. It's not like them being on or something they just glow slightly. I' ve already checked all grounds and the light switch. They are ok and everything else works fine.
I hope you can help me out.

Greetings
Gabe

[GabeS]

I Need to add, that if the ignition isn‘t on the low beam isn‘t glowing

[martauto]

Firstly, welcome to the zone mate.
You have dim dip headlights which were all the rage years ago.
The side lights change to dim headlights with the engine/ignition on but the headlights will still work as normal.
There are two connectors on the left side inner wing under the bonnet which if you pull apart will do away with this feature.

Any way loads of pics please of the car and where are you from mate ?

Mart.

[GabeS]

Hi,

I am from Germany. I bought an rhd e30 because the prices for decent 325i's in Germany are sometimes irrational and I have no problems with sitting on the wrong side (dependent where you live). The paint is on some spots a bit rough but after my engineering degree I will repaint it.

The car is not fully assembled. Some parts are getting cleaned.

IMG_6096.jpg

Here is a photo of the parking light without the ignition on

IMG_0489.jpg

now with ignition on

IMG_1095.jpg

and the lowbeam

IMG_5558.jpg

You meant that this might be normal?

Greetings
Gabe

[GabeS]

The focus was mainly on the technical things like the engine (completely rebuild with forged pistons), bearings, breaks, rust (luckily there was almost none) and hoses.
Almost every part was sandblasted and repainted. The things that need to be done in the future (when university is done) is a new paint job and a new exhaust system.
But first my dad wants to fully restore his 86 318i baur. But there we want to go the full route and not like the budget friendly version for a student.

[ChrisHC]

Welcome to the Zone!

If the problem is a dim-dip arrangement you will find resistors looking like the picture below fitted at the forward edge of the inner wheel arch behind the headlights on the passenger side of your Right Hand Drive car.

Dim-dip resistors.jpg

[GabeS]

Ok thanks for your help. I found them. I had the concern that I made a wiring mistake.

[ChrisHC]

Pleased we were able to help, I had the same concern that I had introduced a strange fault on my car! If you want to disable this feature, just follow the wiring back and you will come across two black connectors and disconnect them, nothing else will be affected. Or leave it to act as running lights.

[Ukhozi]

There are times, like this, when I am glad I have a '87 E30, so much simpler.

[GabeS]

I haven't mentioned the "professionally" installed air-conditioning and window regulators. Gladly everything workes now. on the 4th June I have an appointment with the German TÜV (is the equivalent to MOT in the UK). I wonder if anyone else in the UK has the 89 model with the catless exhaust and the higher compression ratio. Because here in Germany a car like this doesn't exist.

[Brianmoooore]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the lights on this car. They are working as intended.

If you turn up at a UK MOT testing station with a car that doesn't officially exist, such as an E30 with a M5x engine, or even a touring with a 318iS engine, then you are exempted from some of the emissions regulations.

[GabeS]

I just asked because on german e30s this Feature is dissabled and this might cause Problems at the Test if this isn‘t intended.

[martauto]

There are times, like this, when I am glad I have a '87 E30, so much simpler.

My 87` Baur had these on...........had!!

Mart.

[Brianmoooore]

Why so much hate for a safety feature that was ahead of the pack at the time, and is now compulsory?

[martauto]

Why so much hate for a safety feature that was ahead of the pack at the time, and is now compulsory?

I just dont like them, if it looks gloomy enough for side lights then I put the headlights on .

Mart.