BMW E31 Buyers Guide - Part 3 - External Lighting + LED's

[@wherethebasshertz1858]

Absolute top man! Goes out of his way for an in-depth, how to, technical support and advice. Thanks Tim keep up the good work!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks, and always my pleasure!

[@wherethebasshertz1858]

Hi Tim. What bulb is suitable for the Park/Side light? Also, do visit any shows across the nation? It would be good meet up to have a chat 👍

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

@@wherethebasshertz1858 The bulb types are shown in the video, but are: BA15d 21w/5w for the fronts (or an LED equivalent) and the rears are BA15S 5W. No, don't do car shows any more!

[@wherethebasshertz1858]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation hi Timm, Many thanks for the update and details!

[@davidgreen1504]

Wow Tim's the godfather of 8 series hands down✔mate.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I'm not THAT old!

[@pussygalore5947]

Excellent!...." thank you" from my 840ci in Sarasota FL

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thank you my cross-Atlantic friend!

[@marlonhouston6685]

PussyGalore I’m sure with that car. 😀

[@waltinhounderground6468]

Ich werde es in einer Miniatur für 1 1/18 machen, die ich von Maisto habe, und ich fand den Kontext sehr gut. Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Grüße aus Brasilien.

[@longmoormilitary-railway7620]

Das ist sehr nett von dir! Grüße aus Großbritannien!

[@0x8080]

Awesome, best videos for us 8 series owners!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thank you!

[@mlatif8525]

Hi Tim, what’s your thoughts on HID kits ? Not seen anyone put them on or not many seller. Thanks

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I can't really comment as I have never fitted them - but they will suffer from the same problems as LED's and couldn't be used in the dipped beams or fog lights as the beam pattern will be all over the place. Still, as main beams they have a lot going for them as you can get a lot of light from them!

[@TheKeenMechanic]

Great video. Quality content as usual

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@adrianocarlucci4029]

Hello MR Tim I am trying to change my FTP ON MY 840ci, bulbs to LED bulbs The OBC detect error!! Trying to add resistor!! Not working!!!!! Any help ........pls 🙏🏻!!! THABKS

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Read this first: www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/BMW_E31_Solving_Side_Light_Failure_Messages_when_using_LED_Sidelights_in_the_FTP.htm To check if the PTC or LED is the problem switch on the sidelights BEFORE putting the key in the ignition - if you still get the error message then the LED you have chosen does not demand enough current to fool the LKM. If you don't get the error message then ensure the PTC is soldered in correctly and is the type as linked on meeknet

[@adrianocarlucci4029]

Thanks Tim You’re certainly the Guru on BMW e31 Many thanks indeed Cheers🙏🏻

[@marcwilliamson4950]

What if you dnt have cruise control. Can i do led brake lights?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

You will get errors on the MID saying you have a bulb failure - but apart from that they will work

[@glively8730]

Great video and great information on your "Timm's BMW E31 8-series" website. I recently stumbled on it trying to fix a problem. I have owned my 1996 840Ci since 1997 and wish I had seen your videos before now, your sites are fantastic! Maybe you can assist, the K39 relay that operates the pop feature of the headlights is intermittent and the part is NLA, I considered contact cleaner spray in the module, any suggestions?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Yes, they can be re-soldered (or reflowed more accurately), they have some heavy components on the PCB (it is much more than a relay and has some electronics inside), and the heavier components strain the PCB causing solder defects. This is quite a normal problem on these so don't panic - and those relays have been NLA for a while now!

[@glively8730]

Thanks TImm, is that an amateur solder repair or take to an electronics shop? Is the joint fairly obvious?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

@@glively8730 They are not immediately obvious - and you will need flux (Chemtronics CW8700 is the best) and multi-core solder to effect the repair successfully

[@glively8730]

Last question, how do you open the module without destroying it?

[@MrCynical999]

Really helpful, thanks!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thank you!

[@Pesar25]

Great video's thanks.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

My pleasure!

[@MFA-Marcelo]

Hello there. My turn signals and hazard lights dont work. Any ideas?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Start by using the Fuse Finder and Relay Finder: www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/Timms_BMW_E31_Fuse_Finder.htm www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/Timms_BMW_E31_Relay_Finder.htm

[@woocash7488]

I see you have the Japanese market chrome kidney grills :-)

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

In the UK during late 1998 and 1999 you could order any of the Individual parts and Sport parts at no extra cost - hence the number of Individual 840ci's in 1999! One of the free options was the chrome grilles and the full Sport package!

[@adrianocarlucci4029]

Amazing videos and details procedure!!! I have seen all of them.....! 840 ci AC Schnitzer. Uk London /USA BOCA RATON FL

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks, that's kind of you!