Indicator blink speed...

[erdnase]

One of the indicator bulbs on my Z4 has popped, resulting in my right-hand side indicators blinking at what seems to be twice the normal speed. I assume this is to let me know to change them, which I had an attempt at doing today. It isn't easy, and I'm ashamed to admit I have given up. I'm booked in for an MOT/service this week, so I'll just have the guys fix it for me then.

My question is the legality of driving in this situation. I've no plans to drive other than to my MOT, but in the off-chance of needing to drive before then, where would I stand? The bulb that's blown is one of two in my front indicator - so it's still visible, and all other in the car are working fine. It's just when I go to indicate right that it blinks at twice the speed. I remember reading that indicator blinks must fall within a set timing. Does anyone know if I'd be ok to drive before I get it fixed, and if I'd likely be pulled for it?

Thanks in advance!

[Benbay001]

erdnase said:

I assume this is to let me know to change them

Thank you for posting this, it reminds me that im not the worlds worst home mechanic.
As to the question, get your highway code out and learn the hand signals
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_...

Edited by Benbay001 on Sunday 14th August 22:13

[mike9009]

Benbay001 said:

erdnase said:

I assume this is to let me know to change them

Thank you for posting this, it reminds me that im not the worlds worst home mechanic.

Mike

[chris7676]

I don't believe it is legal, my car needed fixing for MOT when it was indicating too quickly even though all the bulbs were in place.

[McSam]

You could just get it to Halfords and they'll fit you a new one for four quid. Sure there's a store near enough that you won't get pulled on the way!

[ShampooEfficient]

Benbay001 said:

erdnase said:

I assume this is to let me know to change them

Thank you for posting this, it reminds me that im not the worlds worst home mechanic.
As to the question, get your highway code out and learn the hand signals
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_...

Edited by Benbay001 on Sunday 14th August 22:13

He'd need bloody long arms to do that one

[erdnase]

McSam said:

You could just get it to Halfords and they'll fit you a new one for four quid. Sure there's a store near enough that you won't get pulled on the way!

I tried that, but they don't have a clue. To replace the bulb requires pulling out a whole unit, and isn't as straightforward as I thought it would be.

No worries, I'll have it fixed during my MOT and service.

[hornetrider]

Benbay001 said:

erdnase said:

I assume this is to let me know to change them

Thank you for posting this, it reminds me that im not the worlds worst home mechanic.

[TonyRPH]

See this thread

But to save you the trouble..

thread said:

Since this post is ranked in google for "replace z4 indicator bulb", I thought it would help someone in the same boat as myself.

Solution is on page 93 here: http://www.z4-forum.com/howto/2005_Z4.pdf

[erdnase]

That was my thread from ages ago!

Summary is: it's a headfk and best left to the experts.

[TonyRPH]

lol so it was.

How stupid of me for not noticing.

Sorry

[0a]

Does anyone else "manually" blink really fast for amusement when bored?

No?

[varsas]

erdnase said:

I assume this is to let me know to change them

Nah, assuming modern cars still use the same basic design classics have it's just a result of how the flasher unit works, different loads will make it flash more/less frequently.

I'm surprised your car doesn't tell you you have an indicator bulb out. Mine goes nuts if I have a bulb out or dare let the screenwash get below 25%, warning me every time I start/turn off the car and with a light on the computer. Of course, if it detects a serious fault, say with the crank sensor or battery voltage or whatever it keeps that to itself...

[james_gt3rs]

I don't see what the problem is. I thought BMW indicators never worked in the first place?

[bigdods]

varsas said:

Of course, if it detects a serious fault, say with the crank sensor or battery voltage or whatever it keeps that to itself...

I thought it was just my Omega. Tail light out, screenwash low it bings at you, flashes some lights and tells you in the display in text what the problem is. Even if you cancel the warning it says 'Check' until you fix the thing its told you about.

Overheating engine (had this a few weeks back due to a dud fuse) oh that cant be very important, we can make do with a tiny little red light on the dash that is virtually invisible in daylight.

[jamesson]

james_gt3rs said:

I don't see what the problem is. I thought BMW indicators never worked in the first place?

Wow. Never heard that one before.

[erdnase]

varsas said:

I'm surprised your car doesn't tell you you have an indicator bulb out.

It does.. well, a light on the dash lets me know *a* bulb, somewhere, is out. I thought the double-speed indicator was some for of additional warning. My hazards blink at the regular speed, and it's just when indicating right that it blinks twice as fast.

Oh well, thanks everyone for the info.. service is due tomorrow, so it'll be sorted by then!