E46 owners - need a quick favour

[Dunk76]

Need a very quick test performing please!

Turn on your lights, then dim the dash illumination.

Do the mileage & gear displays dim with the dials and stereo?

I'm trying to isolate an odd fault with mine, and honestly can't remember if they should do it or not.

Thanks in advance

Dunk

[soprano]

Just tried this for you, my stereo and the square display which has the mileage all stays the same no matter what you do. The dimmer dial affects the speedo, rev counter, fuel and water temp guages.

HTH!

ETA : 1999 328

Edited by soprano on Thursday 12th June 17:44

[Dunk76]

Much appreciated - although it wasn't the answer I was hoping for!

[soprano]

Is it ever with electrics?! I once used my horn and it turned my radio off. Wouldn't turn back on for about 15 minutes. Never did work that one out!!

[Dunk76]

Early E46s are shocking for electrical gremlins - mine's a 1999 too (a 328i before Alpina got hold of it)

Current curiousity is the mileage display remains lit at all times - everything else functions fine, and the information disappears once the ignition is off but the back lit remains.

Dealer diagnosed new instrument cluster (Alpina part) at £750 + VAT + fitting.

I'm slowly trying to eliminate the alternatives before coughing up that sort of cash. Ignition module is next.

[MitchT]

soprano said:

Is it ever with electrics?! I once used my horn and it turned my radio off. Wouldn't turn back on for about 15 minutes. Never did work that one out!!

Did they outsource production of these cars to Ferrari?

[DavidLScott]

Got into my 330ci last year - radio is always on - FULL VOLUME volume button won't change level or turn the radio off so switch off ignition in panic.

This happened about 5 times so gave up and took the bike then started looking on web for a new radio.
Got in the next morning and everything fine and has been ever since.