Wonky Check Panel

[scottinAZ]

I have an issue with the check panel in my 325. When I press the brake pedal at any time, the rear lights, and the engine oil light come on, and stay on until I release the brakes. Also on occasion, the backlighting dimms out, and all check panel functions stop. I believe this is also giving me a hard "check" light on the instrument cluster that cannot be reset. As far as my understanding goes, this is not normal. SI board is new(er) with good batts, and I believe all connections are OK. Do check panels crap out, or do I maybe have other issues. All rear lights are fully functional, but this thing is bugging the hell outta me.

[DEV0 E30]

If you ever go to a local euro meet (check azbmw.org or sign up if you haven't) I'm sure one of us E30 owners can give you a check panel to see if that's the problem. If swapping it out doesn't work then, ya most likely some other electrical problem is happening. Could be something simple I couldn't guess what I've never been a fan of electrical.

[StereoInstaller1]

Yeah, swap that panel and post your results, please.

Don't expect it to fix it though, this will likely be a diagnostic step only, but necessary.

[scottinAZ]

will do, as soon as I get my mitts on a new check panel, Ill update the thread. Junkyard, here I come!!!!

[StereoInstaller1]

WTF, is it so cold in AZ that you need MITTS?

[scottinAZ]

not really that cold, but when it comes to junkyards, some things are a bit HOT!!!!

Also, I just pulled the panel out, and it appears I have some corrosion on the board (what little I can see through the connector hole) I may open this thing and see what makes it tick.

One last question, mine is a Bosch unit, P/N 1375749. Most I see are Hella units, with a slightly different part number, normally ending in 748 or 750. Are these interchangeable to the best of anyones knowledge??

[P. Kennedy]

Wonky...great word. :)

[scottinAZ]

well for sure my check panel is fubar. I opened the back tonight, and there is a burned trace on one of the circuits. dont know what caused it, but it may have happened when the PCB on my instrument cluster went out (many moons before I purchased this pile) I am assuming that the check panel gets its power and inputs partly from the SI board, and instrument cluster, because when I removed the check panel, my check light went out (duh). I shall continue to update this thread as the saga continues.........

[scottinAZ]

Ok, the replacement check panel arrived today, and it solved the problem. The old one had some fried traces on the circuit board, so that seems to be what the issue was with it. Ahhhhh one step closer to a normally functioning auto.........