swenpro
06-28-2006, 12:56 AM
nor will it come out of its shell. Read on:
I've had the "Brake Light Circuit" message appear a few times, so I went ahead and ordered a new brake light switch from BMP design (http://www.bmpdesign.com/product-exec/product_id/3613/search_year/1994/search_model/51) (first time doing business, part of a big order), and the part number they give for their product, 61 31 8 360 417, matches that of BMW. When I received the switch today, it looks right, but says "made in italy" and does not bear the BMW roundel. hmmm....
Well, I went ahead and removed the old switch (had to break it as suggested, so no reusing it now), and then tried to understand how this brakes light switch works. The white center "plunger" sticks out about 3/4" and is surrounded by a red plastic locking piece. In trying to understand how the device works, I pushed the white plunger in. It went all the way in, but then did not release all the way. Now only about 1/4" instead of 3/4" of the white plunger is visible. It still moves in and out, but only in the limited range of motion.
Has anyone else had this issue? I've tried pushing and pulling on the white piece, but it simply will not release back to its full extension. I've read that there's some kind of ratchet mechanism inside, but I can't imagine it should be this complicated. I'm mostly just annoyed that I spent 18 bucks and received what looks like a non-OEM part. BTW, with the new switch installed in the condition as described, my brake lights are stuck ON. Thanks for any input
Greg
I've had the "Brake Light Circuit" message appear a few times, so I went ahead and ordered a new brake light switch from BMP design (http://www.bmpdesign.com/product-exec/product_id/3613/search_year/1994/search_model/51) (first time doing business, part of a big order), and the part number they give for their product, 61 31 8 360 417, matches that of BMW. When I received the switch today, it looks right, but says "made in italy" and does not bear the BMW roundel. hmmm....
Well, I went ahead and removed the old switch (had to break it as suggested, so no reusing it now), and then tried to understand how this brakes light switch works. The white center "plunger" sticks out about 3/4" and is surrounded by a red plastic locking piece. In trying to understand how the device works, I pushed the white plunger in. It went all the way in, but then did not release all the way. Now only about 1/4" instead of 3/4" of the white plunger is visible. It still moves in and out, but only in the limited range of motion.
Has anyone else had this issue? I've tried pushing and pulling on the white piece, but it simply will not release back to its full extension. I've read that there's some kind of ratchet mechanism inside, but I can't imagine it should be this complicated. I'm mostly just annoyed that I spent 18 bucks and received what looks like a non-OEM part. BTW, with the new switch installed in the condition as described, my brake lights are stuck ON. Thanks for any input
Greg