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Thread: Resoldering LKM

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    143

    Default Resoldering LKM

    Anyone personally done this? I have one fog light that is only getting 11 volts and sporadically works. Interestingly enough - when it isn't working, the dash readout is silent.. So I suspect the LKM. On eBay, they're about $50 - should I just go with that or resolder?

    Note: I am unsure of my soldering skills.. difficult job for a novice?

    Car Info is HERE

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    Honolulu
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    3,105

    Default give it a try



    Vee ave vays of dealing vid your kind...........

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2004
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    Japan
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    On my website below under e32fixes.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
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    Derbyshire, UK
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by shrike071
    Anyone personally done this?
    Yup.

    If you've never soldered before, I suggest practicing on some scrap circuit boards (rip apart an old radio or something) and suchlike before you tackle the LKM. It's not difficult, even for a beginner, but probably not a good place to attempt your first solder joint.

    1997 535i V8
    5spd, OBC, A/C, cruise, BMW phone, factory M-Tech wheel & suspension, 18" Alpinas

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
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    La Mirada, CA
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    Default

    the lkm was my first (and only) soder....

    i was scared, check my thread

    http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthr...&highlight=lkm

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    Maryland
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    My front left foglight is still out. I resoldered the joints but i still get nothing. maybe i did it wrong? but theres some power flowing to the light, just not enough

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
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    Derbyshire, UK
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    Might be dirty/corroded contacts on the relevant relay in the LKM. If not, trace the wiring from the bulb socket back to LKM, testing voltage as you go. If not the relay, it's probably a corroded connection.

    1997 535i V8
    5spd, OBC, A/C, cruise, BMW phone, factory M-Tech wheel & suspension, 18" Alpinas

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Houston
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    241

    Default

    I wouldnt be to worried about it, When i first did mine [btw didnt look like anybody elses! >.< ] I was a little nervious even tho i do some light soldering at work from time to time.


    Make sure you have a good soldering iron, but el cheapo could work just the same. Make sure you get it nice and hot before you try anything, about a good 4-5 min warm up is always good. There is [or was on mine] so much extra solder around the joints you could get away with just melting whats there and add a little bit more, just a dab will do. You can tell when its hot enough when you put the point of the iron right on the joint that is exposed and in about a second or 2 you see it change to a color that looks more glossy, thats when it has melted, at that point you add what is needed.


    Do what Dave said, pratice a little bit, you can do it without messing up to much :P


    Reminds me, i need to do a lil write up on how i did mine with some better pictures for people

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