Turn signal repair costs and any other options

[keith1998]

I just had my 2001 Z in as both signals have been blinking rapidly for a while.
What a shock I got after the $600.00 diagnosis.

Replace left and right turn signal housings w/ circuit board and turn signal: CAD $5,360.00!!

Are there any other options suggestions before I lay out a small fortune?

[Z-acht]

Do you mean the rear or front signals?

[keith1998]

Both flash very rapidly

[boomster]

That actually sounds like a pretty good price if they are both rear signals. But if you are seeking an alternative, there is a company (can be found on EBAY) which rebuilds our neon lights using LEDs. About $1,000 for the pair, but changes the appearance when flashing vs. neon.

[keith1998]

Apparently the bulbs are fine they are replacing circuit housings and boards

[Musta10000]

Apparently the bulbs are fine they are replacing circuit housings and boards

.

That’s very interesting. I don’t think that any of us have ever heard about any other solution than replacing the complete unit and those retail $3,370 each (available for about $2,700 from getbmwparts.com) or for about 20% off at the dealer with BMWCCA membership in USA. Also, that $600 diagnostic fee sounds like a bunch of bull….

[keith1998]

Here is what my BMW repair shop is telling me (see below) about suggested fix for the front and rear both side rapid signal flashing repair first step, I appreciate any input as it relates to this.I don't want to layout over 5k to find this wasn't the fix....In terms of the turn signal fix as I stated in my diagnosis I did see corrosion on the circuit board connections as well as the modules being sealed together with silicone. This would be the first place to start as these are signs of faults. There is a chance there are other issues but we need to start somewhere and with those two areas having visual faults they would be the best place to start.But keep in mind there can be other issues we will need to deal with once this first step has been completed.

[screenap]

As per other thread - when blinking rapidly, I found that one of the rears had failed. Fronts were fine. They replaced both rears (I did both just to be safe since BMW Canada was assisting with the cost). Suggest reaching out to Brad at BMW Store to see if BMW Canada will still assist.

[keith1998]

My local BMW certified repair shop advised me I need both the turn signal/lighting modules replaced due to corrosion.
Apparently BMW Germany does not have any nor plans to produce anytime soon. We located 2 modules in the USA but turns out they were used with no warranty. Back to square one.

Can anyone recommend a possible source for these costly modules? I need to resolve the rapid turn signal issues which are now on both sides front and back no issues with any of the bulbs.

Thank you

[keith1998]

Left msg. with BMW store will see what they have to say.

[2112]

Where on the car are the modules located?

[keith1998]

Modules and housings front left and right

[2112]

Modules and housings front left and right

Where on the car are they located? In the engine compartment, Under the dash? Somewhere else?

[keith1998]

They are behind the front fender liners near the headlights

[Musta10000]

They are behind the front fender liners near the headlights

Keith - Do you know the part number(s)?

[keith1998]

I will find out

[screenap]

I have often wondered if there might be parts from some of our fine cars that have met an unfortunate demise... anyone aware of a parts inventory somewhere for scrap cars?

[keith1998]

Here are the part #s apparently Germany has none of the last part # which is a critical component.#63136900395 X1 (available from BMW in Germany 2-3 weeks)- #63136900396 X1 (available from BMW in Germany 2-3 weeks)- #63136900397 X2 (BMW Back order no ETA)

[Musta10000]

So you might be able to save about a $1,000 by doing this instead of changing the complete assembly ( 63-21-4-859-158 and 63-21-4-859-157 - Right and left). I wonder if those are available and if you could see if the dealership would match the pricing of the four parts? Never hurts to ask...

[keith1998]

Please clarify "not change whole assembly" what are the parts ending in 158 and 157?

Thank you

[Musta10000]

Please clarify "not change whole assembly" what are the parts ending in 158 and 157?

Thank you

Those are the complete Tail Light Assemblies. The way I understand your earlier notes is that the dealer is replacing components but not the complete assembly and that one of the components is not available at this time. My thought was to see if the complete units are available and if so, then ask to see if the dealer would do it for the cost they quoted to you for replacing the components. The screen capture is from www.getbmwparts.com. I hope I did not misunderstand the earlier comments.

[keith1998]

Hi Skip that's a good suggestion I will certainly look into that and keep you posted.