BMW Aux light switch faulty

[Snaphappyuk]

Dear All,

I have read somewhere on here before about the BMW Aux light switch failures, but I can't see for looking !

Mines packed up and could do with a bit of info for the replacement.

Ta.

Snap.

 

[ghiribizzo]

On mine, it would work once switched on and the switch pressed in a little farther but off when released.
If you don't want to simply buy another; are reasonably competent at fixing things and are a tight b...... you can take it apart and in my case find that the rocker switch was a bit shy of keeping the microswitch pressed in.
Fixed by cutting two small rectangles of clear plastic from blow moulded packaging which allowed it to keep the switch pressed in. Still works as it should.

 

[Schtum]

Fixed by cutting two small rectangles of clear plastic from blow moulded packaging which allowed it to keep the switch pressed in. Still works as it should.

Cheapskate...! Whaddya think this is - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance...?

How do you expect BMW Motorrad to stay in profit with spanner monkeys like you around...?

 

[ghiribizzo]

I can lay my hands on that book in 5..4..

 

[Schtum]

I can lay my hands on that book in 5..4..

I was thinking in particular about the bit where Phaedrus cuts a shim out of a Coke can.

 

[WindyChuffer]

What info do you need over and above what you already know? Its a broken switch so replace it. Will be foc if bike is under warranty. Otherwise around £40 for the switch.

 

[ghiribizzo]

Indeed. Warranty? Dealer replaces.
No warranty? You pay and dealer replaces; you pay and take the switch home and replace yourself or repair the switch yourself. I'm guessing the last option ain't an option for you. Otherwise you'd have done that without asking about switch failures.

Schtum - back to the good book. Now; the BMW owners haven't changed in forty years, have they?

 

[Bendy toy]

Does it have a relay in the circuit? If not adding one would reduce stress on the switch contacts and the direct connection via the relay should put a higher voltage at the lamps.

 

[ghiribizzo]

Great solution to the wrong problem Bendy Toy.
The light switches generally don't work because the part of the switch you press fails to push in the microswitch far enough to keep the contact.

 

[Bendy toy]

Crap plastic I guess.

Mine are left switched on all the time so hopefully the plastic will last a bit better.

 

[ebbo]

I was thinking in particular about the bit where Phaedrus cuts a shim out of a Coke can.

I cut a shim out of a tin of peas for Honda starter motor once, it worked for a while

 

[TLSgazza]

The missus's switch on her adventure is doing this. Took it apart and appears tobe a sealed unit. Did you guys prise off the switch on the front to add a bit of packing. Might try this before she (meaning me ) forks out for a new one.

 

[Snaphappyuk]

Thanks for the info everyone, some quite helpful stuff, I've been in contact with motorworks BMW, they have new ones for £75 !, but hey also stock used at just over £30, so I ordered one of them, I'll attempt a repair first but with the weather at the moment I need 'em working pronto !

 

[trainman]

Thanks for the info everyone, some quite helpful stuff, I've been in contact with motorworks BMW, they have new ones for £75 !, but hey also stock used at just over £30, so I ordered one of them, I'll attempt a repair first but with the weather at the moment I need 'em working pronto !

blimey thats got to take the prize for most over priced BMW tat

i bought one from GetGeared, £15 and going strong some years on, i dont think it has a microswitch, more basic and much better for it

http://www.getgeared.co.uk/Motorcycle-Parts_Handlebar_Switch_On_Off_12V

 

[Bendy toy]

Two 55 watt lights will demand more than 5.5 Amps. But a relay will sort it and with less volt drop in the system, the lights might be bit brighter.

 

[ghiribizzo]

Bendy Toy - your post is not relevant. It's not a 1973 Vauxhall Viva that the owner has added a pair of spotlights to and is having problems with.
I have two 50W HiD lamps in the housings. It doesnt need a relay out of Halfords to be added in. The problem with these switches is - yawn - that the plastic rocker switch when pressed to the 'on' position fails to keep it pressed in sufficiently to operate the microswitch. You seem to have some difficulty comprehending this. But l'll type it out tomorrow morning again if it'll help.

Gazza - Yes. Ease the grey switch off the black part carefully. Make sure the plastic is at room temperature so it doesn't break.
I'm sure you'll figure out what to do.

 

[Bendy toy]

My post is entirely relevant to the one immediately before by @trainman who suggested that an inadequate aftermarket switch could be used.

Rather than pointlessly quote the post I assumed folks could actually read. But just in case here it is:

blimey thats got to take the prize for most over priced BMW tat

i bought one from GetGeared, £15 and going strong some years on, i dont think it has a microswitch, more basic and much better for it

http://www.getgeared.co.uk/Motorcycle-Parts_Handlebar_Switch_On_Off_12V

 

[TLSgazza]

Gazza - Yes. Ease the grey switch off the black part carefully. Make sure the plastic is at room temperature so it doesn't break.
I'm sure you'll figure out what to do.

Room temperature
I'll never get her GSA into the Dining room.
Ta for the advice will have a go when its a bit warmer.

 

[Bendy toy]

Or maybe take the switch block off the bike and leave overnight in the house to warm right through.

 

[TLSgazza]

Or maybe take the switch block off the bike and leave overnight in the house to warm right through.

I did consider that, but when I took the switch apart and followed the lead down to see where it plugged in it disappeared down behind the tank somewhere. Looks like a PITA to disconnect it.
Oh well she stopped riding last week cos of the change in the weather.
Will have a look sometime..