E36 Dome Light Problem

I apologize for taking offense at "Canadian Prick" and his comments. I am used to BMW CCA posts which are very businesslike. The dome light on my 97 328ic with manual transmission works fine at the switch, it illuminates when the door is opened and then goes out as it should. The reading lights work as well. The problem is that it comes on when starting from a dead stop and shifting into second gear. The light will not come on in first or third gear. The light illuminates at about 1000 rpm, stays on until about 1800, snd then slowly goes out. I just recently purchased the car out of California, and am discovering new things all the time. This occurs on smooth roads, so it would not seem to be a jarring problem. I have only put about 50 miles on it, so I don't know how long this has been going on. Thanks for any help. P.S. a Bentley Manual is on order, sounds like I may need it.

Very odd. Even though you say it occurs even on smooth roads, I'm still inclined to think that it's a "jarring" issue. Will it turn on if you shift from 1st to 3rd? Will it turn on if you accelerate at WOT or brake hard? I'm just curious to know if there is anything else you can do behind the wheel to cause it turn on.

Just to understand, is this only when you start off in second gear, or when you start off in first and the light comes on when you shift to second?

Assuming its the latter: the only thing that really makes sense is that your 1-2 shifts are causing a bit of flex around the door jambs and the door microswitch is getting tripped for a second. Try coasting at just 5 or 6mph in a parking lot and very gently shifting to second, does it still come on?

And yeah, we're a lot more boisterous than the cca boards, but we have more fun. Just know its all light hearted.

PS, one other thought, does it have a lighted shift knob installed?

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that is such a weird problem. did you check the contacts for a loose bulb/switch or anything?

my vote is on the micro switch.



df

Originally Posted by drivinfaster

my vote is on the micro switch.



df

+1 micro switch/body flex I have the same problem with my vert