88 bmw, what is wrong with the high beams?

Question

when i click my high beams off for on coming traffic the lights go completely out. I have to click again for them to come back on.Would that be the high beam switch gone bad or something elect.

Answer 1

Could be several things.

1. All high beam bulbs burned out.
2. Bad fuse(s) or circuit breaker in the high beam circuit.
3. Bad dimmer switch.
4. Short circuit in the high beam circuit.
5. Bad wiring in the high beam circuit.
6. Bad high beam relay (if one is used).

Check the fuses. Also, when you activate the "flash to pass" feature, do both the high and low beams come on? This will help narrow things down a bit. You may need to get an automotive electrician to troubleshoot it.

Answer 2

Unlikely both high beams gone out without you noticing. Unusual for both to go out at the same time. But you might check that first.

If I remember right the 88 BMW has a relay for high and low beams. check the rely first after checking the head lights.

Here is something I just thought of. A lot of European cars have three different positions for their head lights. High beam, in town, and low beam. You could be switching to city position without realizing it.

If it is none of the above it is most likely your dimmer switch.

Answer 3

id check the high beam switch, or high beam bulbs are bad, i have seen both go out before. but its rare.

Answer 4

Replace your normal headlight bulbs They're burnt out.Its a cheap fix, if you can get to the bulbs putting the new ones on you don't want any oil from your fingers to get on the bulb .It takes the life out of them.Check your fuse box and look for the fuse for the headlights and see if it's got a metal connection inside or if it's not burnt looking