E36 Warning lights - United Bimmer Community

**sticksave** · 02-24-2008, 07:57 PM

I was looking at a 97 328i to buy for my son who is going to get his license soon and when I took it out on the test drive it got check control light for some brake light issue. The brake lights work and that's not really my question. When we got back I was going to turn the ignition off and on to check and see this light is the same as a check engine light, which is an automatic smog failure, or if it was it's own deal for the little warning panel the car has. I am going back to buy it this week but figured I would check with the E36 experts on the light situation so I will be prepared in advance. I suspect it's a totally different think from the check engine light but just wanted to make sure in advance.

johnnybayonne · 02-24-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sticksave

I was looking at a 97 328i to buy for my son who is going to get his license soon and when I took it out on the test drive it got check control light for some brake light issue. The brake lights work and that's not really my question. When we got back I was going to turn the ignition off and on to check and see this light is the same as a check engine light, which is an automatic smog failure, or if it was it's own deal for the little warning panel the car has. I am going back to buy it this week but figured I would check with the E36 experts on the light situation so I will be prepared in advance. I suspect it's a totally different think from the check engine light but just wanted to make sure in advance.

Hi, well the check control for the brake lights is most likely the brake switch. The same thing happen when I purchased my 97, I ended up checking everything only to find out that brake switch failure is common on the e36! When I replaced the switch the warning disappeared! Here is a helpful site on this matter: http://www.geocities.com/karlkarlb/brakeswitch.html
As far as the check engine light, I'm not quite sure what you mean, is it on? I also had a sagging glove box door, there was quick fix for this: here is the site
http://www.understeer.com/glovebox.shtml
Also an e36 DIY SITE: http://www.bimmerdiy.com/dir/e36
any other questions feel free to pm me!