In this guide, you will find instructions on how to change the turn signal switch and cruise control switch on a BMW vehicle. 

What you will need

Procedure

Follow these steps to learn how to change the BMW turn signal switch.

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal.  
  2. Remove the airbag from the driver's steering wheel. Detailed instructions on how to replace BMW steering wheel and airbag can be found here. 
  3. Remove the steering wheel. 
  4. Pull up the plastic trim away from the steering column. There usually is a couple of screws below the bottom trim that need to be removed. bmw turn signal switch stalk arm replacement diy
  5. Remove turn signal stalk arm from the steering column switch unit known as the SZL unit.bmw turn signal switch replacement diy guide
  6. Avoid rotating the clock spring otherwise, you may need to perform steering angle sensor calibration.

Symptoms of a bad turn signal switch

If your BMW turn signal switch fails you may experience various problems including:

  • BMW turn signals not working
  • Turn signal stalk does not cancel
  • One of the turns signals not working
  • Turn signal switch does not stay in place
  • High beam switch/flashers not working
  • Cruise control not working

It is important to properly diagnose the problem before any BMW parts are replaced.

We recommend that an auto mechanic that specializes in BMW properly diagnoses your car.

If you prefer to diagnose your BMW yourself, you will need a BMW scanner that can read fault codes. Make sure to check fuses, relays, SZL module if your BMW turn signals don't work.

Comments

The fact that you have to switch on the left signal to stop it means that the problem is actually not that bad. I know people who have had their right turn signal on for days until they got it fixed and nothing worked. I would say it is a LCM problem and it should be a very easy fix!
My e36 will allow me to turn my right turn signal on once then not work again. the hazards also do not work. the light on the switch is on but they do not work. do you think this is a switch issue or possibly the hazard relay? checked fuses 23/34 and replaced just in case.
My problem is the right turn signal will not stop flashing. I have to turn the switch to the left signal to get the right to stop flashing. I was trying to figure out if it's the signal switch or if I have an LCM problem
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