How to Make Your E30's Sidemarkers Blink

This is the wiring procedure to make your sidemarkers blink. When your parking lights are off, the sidemarkers will blink at the same time as the turn signal. When your lights are on, it will make your sidemarkers blink alternately with your turn signals. Not only does it look cool, but it helps to alert other drivers as to when you are making a turn or lane change. Safe and effective.

Items Needed:

  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Wire Cutters
  • Razor Blade
  • Length of wire, approx. 6" long (4 pcs, for a total or 24?) - 14 Gauge wire is good.
  • Wire stripping tool
  • Electrical Tape

Front Sidemarker Procedure:

  • 1. Remove your sidemarker assembly by inserting a flathead screwdriver into the little slot in the side and pressing it in until the sidemarker pops out.
  • 2. Pull back the black rubber wire covering, and cut the BROWN wire (negative) about 2" from the sidemarker assembly.
  • 3. Use electrical tape to cover the end of the BROWN wire which leads back into the car. Use the wire stripper to strip the 2" long BROWN wire attached to the sidemarker assembly.
  • 4. Pull on the wire assembly from the front turnsignal. You?You'll probably have to reach through the sidemarker hole to get it. I could't?t pull it out that far, so I had to work on it while it was still inside the bumper. Rather difficult, just use some patience.
  • 5. There are 3 wires in this assembly, you want to use a razor blade to strip a 1/2" long section on the BLUE wire connected to the turnsignal. Be careful not to cut the wire completely.
  • 6. Take the 6" long 14 gauge piece of wire (strip both ends) and attach the 2" long BROWN wire from the sidemarker to the stripped spot on the BLUE wire of the front turnsignal.
  • 7. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for the other front sidemarker.


Back Sidemarker Procedure:

  • 1. From inside the trunk, remove the assembly holding the tail light bulbs by unscrewing the black knob 270 degrees.
  • 2. Pinch both sides of the Black Connector to remove it from the rest of the tail light assembly.
  • 3. I had to strip one of the wires leading into this Black Connector. There should be 5 wires of various colours leading into the Black Connector. Maybe 6 if your car has rear foglights. On my car, I had to use a razor blade to strip the wire (probably blue) which was FARTHEST from the inside. So, in the left taillight assembly Black Connector, it was the wire in position #1. In the right taillight assembly Black Connector, it was the wire in position #6. You will see how the wires slots are numbered on the Black Connector itself.
  • 4. Look for the thick BLACK wire under the trunkliner, coming from the side trunkwells. If you follow it, it will lead to the rear sidemarkers. In my car, it ran right up through the taillight assemblies. In this thick BLACK wire are 2 smaller wires. Cut the smaller BROWN wire completely, and put some electrical tape on the end leading back into the car.
  • 5. Strip the end of the BROWN wire leading to the read sidemarker.
  • 6. Use the 6? piece of wire to connect the BROWN stripped wire from the rear sidemarker to the stripped section of wire on the Black Connector. Cover connections up with more electrical tape.
  • 7. Put back the Black Connector, and replace the bulb holder assembly.
  • 8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 on the other rear sidemarker assembly.



hope everyone tries this, it's pretty easy!!!

Chris Chow