Brake switch for Cruise Control

[BobbyDigital]

My cruise control just started to not disengage when I apply the brake. I'm assuming that its a sensor or switch, but I cant find it on realoem...Anybody know anywhere else I can look?

I almost ran over the old lady in front of me, I was going 75 on the highway with the cruise on, I was coming up on her, she wouldnt get out of my way (which is normal for VA drivers). I put on the brake to slow down and disengage the cruise control, as soon as I let off the brake the car took off again!!! Luckily I was quick enough to push in the clutch as well as the brake. I figured it may not disengage cruise control, but its out of gear so its not going anywhere.

Anyway, the clutch pedal turned off the cruise, so its something with the brake.

[DustenT]

Check to see if your brake lights work...

[BobbyDigital]

Hmmm, I never even thought about that, thanks!

[L84THSKY]

Thanks for that story. Now I'm gonna be really paranoid retrofitting Cruise Control in the Spring.

Originally Posted by BobbyDigital

My cruise control just started to not disengage when I apply the brake.

[BobbyDigital]

Yeah I was reading your posts when I was searching for similar problems on here. Its not that big of a deal, I just cant use cruise control right now.

[mooseheadm5]

Definitely check your brake lights. Your switch could be stuck or just plain broken. These are known POSs. What color is your ti? Just wondering if I've seen you around. Mine is the Boston Green one (I know there are at least a dozen) with the license plate TANOSHI (my wife's car, her plate.) I'm usually tooling around the Carytown (I work at Bavarian Motors on Cary) area or on 64 toward C'ville.
-Paul

[BobbyDigital]

My brake lights arent working either! So I guess its the brake light switch.

Paul, Mine is also boston green. I dont remember ever seeing your license plate but I have seen a few green ones around. I need to swing by your shop sometime and check it out. My BMW mechanic is 400 miles away, so I may need one a little closer! HAHA!

[mooseheadm5]

Don't forget to also check the fuse (46, I think) but I don't think that's it, because that actually powers the cruise control module, too. If the fuse were blown, the cruise should not work at all.
-Paul

[mohaughn]

This happened on my car about two years ago. It was the brake pedal switch... Luckily somebody else was driving the Ti and I was following behind when the switch went out, so I noticed it right away and didn't drive around for awhile with my brake lights not working.

[John Firestone]

The brake pedal pushes against it.

[BobbyDigital]

Originally Posted by itsalifestyle800

i hope i dont sound stupid for asking, but where exactly is the brake light switch located? i just realized today that my cruise control doesnt work, and neither do my brake lights.

From realoem.com, it's number 7:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/r/o/67.png

[adamud]

I can't get the brake light switch out of its place. Ive unplugged the connector and i can't get it out of is metal holding bracket! Any advice.

[BobbyDigital]

I had the same problem, I ended up just breaking it and making sure the metal bracket didnt get bent.

[Severian]

Awesome thread!! My car exhibits the same behavior...no brake lights, cruise doesn't quit when I tap the brake. I'm ordering my brake switch now.

[teetime4one]

i replaced mine...the only problem being that you have to spend all of the work time upside-down under the dash...kind of a head-rush follows.