I have a 1996 BMW 318ti that now only starts if the headlights are on and the brake is depressed

Question

The brake lights also don't work (they did on monday, but now don't)

I've preplaced the brake fuse but still nothing. Is there a short in the wire, and if so it there a way to fix it?

Answer 1

thats so people can see  your non-driving butt and they know about that time you started the car in gear and drove through the back of the garage

Answer 2

More than likely the whole problem can be traced to the combination switch in the steering column.. This is the switch  that controls your turn signals, highbeams, emergency flashers... probably a short, you will need to replace the switch.. 300-1000.00 depending on cost of switch and labor from the " steering column guy"....

I know, it sounds unlikely, but if this has the foot on the brake start overide, the brakelights are routed through the emergency flashers..the headlights goe thru the highbeam switch..all of it connected in the turnsgnal combination switch......