Z3 Brake lights & convertable top problem

[varmintjcl]

I'm having to mash down hard on the brake pedal to light the brake lights & get the top to operate. Could this be the brake light switch defective or some other cause? Problem is intermittent.

[Kalevera]

Does it happen after it has rained or the car has been washed?

The e36 with automatic (hydraulic) tops have diagnosable control modules. I'm thinking that the problem relates to part of the harness getting wet (or corrosion due to being wet in the past). Mis-installation of tops and leaky seals around brake lights can do it....


best, whit

[varmintjcl]

Thanks for the reply, we replaced the brake light switch (lots of fun) and that fixed the problem.
Now we need to know who on the east coat has connections for replacing all the plastic panels that have dried out & are cracking & turning to powder from the Arizona sun?