I have an electrical problem with my 1998 528i brakelight circuit

Is the SECURITY light lit on the instrument cluster ? Or a flashing red light on top center of the instrument panel ? Anti-theft system can keep the starter from working . Or the transmission range sensor can , try putting the gear selector to neutral . If none of these are the problem testing the electrical circuit's using a DVOM - digital volt ohm meter .Viewing a wiring diagram for the starter electrical circuit to see what all is involved etc.... If you do not know what i'm talking about , your best bet ,have a qualified auto technician diagnose it .

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if flashing not a fuse need to check circuit wiring or connections for short or connection problems

Could be the instrument cluster .GM had instrument cluster problems for 2003 to 2006 . Wouldn't think BCM reprogramming to be an issue . Having a qualified repair shop or dealer check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes an view data parmeters would be the first place to start .
When the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position, the instrument panel cluster (IPC), radio VF display, and the HVAC control assembly turns ON at maximum brightness. When the headlamp switch is in the PARK or HEADLAMP ON position, all incandescent and LED back lighting turn ON at the dimming level indicated by the instrument panel (I/P) dimmer switch. The dimmer switch is used to increase and decrease the brightness of the interior backlighting components. The BCM supplies a voltage reference through the I/P dimming voltage reference circuit to the interior lamp dimmer switch, which is part of the headlamp switch. When the dimmer switch is placed in a desired brightness position, reference voltage is applied through the dimmer switch rheostat and the I/P lamps dimmer switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM interprets this voltage signal, then applies a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage through the I/P lamps supply voltage circuits and the LED dimming supply circuit to all related interior lamps, illuminating them to the desired level of brightness.

DTC B2652
Circuit/System Description
The BCM supplies a voltage reference through the instrument panel (I/P) dimming voltage reference circuit to the interior lamp dimmer switch, which is part of the headlamp switch. When the dimmer switch is placed in a desired position, reference voltage is applied through the dimmer switch rheostat and the I/P lamps dimmer switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM interprets this voltage signal, then applies a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage through the instrument panel lamp supply voltage circuit illuminating the components listed below:
• Headlamp switch
• Instrument panel cluster (IPC)
• Driver and passenger window switches
• Driver and passenger door lock switches
• Outside rearview mirror switch

Circuit/System Testing
Ignition OFF, disconnect the (C2) harness connector at the BCM.
Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 2 and ground.
? If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ circuit fuse is open, test the supply voltage circuits listed below for a short to ground.
• Instrument panel lamp supply voltage circuit terminal 3 C2
• Instrument panel lamp supply voltage circuit terminal 3 C6
Ignition OFF, disconnect all of the instrument panel lamp components fed by the BCM supply voltage circuits listed below.
• Instrument panel supply voltage circuit -terminal 3 C2
• Instrument panel supply voltage circuit -terminal 3 C6
Ignition ON, with a scan tool clear the DTC.
Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC and verify the DTC does not reset.
? If the DTC resets, test the instrument panel lamp supply voltage circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
Reconnect each component one at a time and verify that the DTC does not reset as current.
? If the DTC resets as current, test or replace the component responsible for setting the DTC.
DTC B3600
DTC B1395 03 : Device Voltage Output 1 Circuit Voltage Below Threshold
DTC B1395 07 : Device Voltage Output 1 Circuit Voltage Above Threshold

Interior Backlighting Malfunction
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit
Short to Ground
Open/High Resistance
Short to Voltage
Signal Performance
I/P Dimming Voltage Reference
B1395 03, B3600 03
B1395 03
1, 2
--
Instrument Panel Lamps Dimmer Switch Signal
B3600 03
B3600 03
1, 2
--
Instrument Panel Lamp Supply Voltage
B2652 00
1
1
--
LED Dimming Supply
B2610 00
2
2
--
Headlamp Switch Ground
--
3
--
--
Instrument Panel Lamps Malfunction
LED Malfunction
Headlamps and Dimmer Switch Malfunction

Which I/P lights ? Instrument cluster , radio , HVAC control panel etc.... All the I/P light's are controlled by the BCM - body control module . Do you know about electronic control modules ?
DTC B2610 Passenger Compartment Dimming 1 Circuit
The body control module (BCM) receives a variable voltage signal from the instrument panel (I/P) dimmer switch requesting to illuminate the instrument panel controls illumination lamps to a desired intensity. When this occurs, the BCM directly sends a variable voltage based on the I/P dimmer switch position on the backlight lamps control circuit, instrument panel lamps dimming control circuit, and the LED dimming signal circuit.
Voltage for the backlight lamps control circuit, instrument panel lamps dimming control circuit, and the LED dimming signal circuits is from the TBC 3 fuse 16 in the underhood fuse block directly through the BCM to these circuits.

• Perform a visual inspection for loose or poor connections at all related components. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
• A short to ground in the following circuits will cause the TBC 3 fuse to open:
- The backlight lamps control
- The instrument panel lamps dimming control
- The LED dimming signal
- Battery positive voltage from the underhood fuse block TBC 3 fuse
• An open in the TBC 3 fuse will cause the BCM to set the following DTC:
- B0951
- B2610
- B2625

DTC B2615 Passenger Compartment Dimming 2 Circuit
DTC B2620 Display Dimming Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Input Circuit
DTC B2625 Display Dimming Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Output Circuit
Do you know how to Test for a high resistance, an open, a short to ground, or a short to voltage in the following circuits. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
• 5-volt reference
• The dimming input
• The dimming return

Tow/Haul mode enables the operator to achieve enhanced shift performance when towing or hauling a load. When tow/haul mode is selected, the tow/haul switch input signal to the body control module (BCM) is momentarily toggled to zero volts. This signals the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM) to extend the length of time between upshifts and increase transmission line pressure. Cycling the tow/haul switch again disables tow/haul mode and returns the transmission to a normal shift pattern.

After reading all the pertinent info. to your problem, doing testing ,Checking for DTC'S -diagnostic trouble codes in the BCM , checking power and ground's for the BCM an checking voltage at the tow / haul switch to and from the BCM .is where i would start . Do you know how to do electrical testing ? Read a wire diagram ? If not there are videos on youtube for learning how to do basic automotive electrical testing , how to read wiring diagrams etc... You can find free wiring diagrams at
http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html The only thing with this is you don't have info. saying where componet location's are . This is were factory service info would be helpful

No. Dash lights being out could be a bad headlight switch, since the dash lights are routed through the headlight switch, not the dimmer switch. Park and tail lights also controlled by the headlight switch.

There is no module under the dash on your vehicle .
P0463 - Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit High Description: The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the fuel level input (FLI) circuit for electrical failure. The test fails when the signal moves above the maximum allowable calibrated parameter for a specified fuel fill percentage in the fuel tank. Possible Causes:

• Fuel pump (FP) module concern
• Incorrectly installed fuel gauge
• Damaged instrument cluster
• FLI shorted to VPWR
• CASE GND circuit open
• Overfilled fuel tank
• Damaged fuel gauge

Diagnostic Aids: See the diagnostic aids for DTC P0460. Application Key On Engine Off Key On Engine Running Continuous Memory Ranger GO to Pinpoint Test HX . All others Refer to the Workshop Manual Section 413-01, Instrument Cluster for fuel level indicator diagnosis.
You start by taking to Dealer or someother qualified repair shop .
Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index DTC Description Source Action B1202 Fuel Sender Circuit Open Instrument Cluster Go To Pinpoint Test B . B1204 Fuel Sender Circuit Short to Ground Instrument Cluster Go To Pinpoint Test B .

Disconnect the trailer wiring and recheck the vehicle lighting. If it returns to normal, then obviously the trailer is the problem. Quite often the trailer plug loses its independent ground and it will back feed thru other circuits trying to locate one. Especially if its a boat trailer, water intrusion can cause havoc on the grounds due to corrosion. The under hood electrical center has circuits intentionally meant to be used for trailers. You CANNOT just jumper into the rear lights of the truck (tail, signals and brakes coming from the tail light connector). Because it uses a multi-function switch, the brakes and signals are actually the same circuit, and have to be wired separately for a trailer plug to operate.

Apparently there is an undesired electrical connection between the instrument panel light circuit and the gauges. If adjusting the panel brightness all the way up or down affects the gauges, that confirms it. Take out the instrument panel and inspect the printed circuit board. Pay special attention to places where circuit traces run close together, connectors and areas around screw holes. If there is dirt or corrosion on the panel, remove it.

I particularly suspect a screw was overtightened and cracked the plastic. The screw head or shaft could short two or more traces if the plastic breaks completely away. You may have to glue a plastic shim or washer in place to repair it, or put electrical tape over the affected traces on the circuit panel.

If you don't see a fault on the instrument panel, check the wiring harness between the panel and the light switch for damaged insulation, especially where it crosses over any metal structures. Also check ground wire connections behind the dashboard and the headlight ground connections in front of the the radiator.

Sounds like your tail light fuse is blown. If there is no shorts in the system, replacing the fuse should solve the problem.