the contact points have burnt through. its not the bulbs or socket, fix the contact points using lead and some soldering. i fixed 3 contact points in the tail lights. they fixed the problem permanently. its amazing i have the same problems on my mercedes ml, wonder how the german engineers came up with the same problems. maybe its in their genes.

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2002 X5 3.0 Siena Red
Premium, Cold Weather, Rear Climate Packages, 19" Wheels
Aluminum Running Boards, Clear Tail Lights, Clear Side Markers
Titanium Kidney Grills, Titanium Trunk Lid, Xenon Headlights
4.6is X5 exhausts, 35% Tint, Aluminum Pedals
2005 530I Mystic Blue
Premium Package, Sport Package, Xenon Headlights
18" Sport Wheels, 35% Tint all around
Mods to come: M-Tech Front Bumper, M5 Side Skirts, M5 Rear Bumper
Quad Exhausts, Style 172 19" Wheels