Plus 1 on the "Go with OE"
I had a right rear pooping off "Bulb Out" failure light a couple of times this winter. When I pulled the socket the connection tabs had carbon arch marks from intermittent connections. Ordered up the sockets and guess what? BMW provided new bulbs inserted. I was all prepaired to say "expensive little XX@$%&" .

So far all is quiet from the tail lights.

BULB SOCKET (from 10/03) Tail Light PN 63216943036 $9.22 (Qty 2)

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2005 X5 4.8IS
The Blue ones are always FASTER....

Current Garage:
2005 X5 4.8is
2002 M5 TiSilver
2003 525iT
1998 528i
Former Garage Stable Highlights
2004 325XiT Sport
1973 De Tomaso Pantera, L Model
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp GoManGo Green
1971 Dart Sport, “Dart Light” package
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Ply Barracuda 340S FB Sea-foam Green