Brake Light Went Out - Bulb Works Fine..

Aimster · #1 10-23-2006, 11:11 PM

What could be the problem?

I checked the fuse under the glove compartment and it seemed to be working as well. However, I might have looked at the wrong one.

I assume since it isnt the bulb it must be the fuse.

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fln8tive · #2 10-24-2006, 01:32 AM

It may be the housing where the bulb mounts...integral to the taillight lens. Had a taillight that went dark and the dealer just put in a whole new assembly. Common problem.

bimmerFanatic · #3 10-24-2006, 03:16 AM

Same thing happened to me. The indie repair store said they get the all the time. He said it was the contact of the socket. He bent in back to it's original shape, stuck the bulb in and it worked.

Zulu95 · #4 10-24-2006, 08:49 AM

I'm about to replace the complete light housing. It actually burnt and melted. Cheap, poorly made parts like so many others on the "Ultimate Driving Machine".

Aimster · #5 10-24-2006, 12:42 PM

I take it extended warranty does not cover the light housing?

How much does it cost to replace?

chroniclivin · #6 10-24-2006, 05:28 PM

yea mine did the same thing, just got two new housings, but not after i ordered the one in the wrong color, so i have a extra one if u need, i think its the OEM one orange and red not white and red, want me to check? i gotta great deal on it, they ussaully run like 200+, i have it cheaper,

on the same note anyone know how hard the new assembly is to install? thanks!

Tomaz · #7 10-24-2006, 06:10 PM

Usually the bulb socket burns a small hole on the contact point of the light assembly. The socket contact point is very small and if there is any corrosion it causes a hot spot and burns through. If your not under warranty it can be fixed if you are handy with a soldering iron. Just remove the light assembly, clean the contact patch, and flow solder over the hole for a good repair. I did mine over a year ago and had no problems. The solder, being soft actually provides a better contact for the socket.

Sudesh · #8 10-24-2006, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomaz

Usually the bulb socket burns a small hole on the contact point of the light assembly. The socket contact point is very small and if there is any corrosion it causes a hot spot and burns through. If your not under warranty it can be fixed if you are handy with a soldering iron. Just remove the light assembly, clean the contact patch, and flow solder over the hole for a good repair. I did mine over a year ago and had no problems. The solder, being soft actually provides a better contact for the socket.

This man has it correct!! A soldering iron and refill the burnt out unit will work great! I have not had the problem myslef but, I have a few friend's that it happened too on X5's and e39's and this was the method they used. Complete tailight units is very costly.

ljnlaw · #9 10-24-2006, 06:25 PM

I just replaced the whole housing on my X ($157.00 US) which has 38k miles on it. The contacts bend and corrode, its typical for late model BMWs THATS WHY I PUT MY NAME DOWN FOR THE LED GROUP BUY ON THIS FORUM...if we get enough people who are interested we could have some one manufacture LEDs for our Xs and maybe that would help solve the tail problems many of us are forced to deal with.

Aimster · #10 10-24-2006, 06:34 PM

I have extended warranty from Carmax. I have to take it into BMW.

I was going to take it in later this year for my heated seats (they burn!) but I guess I am going in sooner.

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