Brake Light

[X5Ghost]

Anyone know or can recommend a source (other than dealer - too far) for replacement of the brake light bulb on the X? I picked up a GE one (P21W) from a local store specified for this car but it didn't work!! Not sure why?

[UCrewX5]

It may not be the bulb, it could be the socket or the light housing itself. Fairly common problem on the X5. First thing to do is try sanding and cleaning the contacts to see if that fixes the problem.

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

It may not be the bulb, it could be the socket or the light housing itself. Fairly common problem on the X5. First thing to do is try sanding and cleaning the contacts to see if that fixes the problem.

oh .. mmm interesting!! I'll try that first and maybe I'll try swaping the two rear bulbs and their housing to see if I can isolate the problem? thx UCreX5

[X5Ghost]

UCrewX5 you rock
I sanded the socket contacts but it didn't work. So I sanded the contact on the frame and wallaa it worked.
For the benefits of others, make sure there is good contact on both socket and frame. The bulbs may have a blackish tint in one spot which could mislead you to beleive its a burned bulb, but look closer and you'll find the bulb to be intact. Thx

[UCrewX5]

[Zulu95]

I just had to replace a complete rear unit as the whole light socket were the bnulb carrier mounts was bad.