X5 Tail Light Alteration and fix.

[gwc]

Should be a re-call...I've ordered LED tails as I'm sick off removing the tails every fortnight to clean the contacts.

[Ivan22]

I am having the same problem on a 2001 X5. My rear right brake light keeps going out. The tail light housing seems brittle, and the old socket was slightly melted. I bought a new socket at the dealer ($27 rippoff) and a bulb, but the problem persists.

My question is, regardless of the fix proposed, grounding the circuit, would replacing the entire tail light with the newer version (04 and up) fix it?

Im sick and tired of beeps and messages...

[PMPNX5]

Originally Posted by Ivan22

I am having the same problem on a 2001 X5. My rear right brake light keeps going out. The tail light housing seems brittle, and the old socket was slightly melted. I bought a new socket at the dealer ($27 rippoff) and a bulb, but the problem persists.

My question is, regardless of the fix proposed, grounding the circuit, would replacing the entire tail light with the newer version (04 and up) fix it?

Im sick and tired of beeps and messages...

I hope so, I just bought tails off an '02, and am hoping this will solve the prob I had (same thing, melted holders, and burning on the board, see pics in the WTB section here.) Hopefully this will fix the problem, I'll post and let know how it seems to work once I get them, and put them in.

[CharlieHustle]

No, because even the tail lights on my 04 e53 had this issue.

[dkl]

They have NOT fixed the issue on the newer models. My '04 had the same issue where it keeps throwing a rear light out error (the bulb is still good, but doesn't light up). The soldering tips DO work. I added some solder to the bulb holder contacts and after a year, it still works...no more light out errors.

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by dkl

They have NOT fixed the issue on the newer models. My '04 had the same issue where it keeps throwing a rear light out error (the bulb is still good, but doesn't light up). The soldering tips DO work. I added some solder to the bulb holder contacts and after a year, it still works...no more light out errors.

Yup, same crappy design on the '04. I have replaced both rear lights in last year.

[Satheesh.net]

Originally Posted by dkl

They have NOT fixed the issue on the newer models. My '04 had the same issue where it keeps throwing a rear light out error (the bulb is still good, but doesn't light up). The soldering tips DO work. I added some solder to the bulb holder contacts and after a year, it still works...no more light out errors.

Any pictures????

[e53fl]

dkl, exactly where did u apply the solder and how much??

[dkl]

It's mostly a trial and error thing for the amount of solder to apply. The problem with the entire design is that the bulb holder isn't getting good enough contact with the printed circuit board on the light house assembly. Just add a bit of solder to the conductive part (you know...the tip portion that usually get burned) of the bulb holder that is making actual contact with the light assembly circuit board. Normally, when the bulb holder conductors are worn, it sit somewhat loose on the housing. Keep adding a tiny bit of solder to the contacts (conductor) of the holder until it sit in the housing snug.

[X5Flyboy]

umnitza is supposed to be coming out with an LED replacement soon for the E53 - as my right brake/tail light continues to give me "check ...light", it can't come too soon