check rear lights / check brake light?

[indianapolisX5]

Originally Posted by markreg

Hi, I also have the check rear lights (tailgate lights are out) and check rear brake lights (rear right side).

I've been looking around and I understand that there's a very good DIY fix regarding the rear brake light assembly.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ion-fix-5.html

But is there a fix for the rear tail gate lights itself?

My dealer performed this fix a few years back when I was still under warranty but replacement lenses were unavailable due to a change in vendors. They got the original lens to work again, but the problem resurfaced about 2 years later on the same side (passenger). So if this is your problem, go for it but don't be surprised if you have to do it again some time down the line.

As for the tail gate, the only bulbs in there are the reverse lights (and fogs if you're outside US). Pretty easy to get at and replace.

[markreg]

Originally Posted by indianapolisX5

My dealer performed this fix a few years back when I was still under warranty but replacement lenses were unavailable due to a change in vendors. They got the original lens to work again, but the problem resurfaced about 2 years later on the same side (passenger). So if this is your problem, go for it but don't be surprised if you have to do it again some time down the line.

As for the tail gate, the only bulbs in there are the reverse lights (and fogs if you're outside US). Pretty easy to get at and replace.

I understand that eventually you decided to replace the whole tail light assembly instead. I'm contemplating if I should waste my time in removing the brake tail light, troubleshoot, soder etc...or should I just buy a new kit assembly and replace the whole thing together (this includes the tailgate lights)

I saw this on ebay -

00 01 02 03 04 05 BMW E53 X5 Altezza LED Tail Lights RS: eBay Motors (item 330493216465 end time Dec-05-10 14:36:56 PST)

[indianapolisX5]

Originally Posted by markreg

I understand that eventually you decided to replace the whole tail light assembly instead. I'm contemplating if I should waste my time in removing the brake tail light, troubleshoot, soder etc...or should I just buy a new kit assembly and replace the whole thing together (this includes the tailgate lights)

I saw this on ebay -

00 01 02 03 04 05 BMW E53 X5 Altezza LED Tail Lights RS: eBay Motors (item 330493216465 end time Dec-05-10 14:36:56 PST)

I decided to go ahead and replace them altogether because I plan on keeping my X for at least another 4 - 5 years and didn't want to keep having to clean the corrosion off of the OEM contacts every so often. Plus the LED's really offer a cleaner and more up-to-date look, day & night.
Check these out: Halo Projector headlight LED Tail Lights Fog Light Grille items - Get great deals on items on eBay Stores!
They offer a few different styles, look to be $20 - $30 cheaper than the ones you found and are the same make (Sonar).
If you decide to go ahead and make the switch, consider getting some Invisibulbs for the turn signal indicators (Bimmian Solaris Invisibulbs for BMW X5 SAV - 2000-2006 E53).