3rd (center) Brake Light Problem

Adventurer · #1 12-23-2009, 12:54 PM

I am tracing down a problem with my 3rd brake light on my 2003 3.0l X5, and found (using a volt meter at the light) that there is no power getting to the 3rd brake light at all. Of course I did have the ignition on and the brake applied which illuminated my left and right brake lights when I performed this check. All of my other tail lights, brake lights and turn signals work fine and I could not find any blown fuses anywhere. There are no dashboard indicators telling me I have a 3rd brake light problem.

I have searched all of the e53 forum and I have seen some hints that there is a control module somewhere in the dash that may control the 3rd brake light?? I've also seen some suggestions to check connectors, but I don't know where the connectors are located and the thread doesn't spell this out.

I would REALLY appreciate it if someone who has had this particular problem and knows of a fix, could reply here and advise as to what the resolution is. If you have suggestions on things to check, please be specific as to where the items to check are located and how to access them.

Thanks,
Rick

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TheKingSim0n · #2 12-23-2009, 01:27 PM

I have the same problem as you do, please if somebody can help?

Adventurer · #3 12-30-2009, 11:36 AM

Surely someone else out there might have had this 3rd brake light problem? If not, can anyone suggest where to look for issue resolution?

TheKingSim0n · #4 12-30-2009, 12:35 PM

My car is currently getting a little treatment in the shop, I will have my car within a few days since I am away, once I do get it back I will have it checked out to see if it is indeed the 3rd brake light assembly that is the evil culprit, or if its some sort of connection between the 3rd break light receiving power.

jjcyeshua · #5 12-30-2009, 05:50 PM

Both left and right lights are out? check the light bulb socket... Most likely the socket contact burn out due to corrision build up... The same thing happened to my 3rd brake light, so i'm guessing its the same problem you are having.... you can buy a new light bulb socket from the dealership for $20+ tax..

Adventurer · #6 12-30-2009, 06:11 PM

No. All of my other tail lights, brake lights and turn signals work fine. It's just the 3rd (center) light that is not functioning. Where is the "light bulb socket" for the 3rd brake light? I understand the issue with the socket issue on the tail lights and I did have an issue on my right side, but that has been resolved with the fix I found on X5World board. That did not fix the center brake light however....

Adventurer · #7 01-14-2010, 01:05 PM

Does anyone have an update and/or suggestions on this issue?

Zulu95 · #8 01-14-2010, 01:10 PM

Third BL is LED. I remember reading that there are issues with the circuit board.

Adventurer · #9 01-14-2010, 01:16 PM

Do you know where the circuit board is located? If it is part of the LED light itself, this may not be the issue as I am not getting 12V on the plug that feeds the light in the rear spoiler. So to me, the issue appears to be somewhere between the battery and this plug. I'm sure there are multiple areas to check but I have no knowledge of the circuit feeding the 3rd brake light and therefore could use some guidance.

Adventurer · #10 01-28-2010, 11:53 AM

The third brake light issue was due to the light controller. I took the X5 to an independent and he replaced the controller computer and then I had to bring the car to BMW to have them plug the car in to initialize the new light control module. That was $100 and the mechanic charged $400 including the part.

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