Are warning messages logged?

[Clutch]

Hello again all -

I searched and found many instances of people getting the "CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS" and "CHECK REAR LIGHTS" warning messages on an intermittent basis, just as I am getting now. All bulbs are fine; seems to happen on damp mornings, so I am thinking a condensation short, but reading here points to a generic corrosion problem with the units. In fact, our 2005 4.4 had the left side replaced out of warranty for a hefty price. My 2006 4.8 warranty ends in a bit over a week. Although I have read the fixes and advice here, I'd rather the dealer replace the units now, or at least get on the record of a problem *before* the warranty expires. With that long background, my specific question is - are these error codes logged in the computer? - Will the dealer see them there and I can therefore "prove" it's been happening, or will it be my word against their "Problem Not Found" diagnosis? This thread kinda implies that they are stored:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/37249-x5-tail-light-alteration-fix.html

but doesn't mention reading them in the TSB below. Sorry so long for a simple question, but I'm learning about the fault and logging functions. Thank you in advance for your time and information.

[dlennard]

I don't know if the messages are stored, but I take a photo of the message every time I have one come up so I can show it to the dealer. You can get the date and mileage in the photo with the message for proof. My wife is even instructed to take a photo if she gets a message. Last time at the dealer they fixed all the problems and no comments like could not reproduce the problem.

[Clutch]

That's a terrific - and simple - idea. Thank you very much. Hopefully someone out there knows the official answer and we'll hear from them, but your method is as good as a logged error code in my book. Why didn't I think of that?!

[zzzzkev]

I have the same problem. At first I thought it was related to the recent addition of the trailer hitch because of the module that is added to control the trailer's brake lights. 2 weeks ago I removed the module. It did not fix the problem.

Took the vehicle into my highly trusted Indy and told them about it. It only happens when the headlights are on. They cleared some codes - effectively telling the car "the lights are fine". Next time the auto-lights engaged at dusk, same problem.
>Check Brake Lights< followed by >Check Rear Lights<. I'm at a total loss on this particular problem.

'02 X5 3.0i with 152,500 miles.

Anybody figure this one out yet?

[zzzzkev]

Originally Posted by zzzzkev

I have the same problem. At first I thought it was related to the recent addition of the trailer hitch because of the module that is added to control the trailer's brake lights. 2 weeks ago I removed the module. It did not fix the problem.

Took the vehicle into my highly trusted Indy and told them about it. It only happens when the headlights are on. They cleared some codes - effectively telling the car "the lights are fine". Next time the auto-lights engaged at dusk, same problem.
>Check Brake Lights< followed by >Check Rear Lights<. I'm at a total loss on this particular problem.

'02 X5 3.0i with 152,500 miles.

Anybody figure this one out yet?

I can add >CHECK LICPLATE LIGHT< to the list now. Someone mentioned a "corrosion" problem. What corrosion problem? What is corroding?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by zzzzkev

I can add >CHECK LICPLATE LIGHT< to the list now. Someone mentioned a "corrosion" problem. What corrosion problem? What is corroding?

The tail light sockets. It has been a well-documented problem.

[zzzzkev]

Originally Posted by JCL

The tail light sockets. It has been a well-documented problem.

Thanks! I figured out that the reference to the "circuit boards" was the actual metal contact on the tail light assembly. I took them out this weekend, marked the contact points with a pilot marker, used the dremel to score the points where the socket tabs come in contact with the board and then dropped a dollop of solder at each point. (There was one touch point that had an obvious pit in it). I then smoothed out the solder to a slightly proud bump. I re-installed the lamp assemblied, re-installed the electronic trailer module and IT WORKS! Thanks to everybody on this board, I never would have figured this one out!

[admranger]

Originally Posted by dlennard

I don't know if the messages are stored, but I take a photo of the message every time I have one come up so I can show it to the dealer. You can get the date and mileage in the photo with the message for proof. My wife is even instructed to take a photo if she gets a message. Last time at the dealer they fixed all the problems and no comments like could not reproduce the problem.

Genius!

Thanks for the simple, yet overlooked idea!

[zzzzkev]

Originally Posted by admranger

Genius!

Thanks for the simple, yet overlooked idea!

I did this over the weekend and it totally fixed the problem. Safer than driving with one hand on the wheel and a camera in the other.

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e5...y%20Repair.pdf

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by zzzzkev

I have the same problem. At first I thought it was related to the recent addition of the trailer hitch because of the module that is added to control the trailer's brake lights. 2 weeks ago I removed the module. It did not fix the problem.

Took the vehicle into my highly trusted Indy and told them about it. It only happens when the headlights are on. They cleared some codes - effectively telling the car "the lights are fine". Next time the auto-lights engaged at dusk, same problem.
>Check Brake Lights< followed by >Check Rear Lights<. I'm at a total loss on this particular problem.

'02 X5 3.0i with 152,500 miles.

Anybody figure this one out yet?

Glad you got the problem fixed.

In the future, if you want to ever diagnose your X using the laptop GT1 you're welcome anytime. Since you're a local merlander too.