Tail Lamp Update

[MHKitchen]

As many of you know, I posted DIY instructions online back in 2007 as to how to repair X5 taillamps that stop working. FYI, I just received notice from NHTSA that as of August 25, 2011, they are requiring BMW to recall 241,000 325 and 330 models ONLY to replace their taillamp assemblies free of charge for a similar problem. Unfortunately, there must not be enough complaints to NHTSA about the X5 issue to warrant a recall as yet. So, if you have experienced this problem on your X5, I urge you to go to NHTSA at Home | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), click on the link to REPORT A VEHICLE OR CHILD SEAT DEFECT, and report your problem. This is a design and manufacturing issue that impacts your safety, and its in everyone's best interest for these to be recalled and repaired.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Here is your original post in 2007:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ir-now-up.html

I can't find the how-to submission. Can you give a quick recap of the issue? I think I have been having that same problem lately where I get "check brake light" messages every so often and my turn signal on the right side mysteriously goes out, then fixes itself.

Do you have any additional information on the 3er recall?

EDIT: I found the specific recall on the NHTSA site. It sounds like what has been happening with my '02 X5.

Recall applies to:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): BMW / 325I 2002-2005 BMW / 325XI 2002-2005 BMW / 330I 2002-2005 BMW / 330XI 2002-2005

[ArmyX5]

I just placed my complaint to the NHTSA and did a search on our Vehicle. I only found one other complaint about the light issues. No wonder they didn't include the X5 in that recall.

[dkl]

Just placed my complaint as well, even though I had previously repaired this on my own. The solder patch appears to be doing well. My repair back in 2006 is still holding up til now.

[MHKitchen]

All
FYI, my DIY instructions on repairing the taillamp assembly was posted on the DIY section of the former X5 World, and is found at a few other sites, but I notice its not here on X Outpost. So, here is a link to it at files.me.com/mhkitchen/b0pzwk
If the moderator is reading this, please feel free to add it to the DIY info here, as I'm unclear on how to do that?

[skeetjunkie]

Just a quick BTW - I performed MHKitchen's tail lamp repair several thousand miles ago and not a problem since then. Thank you for a great & inexpensive diagnosis & DIY!

[weekend camper]

Thought the dealer had fixed the issue of a non-blinking turn signal presale, but it turns out a quick sandpapering to the contact points of the bulb housing did the trick when it error messaged again.


Thanks MHK.