2001 X5 tail lights

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by tmv

Take it easy. Benny is a newbie
My next guess for benny's question is: "what do you mean by modding the taillight bulb sockets?" then "Are you serious that we're gonna use Mercedes part on a BMW?"

I know, I know. He caught me at a bad moment. It just seemed like a very clear instruction. This place is still far nicer than most other automotive forums.

Hey Benny: In addition to the Mercedes part fix and the soldering fix, think about LED tail lights.

[tmv]

^LED taillights

Originally Posted by rfdude

I ordered new replacement ones for mine and was wondering how to get to the ones on the rear tailgate?

Read post #3, starting at the 5th sentence.

[e30mpower]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

Hey Benny: In addition to the Mercedes part fix and the soldering fix, think about LED tail lights.

What is this MB parts fix? I was informed today that my LCM is fine and the check rear lights/check brake lights warning was bc the contact points on the lamp assembly have actually started to melt.

[tmv]

Originally Posted by e30mpower

What is this MB parts fix? I was informed today that my LCM is fine and the check rear lights/check brake lights warning was bc the contact points on the lamp assembly have actually started to melt.

It fixes the taillights connection.

[rfdude]

thanks tmv, just completed installing mine, very easy job. BTW there are in fact (3) 8mm bolts to remove on the inner ones.

[tmv]

now show them off

[rfdude]

ok, if you insist. Its crappy outside today or I would have better pics then in my garage. BTW, before someone comments I know the X5 badge is in the wrong place, Im dealing with the guy who painted it. Unfortunately he glued it on and if I try to take it off the paint is going to come with it...not good! Going to get him to repaint the tailgate and relocate the badge to its proper place.

The lights turned out great though...not the LEDS ones but I got them on ebay for $100 new complete with bulbs shipped to my house so really couldn't go wrong. Took about an hour total to do (those nuts are a pain to get back on!) Next are the front headlights to replace.

I bought this vehicle just over a month and I tell you I've almost given up on it a few times (although I did get it at a wholesale price of 8K knowing I would have to do some work to it)...BMW, I can see why they say "broken most weeks" lol! I own an AUdi A6 too and got to admit its bulletproof compared to this thing.

Anyway, here are the pics.

[rfdude]

here's one outside, had to go to the store.

[tmv]

You should have bought LED taillights, much better IMO.

[benny224]

I finally had time to complete the job. I delicately took out the tail light and noted that the connection wass bent thus not making contact so no light. I bent the spot back then scraped the corrosion off and now have a functioning brake light again.

Also just so you know i am no BMW mechanic let alone a US car mechanic. I appreciate everyone who took the time to help me.

I am still tryng to get my ddashboard display/navigation working. I did as suggested but a fuse checker and had the guy from the auto store check it. he said they were all working. I then checked today and found that the first fuse that I checked was blown.

I lost faith in the guy and replaced the fuse rechecked all of the others myself with none out. Unfortunately I alos do not have the display navigetion back.

Does anyone know which fuses control the display/navigation? I may just replace them anyway.

I also ask for any other suggestions.

THank you all again fr all of your support and advice.

John