How much did you bet????

You might have won or lost. Not sure which but they replaced them both and i saw them do it. Bulb contact was burnt as usual. No argument from them at all. Drove it in today, The looked, check stock, then they drove it to the garage. I waited an hour and a half and it was done. Let see when was my last complaint? :rolleyes:

Ahhh yes September 19 2007. So in about 4 months we should expect another failure. Warranty is up in November. :rolleyes:

Solder+grease fix
 

I finally decided to remove my rear right tail light and inspect. When I removed the bulb socket from brake light, I noticed that the tail light housing contact point was not only burnt, BUT IT HAD A HOLE in the metal, it melted right through. No wander changing the bulb and socket did not do it.

I soldered the hole shut and added solder around the area, as well as some more on the contact point on the bulb socket.
I also used electric grease (the generic type used for spark plug cables which prevents corrosion and helps conductivity).

The fix is working, for now. I'm sure we are all skeptical on how long it will last. But for now, the brake lights work.

I am puzzled as to why the tail light has two bulbs, the top one dual fillament, and the brake light/tail light bulb is single fillament! Should it not be the other way around? If a bulb is lit for your tail light when headlights are on, and then illuminates beighter when brakes are applied, should it not be a dual fillament bulb?:confused:

Thanks everyone...

Taillight update

just have my 2001 X5 4.4 in for wheel set swap, oil change, and quick inspect - right brake/tail light have been out despite all DIY repairs posted here - dealer did the BMW recommended repair (1hr labor cost) and now tailight works

still waiting for LEDs - Umnitza responded to my latest email saying their first three attempts still produce error codes - will still patiently wait for their success, but won't hold my breath

Pictures would be wicked for this topic..............

am not big on DIY these days, especially after having BSW put in their Stage 1 speakers, amp, and sleath subwoofer (which now blocks access to right taillight) - don't have the tools, as the garage in still down the list on things to do for the new townhouse - so no pics - there is posted on one of the taillight threads the BMW code for the repair

yo.

i had a problem with my rear brake light. i removed the old one with one i bought on ebay for 22 dollars. i noticed corrosion on my old unit, it was ridiculous. so, i replaced the whole tail light in 10 minutes for 35 bucks, the cost of unit plus shipping. now the light works!

At the cost of repair, I was going to plunk for the LED tails (which at this point has dragged on far enough). The X is going to the stealership next week and I'll just let them swap it under WD ....got some other minor nig-nags...

Any pictures???? :thumbup:

Here are some pictures of my 01 x5 left taillight with the burnt hole. I added some solder and cleaned the bulb socket with a wire brush attachment on my dremel, and haven't had a problem since.

Did you add the solder on the spot and a bit around the area too? See modified picture! :rolleyes: