X5 Tail Light Alteration and fix.
 

After going in for the third time regarding taillight/stop lights that don't work and continued bulb and socket replacement they decided to keep my X today and impliment a fix which they said came down from BMW. :rolleyes: What it amounts to is a 5 hour job of removing the entire rear taillight assembly from both sides cleaning any and all burn residue if any and then adding additional ground wires on both sides to carry the overload current. Service advisor said that this fix will eliminate the problem permanantly. We'll see ;)

I wonder why it takes 5hrs? I removed all my rear tail lights in about 15mins!!and surely cleaning and adding an additional ground wire wont take more than an hours work. Are you having it done under warranty?

Who knows. I don"t know what method you used or what method they used to modify each circuit board. I just needed it to stop under warranty. ;)

Just got the new socket with the new design along with a new bulb as the old one just burned out.... We'll see how long it'll last...

I had one brake light out, and when they replaced the bulb it still didn't work, so they replaced the entire rear taillight assembly and replaced it for free with a brand new unit. This was in the E53 when it was under warranty.

I have the same problem with my 01 X5 3.0, the R lower taillight keeps burning out, and the plastic piece that holds the bulb is getting a little melted, is that all I need to do is add another ground wire? How'd it come out?

Apparently BMW has caught on that this is an issue. After my third visit the SA told me that they had been replacing the tail light assemblys and that the part was becoming a rare camodity finding itself on back order. I guess the look on my face and the question about how long i would have to drive around with a burned out lamp prompted his quick response, "but we have a fix for you that will eliminate the problem once and for all". Thats when he explained that the fix came down from BMW. This fix was base on order # 63 08 07. Repair 2 circuit board contacts. WE shall see how long it last. ;)

Edit: Isn't there a a link for BMW TBS online?

yes is there a link for this fix, maybe turn it into a DIY?

Has anyone located the TSB site for BMW?

This fitment was done in September of this year and so far no more issues. :thumbup: