BMW x5 brake light tail light error
 

Hi Guys,

I have an error on my dash board as above. I have replaced both brake lights but still get the error on and off all other rear lights are working fine.

I have tried to apply the brakes and all the lights show fine.

However I noticed that one side off the tail lights have both bulbs on when on parking lights re on and other side only the top bulb is on is this normal?

Can anyone please help what I can try and do or check as this is only temperamental?

Remove the bulb holder for the bulb that isn't turning on. Check it for corrosion. If there is corrosion take a pencil eraser and remove the corrosion with it.

Reinstall and see if the light comes on. If it does you are good to go, if it doesn't slightly bend the tabs on the bulb holder out so that they make better contact when installed. Try again and the light should be on. I had a similar problem with mine two days after buying it and this fixed it for me.

Thanks Brandon I had checked that but all looked fine......
Should both tail list have two bulbs on when parking lights are on or just one side?

Yes, both lights should light up exactly the same. Did you try bending the contact tabs out a bit? Also check for corrosion on the actual tail light where the bulb holder contacts it.

Thanks will have another go.....:dunno:

Should there be two lights on or one firstly so that I know which side has the fault, check your lights please?:stickpoke

If that doesn't work chances are the something has shorted..

Wiring?
Bad Bulb Holder?
Short in the light housing itself?

There could be a leak in the rubber seal around the tail light allowing moisture in. I've seen it before. Hopefully it's as simple as bending the tabs on the bulb holder though.

I will run out and look right now.

I just looked, on the outside edges of each tail light two bulbs (in each light) are on with the parking lights on.

Thank you