Left Brake Light Malfunction

RobNH · 03-03-2011, 04:33 PM

Tonight when I left work, the left brake light malfunction warning msg showed up on the DIC. It's not going out so I assume that means the bulb needs to be replaced?

If so, what is involved with changing it and do I need a special bulb?

The reason I ask is that I'm hoping it's not like replacing an an angel eye, where the front bumper has to come off and the E46 generation was very sensitive to electrical current fluctuations and you had to use a certain type of bulb or it would throw an error.

fdriller9 · 03-03-2011, 06:22 PM

Have you visually checked to see if any bulbs were out?

There is a service bulletin out pertaining to a faulty bulb holder in taillights. You should be covered if you're still under the new car warranty.

Changing the bulb is very simple. I would just get the bulb from the dealer and replace it yourself, if it is in fact burnt out. Passenger side: open the battery compartment. Driver's side there is a small door.

Once you open either, you can unclip the bulb holder. Twist out the faulty bulb and put in the new one.

03-03-2011, 04:33 PM	#1
RobNH Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M235i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Left Brake Light Malfunction Tonight when I left work, the left brake light malfunction warning msg showed up on the DIC. It's not going out so I assume that means the bulb needs to be replaced? If so, what is involved with changing it and do I need a special bulb? The reason I ask is that I'm hoping it's not like replacing an an angel eye, where the front bumper has to come off and the E46 generation was very sensitive to electrical current fluctuations and you had to use a certain type of bulb or it would throw an error. __________________ Current: 2015 ///M235i xDrive \| 8-spd Auto \| Glacier Silver/Black \| Brushed Aluminum Trim \| Cold, Tech, Premium, Driver Assist Packages \| Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System Previous: 2008 E92 335xi Coupe Previous: 2004 330xi Sedan
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03-03-2011, 06:22 PM	#2
fdriller9 Banned 255 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	Have you visually checked to see if any bulbs were out? There is a service bulletin out pertaining to a faulty bulb holder in taillights. You should be covered if you're still under the new car warranty. Changing the bulb is very simple. I would just get the bulb from the dealer and replace it yourself, if it is in fact burnt out. Passenger side: open the battery compartment. Driver's side there is a small door. Once you open either, you can unclip the bulb holder. Twist out the faulty bulb and put in the new one.
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