[walterm32]

Need a little insight. I’m not sure what’s going on with my 2019 540. I installed eBay LCI tails about 1 1/2 years ago and everything was fine. My battery drained about a month ago and I had to jump it. Since then the drivers side inner and outer brake light doesn’t work. The light, reverse light and amber works fine. It’s just when the brake is applied it doesn’t get brighter as the passenger side does. I ordered a new set of lights and it’s doing the same thing with the new set. Any ideas as to what could be the issue?
Thanks!!

[eric_gm]

There was a mention here a while back that eBay tails can cause the LCM to generate a "permanent" error that can only be removed by the dealer. The error causes the LCM to disable certain functions, which in your case would be the brake light on that side.

Have you scanned it?

[walterm32]

Originally Posted by eric_gm

There was a mention here a while back that eBay tails can cause the LCM to generate a "permanent" error that can only be removed by the dealer. The error causes the LCM to disable certain functions, which in your case would be the brake light on that side.

Have you scanned it?

I did just scan it and and you’re correct. It has a permanent fault. Output short to ground on left outer tail light. Appreciate the insight. I have an appointment at the dealer next week anyway so I’ll have them clear whatever needs to be if possible. Thanks!!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by walterm32

I did just scan it and and you’re correct. It has a permanent fault. Output short to ground on left outer tail light. Appreciate the insight. I have an appointment at the dealer next week anyway so I’ll have them clear whatever needs to be if possible. Thanks!!

Just out of curiosity, did you put the OEM pre LCI tails back in to see if they malfunction?

I wonder if a good remote coder with ISTA could clear the fault. Someone like Vic.

[eric_gm]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Just out of curiosity, did you put the OEM pre LCI tails back in to see if they malfunction?

They wouldn't work either. The code will prevent the brake light from working and it won't clear even if you reinstall the original tails.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by eric_gm

They wouldn't work either. The code will prevent the brake light from working and it won't clear even if you reinstall the original tails.

Although this is a "thing" that happened to you and not overly common, but happens, it begs the question of, if you buy knockoffs to avoid coding, you're kind of at the mercy of needing coding anyway if this happens, and presumably only by the $dealer.

Not being critical, just thinking out loud.

[walterm321]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Although this is a "thing" that happened to you and not overly common, but happens, it begs the question of, if you buy knockoffs to avoid coding, you're kind of at the mercy of needing coding anyway if this happens, and presumably only by the $dealer.

Not being critical, just thinking out loud.

I've already thought that Joe . If the dealer is able to clear the fault and fix the brake light issue on Saturday, if it happens again I'll go the OEM route. I'll update the thread this weekend.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by walterm321

I've already thought that Joe . If the dealer is able to clear the fault and fix the brake light issue on Saturday, if it happens again I'll go the OEM route. I'll update the thread this weekend.

Thanks. Seems it was related to your battery drain, so hopefully a reset and you’re good for a while. Although I haven’t done any research on this issue and what causes it and how frequent it is.

I definitely learned a new thing here. I had no idea there were “permanent “ faults.

Good luck.

[eric_gm]

As far as I remember, the issue with permanent faults is discussed in the 1000 pages long "aftermarket/eBay tail lights" thread. I stumbled upon that particular post when deciding if OEM was worth it vs cheap replicas.

I agree with Joe in that it's probably not worth it, especially if you score a good deal on a genuine set of tail lights. Vic strongly recommended against replicas and told me the euro version (no matter what G30 version you have) are the best ones.