ARGH tail lights!!

kingnonis · 07-03-2009, 01:34 AM

Well, im not even at 10K miles and BOTH my LED tails are OUT. It started last week with some flickering on one side, a few days later that side was gone...followed by BYEBYE other side. Brake lights, blinkers, reversers all work, but the LEDs are gone. Stopped by BMW and svc mgr swapped out the bulb set up and STRIKE ONE..no go. So it appears I will need either the wiring harness or both lamps fully replaced...absolutely ridiculous! First my hpfp last december and now this, all without hitting 10K mi!! Not to mention my trunk brake light has already had to be replaced due to breaking and my passenger side rearview mirror has a horrific rust/burn looking line smackdab through the middle AND the rear passenger side panel, when the top is up, rattles like if a sumo wrestler were tapdancing inside it. Ok i feel better after ranting..hopefully all this can be taken care of this weekend (probably NOT as parts needed are never in stock). Might as well get my oil changed...if their royal hignesses at the svc dpt dont whine and b*tch cuz ive still got 2K miles before schedule. JB+ is out just in case, BT code scan done. Goodbye 1er for the weekend...and no loaner available, NICE. BTW...could there be any correlation between installing the EFX angel eyes (which throw codes) and losing my LED taillamps? Oddly...they started dying after i installed them.

SIGH.

lib · 07-03-2009, 01:56 AM

Yep. My driver side taillight went out 3 days ago. I already had an appointment scheduled to take it in for a muffler replacement (replaced due to a problem with the exhaust flap) and noticed the tail light out the night before the appointment.

Of course, being the new LED lights they didn't have any in stock so I have to wait for them to get the part shipped overnight.

On the plus side, the local dealer has been great with everything that's popped up.

MOCKBA · 07-03-2009, 02:01 AM

Do we have LED tails? Never knew that. Any other LED?

Lester · 07-03-2009, 07:17 AM

Just the centre brake light.

jkp1187 · 07-03-2009, 07:46 AM

That's not good. One of the supposed advantages of LEDs is their longevity. Did the service people have any idea why these LEDs died so quickly?

kingnonis · 07-03-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkp1187

That's not good. One of the supposed advantages of LEDs is their longevity. Did the service people have any idea why these LEDs died so quickly?

the advisor seemed to know right away that it was the assembly when I dropped it off this morning...seems its starting to become more frequent of an issue with 1ers, a bulletin was issued out to them I think.

takrdown · 07-03-2009, 11:16 AM

Are you guys 2008-ers?

ssabripo · 07-03-2009, 11:21 AM

yep, sounds like common symptons, so I don't feel as bad anymore. So far, 8200 miles, and I've had:

1) left Taillight assembly replaced (due to LED failure)
2) center breaklight replaced because it broke on its own
3) Navigation had to be updated.

i'm pretty sure the HPFP will go in due time as well

kingnonis · 07-03-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takrdown

Are you guys 2008-ers?

yea..'08 for me...august 08 build to be exact

ORIGIN M. · 07-03-2009, 11:59 AM

Sounds to me like a main ground [-] wire is loose, or the fuse-box is not grounded correctly!

x97Melbourne · 07-03-2009, 03:39 PM

i just had a tail light replaced at 14,000 miles. they replaced the whole assembly.

BaNaNaBoy69 · 07-03-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

Do we have LED tails? Never knew that. Any other LED?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lester

Just the centre brake light.

Don't forget the rear lights with LED conductors. That's what they're talking about in this thread.

Alext · 07-04-2009, 07:57 AM

Yep I had mine go too. Had to replace entire light assembly. I advise everyone to check their tailights periodically.

Lester · 07-04-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaNaNaBoy69

Don't forget the rear lights with LED conductors. That's what they're talking about in this thread.

Thank you. The question from MOCKBA was:

"Do we have LED taillights? I never knew that. Do we have any other LED lights?" (I added some of the missing bits)

So my answer was "Just the centre brake light."

lacrosse · 07-04-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssabripo

yep, sounds like common symptons, so I don't feel as bad anymore. So far, 8200 miles, and I've had:

1) left Taillight assembly replaced (due to LED failure)
2) center breaklight replaced because it broke on its own
3) Navigation had to be updated.

i'm pretty sure the HPFP will go in due time as well

Don't forget wastegate failure and turbo replacement!

john08135i · 07-04-2009, 09:12 PM

Drivers taillight failed during my center tail replacement.
Had to order a whole new assembly.

MOCKBA · 07-04-2009, 09:34 PM

I think we have LED light for license plate, not sure it is LED, however looks very blueish.

Cuz5150 · 07-05-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacrosse

Don't forget wastegate failure and turbo replacement!

Ohh, yeah!! Just give it a few more years when these vehicles get up in to the 70K-80K miles range. A few words!! .

Cuz5150 · 07-05-2009, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacrosse

Don't forget wastegate failure and turbo replacement!

Ohh, yeah!! Just give it a few more years when these vehicles get up in to the 70K-80K miles range. A few words!! ---change oil every 3000 miles with Syn oil----.

Dezmo · 07-05-2009, 08:01 PM

My center brake light led shattered also. Is there a SBA for this? Where are the details?

Dezmo · 07-05-2009, 08:11 PM

Technical Service Bulletin TSB for center led brake light?

kingnonis · 07-05-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dezmo

Technical Service Bulletin TSB for center led brake light?

Service manager said they had gotten a bulletin on the tail LEDs.... Strangely, the svc advisor called me and told me they had taken "everything" apart (wtvr that means....) and could not figure out what was wrong with my tail lights so he'd need to keep it for another day or two. WTF..

07-03-2009, 01:34 AM	#1
kingnonis 1er Lover 10 Rep 201 Posts Drives: my gf insane Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Far West TX iTrader: (1)	ARGH tail lights!! Well, im not even at 10K miles and BOTH my LED tails are OUT. It started last week with some flickering on one side, a few days later that side was gone...followed by BYEBYE other side. Brake lights, blinkers, reversers all work, but the LEDs are gone. Stopped by BMW and svc mgr swapped out the bulb set up and STRIKE ONE..no go. So it appears I will need either the wiring harness or both lamps fully replaced...absolutely ridiculous! First my hpfp last december and now this, all without hitting 10K mi!! Not to mention my trunk brake light has already had to be replaced due to breaking and my passenger side rearview mirror has a horrific rust/burn looking line smackdab through the middle AND the rear passenger side panel, when the top is up, rattles like if a sumo wrestler were tapdancing inside it. Ok i feel better after ranting..hopefully all this can be taken care of this weekend (probably NOT as parts needed are never in stock). Might as well get my oil changed...if their royal hignesses at the svc dpt dont whine and btch cuz ive still got 2K miles before schedule. JB+ is out just in case, BT code scan done. Goodbye 1er for the weekend...and no loaner available, NICE. BTW...could there be any correlation between installing the EFX angel eyes (which throw codes) and losing my LED taillamps? Oddly...they started dying after i installed them. SIGH. __________________ '08 135i vert Jet Black/Coral RedPremium + ///Msport + JB3 + BMS DCI (retired ) '11 135i dct Le Mans/Black* Premium + ///Msport + JB3 Stg.1 + BMW Perf. Exhaust + HPA Foam Filter
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07-03-2009, 01:56 AM	#2
lib Major 141 Rep 1,401 Posts Drives: <This space for rent> Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ATX iTrader: (0)	Yep. My driver side taillight went out 3 days ago. I already had an appointment scheduled to take it in for a muffler replacement (replaced due to a problem with the exhaust flap) and noticed the tail light out the night before the appointment. Of course, being the new LED lights they didn't have any in stock so I have to wait for them to get the part shipped overnight. On the plus side, the local dealer has been great with everything that's popped up.
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07-03-2009, 02:01 AM	#3
MOCKBA Captain 54 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 135 convertible Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SFBA iTrader: (0)	Do we have LED tails? Never knew that. Any other LED? __________________ 535i/HUD Kamerton brings me true sound fidelity
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07-03-2009, 07:17 AM	#4
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Just the centre brake light.
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07-03-2009, 07:46 AM	#5
jkp1187 Unindicted co-conspirator 66 Rep 1,734 Posts Drives: to work, mostly. Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania / Detroit, Michigan iTrader: (0)	That's not good. One of the supposed advantages of LEDs is their longevity. Did the service people have any idea why these LEDs died so quickly?
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07-03-2009, 11:16 AM	#7
takrdown Other car was a submarine 94 Rep 704 Posts Drives: i4M50 (waiting), 2013 R56 JCW Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Central CT iTrader: (7)	Are you guys 2008-ers?
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07-03-2009, 11:21 AM	#8
ssabripo HALA MADRID! 939 Rep 2,879 Posts Drives: camels & donkeys Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Plantation, Fl iTrader: (7)	yep, sounds like common symptons, so I don't feel as bad anymore. So far, 8200 miles, and I've had: 1) left Taillight assembly replaced (due to LED failure) 2) center breaklight replaced because it broke on its own 3) Navigation had to be updated. i'm pretty sure the HPFP will go in due time as well __________________ F87 M2 Competition, Sunset Orange, Exc, DCT. SOLD F80 M3 Mineral Grey/Sakir Orange, Exc, DCT... ED 6/2015 SOLDE90 M3, Interlagos Blue / M individual two-tone, ZCP, ZP2, ZCV, DCT, ED.
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07-03-2009, 11:59 AM	#10
ORIGIN M. Banned 3161 Rep 9,134 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Hemisphere iTrader: (0)	Sounds to me like a main ground [-] wire is loose, or the fuse-box is not grounded correctly!
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07-03-2009, 03:39 PM	#11
x97Melbourne Molar World 47 Rep 916 Posts Drives: 2016 435i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	i just had a tail light replaced at 14,000 miles. they replaced the whole assembly. __________________ Current: 2016 435i Coupe Previous: 2014 335i Sedan; 2013 328i Cv, 2011 335i Sedan Gone But Not Forgotten: 2008 135i Convertible (my favorite)
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07-04-2009, 07:57 AM	#13
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	Yep I had mine go too. Had to replace entire light assembly. I advise everyone to check their tailights periodically.
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07-04-2009, 09:12 PM	#16
john08135i Major 77 Rep 1,027 Posts Drives: 2013 M Sport, 2010 bmw S1000RR Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orlando iTrader: (0)	Drivers taillight failed during my center tail replacement. Had to order a whole new assembly. __________________ M Sport Line Estoril Blue
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07-04-2009, 09:34 PM	#17
MOCKBA Captain 54 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 135 convertible Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SFBA iTrader: (0)	I think we have LED light for license plate, not sure it is LED, however looks very blueish. __________________ 535i/HUD Kamerton brings me true sound fidelity
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07-05-2009, 08:01 PM	#20
Dezmo LEFT LANE FOR PASSING ONLY 5 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	My center brake light led shattered also. Is there a SBA for this? Where are the details? __________________ LEFT LANE FOR PASSING ONLY
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07-05-2009, 08:11 PM	#21
Dezmo LEFT LANE FOR PASSING ONLY 5 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Technical Service Bulletin TSB for center led brake light? __________________ LEFT LANE FOR PASSING ONLY
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