2009 LCI E90

Inzane · 06-13-2014, 11:50 AM

Recently I've been getting the "bulb" icon on my dash display (the one that looks like a keystone bomb) and the "fast" turn signal action when I signal right. Normally that is an obvious sign that a turn signal bulb has burnt out.

It is random and intermittent.

It is the right rear turn signal. When I looked at it behind the car while the problem was present the turn signal appeared to be working, just significantly dimmer than the left side.

According to the owners manual, it doesn't reference a specific bulb replacement for the rear turn signal. I'm guessing because my LCI tails are a kind of LED combo arrangement. The book did say "visit your dealership".

The fact that the problem appears intermittent and that the "bulbs" are maybe LED type, is it possible it's actually a wiring/harness issue instead of an actual lamp issue?

What am I likely in for if I do have to make this a dealer visit?

Thanks.

samvora · 06-13-2014, 05:55 PM

I have the exact same car model that you have and I had the exact same problem you are describinb. I eventually ended up buying a brand new light from eBay. This just means that BMW has ripped you off and if you go to the dealer they will ask you to replace the busted light and then they will add that they don't sell it individually so you will have to buy the whole set for $500+ and then installation on top of that.

eBay is a much better option as long as you make sure that you are getting the right piece (OEM and not a knock off) and its a pretty simple DIY that you can look up in the DIY section.

Hope this helps.

GreaseMonkey · 06-16-2014, 08:31 AM

I have the same problem. My SA recommended I check the connections to make sure they are secure and clean. The problem comes and goes, so I suspect it is a problem with a poor connection, hopefully nothing that requires replacing the entire unit. Should have a chance to check it out tomorrow, and can update when I do. Good luck!

GreaseMonkey · 07-02-2014, 10:24 AM

UPDATE:

It seems the problem stems from bad soldering somewhere on the circuit boards for the tail lights. I purchased a replacement tail light piece for a reasonable price (PM for source if anyone needs), and have since replaced the unit. All problems have disappeared, and now I'll tear apart the faulty unit and see if I can repair the solder joints.

rollinstone157 · 07-04-2014, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreaseMonkey

UPDATE:

It seems the problem stems from bad soldering somewhere on the circuit boards for the tail lights. I purchased a replacement tail light piece for a reasonable price (PM for source if anyone needs), and have since replaced the unit. All problems have disappeared, and now I'll tear apart the faulty unit and see if I can repair the solder joints.

If you have a hot air reflow station, it will make the job significantly easier--assuming the problem is a fairly common cold solder joint.

You'll have to take apart the tail lights (the hot air station will definitely help with that job!) and then heat the board evenly.

E92-Lighting · 07-04-2014, 05:59 PM

solder gun can be your best friend in some cases

GreaseMonkey · 07-04-2014, 09:19 PM

I'm not anticipating any trouble, just need to get some time away from work to actually since down and work on it. In the meantime, my $60 replacement has been working flawlessly.

pb769 · 07-11-2014, 12:05 PM

Hi, im having problems with my rt frt blinker. tried new bulb, then new socket , then whole new assembly..! Is there a relay or fuse for that? Also, my left rear (trunk) parking light is not as bright as the other three. Getting a warning light for that too.! checked bulb and connection. all look good.. Please help...!

rollinstone157 · 07-12-2014, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pb769

Hi, im having problems with my rt frt blinker. tried new bulb, then new socket , then whole new assembly..! Is there a relay or fuse for that? Also, my left rear (trunk) parking light is not as bright as the other three. Getting a warning light for that too.! checked bulb and connection. all look good.. Please help...!

You may want to start another thread, as the tail and headlights on LCI and Pre-LCI vehicles are entirely different. I'm busy at the moment, but I'll see if I can troubleshoot a little later

Inzane · 08-19-2014, 11:16 AM

Update:

I had my car at the dealer last week (for other things too), so I asked them to diagnose the turn signal issue, and it turns out its calling for replacing the right rear taillight assembly.

That was a $75 labor (1/2 hour) charge.

Now the fun part. The OEM lamp assembly was quoted as $367.50 CAD, and labor was $105. LOL

I noticed the same oem part can be had in the US for ~ $180 USD, and there is a fairly good (well-reviewed, from what I read) off-brand part available for ~$70-80 USD. (TYC part # BM2819114).

I decided to try the TYC part so I've got one on order.

PS - I got the heads-up on the TYC part from this thread:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=706424&page=3

So thank you to those who contributed to that thread which in turn has helped me as well.

06-13-2014, 11:50 AM	#1
Inzane Lieutenant 25 Rep 443 Posts Drives: E90 LCI 335i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	2009 LCI E90 - Taillight bulbs question Recently I've been getting the "bulb" icon on my dash display (the one that looks like a keystone bomb) and the "fast" turn signal action when I signal right. Normally that is an obvious sign that a turn signal bulb has burnt out. It is random and intermittent. It is the right rear turn signal. When I looked at it behind the car while the problem was present the turn signal appeared to be working, just significantly dimmer than the left side. According to the owners manual, it doesn't reference a specific bulb replacement for the rear turn signal. I'm guessing because my LCI tails are a kind of LED combo arrangement. The book did say "visit your dealership". The fact that the problem appears intermittent and that the "bulbs" are maybe LED type, is it possible it's actually a wiring/harness issue instead of an actual lamp issue? What am I likely in for if I do have to make this a dealer visit? Thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-13-2014, 05:55 PM	#2
samvora The Dark Knight 422 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: E36, E46, E90, G05 and MB W205 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San jose, CA iTrader: (1)	I have the exact same car model that you have and I had the exact same problem you are describinb. I eventually ended up buying a brand new light from eBay. This just means that BMW has ripped you off and if you go to the dealer they will ask you to replace the busted light and then they will add that they don't sell it individually so you will have to buy the whole set for $500+ and then installation on top of that. eBay is a much better option as long as you make sure that you are getting the right piece (OEM and not a knock off) and its a pretty simple DIY that you can look up in the DIY section. Hope this helps.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-16-2014, 08:31 AM	#3
GreaseMonkey Second Lieutenant 54 Rep 258 Posts Drives: '09 335i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	I have the same problem. My SA recommended I check the connections to make sure they are secure and clean. The problem comes and goes, so I suspect it is a problem with a poor connection, hopefully nothing that requires replacing the entire unit. Should have a chance to check it out tomorrow, and can update when I do. Good luck! __________________ His: '21 Kia Telluride SX Hers::'19 Lexus Ux250h F-sport His: '67 Jacobsen Tractor Formerly His:'09 335 xdrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-02-2014, 10:24 AM	#4
GreaseMonkey Second Lieutenant 54 Rep 258 Posts Drives: '09 335i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	UPDATE: It seems the problem stems from bad soldering somewhere on the circuit boards for the tail lights. I purchased a replacement tail light piece for a reasonable price (PM for source if anyone needs), and have since replaced the unit. All problems have disappeared, and now I'll tear apart the faulty unit and see if I can repair the solder joints. __________________ His: '21 Kia Telluride SX Hers::'19 Lexus Ux250h F-sport His: '67 Jacobsen Tractor Formerly His:'09 335 xdrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2014, 05:59 PM	#6
E92-Lighting 860 Rep 35,253 Posts Drives: Next Generation LED Lighting Join Date: May 2008 Location: Walnut iTrader: (324)	solder gun can be your best friend in some cases
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2014, 09:19 PM	#7
GreaseMonkey Second Lieutenant 54 Rep 258 Posts Drives: '09 335i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	I'm not anticipating any trouble, just need to get some time away from work to actually since down and work on it. In the meantime, my $60 replacement has been working flawlessly. __________________ His: '21 Kia Telluride SX Hers::'19 Lexus Ux250h F-sport His: '67 Jacobsen Tractor Formerly His:'09 335 xdrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2014, 12:05 PM	#8
pb769 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325Xi Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Syracuse, NY iTrader: (0)	2006 325Xi front turn signal Hi, im having problems with my rt frt blinker. tried new bulb, then new socket , then whole new assembly..! Is there a relay or fuse for that? Also, my left rear (trunk) parking light is not as bright as the other three. Getting a warning light for that too.! checked bulb and connection. all look good.. Please help...!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2014, 11:16 AM	#10
Inzane Lieutenant 25 Rep 443 Posts Drives: E90 LCI 335i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Update: I had my car at the dealer last week (for other things too), so I asked them to diagnose the turn signal issue, and it turns out its calling for replacing the right rear taillight assembly. That was a $75 labor (1/2 hour) charge. Now the fun part. The OEM lamp assembly was quoted as $367.50 CAD, and labor was $105. LOL I noticed the same oem part can be had in the US for ~ $180 USD, and there is a fairly good (well-reviewed, from what I read) off-brand part available for ~$70-80 USD. (TYC part # BM2819114). I decided to try the TYC part so I've got one on order. PS - I got the heads-up on the TYC part from this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=706424&page=3 So thank you to those who contributed to that thread which in turn has helped me as well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote