Bulb Error Message

stupot · 12-12-2009, 01:32 PM

Hello,

I know the funny answer to that is the one that isnt lit up! But they all look ok.

I have just had the bulb error message come up on the dash.

Is there a way to bring up which bulb the error is coming from? And is there a way to reset it?

I have recently put in led rear number plate bulbs that were discussed on another thread, so I am suspicious of them, although they were ok for a week.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ERROR-FREE-XEN...item35a3dce4f6

I have put them back to standard, but error message is still there, so might not be linked.

Any ideas?

Stu.

acerboo · 12-12-2009, 01:42 PM

i fitted oem led no plate lights and they threw the error, i fitted resistors which stopped it but they get VERY hot and did't like the idea of them inside the bootlid with the wires so i fitted some led festoons from F1 £12-99 and they are perfect, have you checked all the other bulbs?

kceire · 12-12-2009, 01:44 PM

exact same problem as with my old E90, turned out to be the LED licence plate bulbs.

Dr Dave · 12-12-2009, 04:29 PM

Carefully check all lights - even for dim sidelamp bulbs.

My money is on the LED fo-shizzle. Not a fan.

greatbm · 12-13-2009, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stupot

Hello,

I know the funny answer to that is the one that isnt lit up! But they all look ok.

I have just had the bulb error message come up on the dash.

Is there a way to bring up which bulb the error is coming from? And is there a way to reset it?

I have recently put in led rear number plate bulbs that were discussed on another thread, so I am suspicious of them, although they were ok for a week.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ERROR-FREE-XEN...item35a3dce4f6

I have put them back to standard, but error message is still there, so might not be linked.

Any ideas?

Stu.

When the fault symbol is showing press the end of the OBC stalk for a few seconds and a code will show. From what I remember 134 is drivers brake light and Lic plate 126, I think, dealer should be able to tell you or other forum members what the codes stand for.

F104 · 12-13-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greatbm

When the fault symbol is showing press the end of the OBC stalk for a few seconds and a code will show. From what I remember 134 is drivers brake light and Lic plate 126, I think, dealer should be able to tell you or other forum members what the codes stand for.

I didn't know this trick. Just tried it (my fuel is low) and yes it works. I purchased the Bavarian Technic cable/software two weeks ago (but not just for this - more for high air mass flow tuning detecting codes etc) ). Also had the warning for the light bulb, tried every light and combination and could not find the faulty one. BT gave A8B7. Couldn't find an explanation on the web, but used BT's functions to switch on each light by itself. Turned out right brake light (the low intensity one) would not turn on if requested thru BT. Bloody light would come on though when depressing brake pedal lightly. Took light assy apart, cleaned contacts, and since code and warning light dissapeared.

PS this link will give the light codes one sees on the dash by the method you provided (i believe this is the only freeby):

https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/d...4242A6C62198A5

PS might take time to open, there's multiple pages

cheers,

MalM3 · 12-13-2009, 12:07 PM

great link

stupot · 12-13-2009, 12:27 PM

Thanks for the info guys. Wife is out in the car just now, I will investigate when she comes back.

spandeli · 12-13-2009, 02:08 PM

maybe this should give you an answer?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240839

stupot · 12-13-2009, 02:18 PM

code 134, right rear brake light.

Had a look and its right enough. There looks like there are two bulbs. The outer one is still working but the inner is out.

It was -3deg and dark so investigating replacing it can wait till some other time.

Is this an easy fix on the E92, you hear horror stories about replacing bulbs in some cars needing the dealer?

This looks like the number plate bulb thing has been a total coincidence. Just shows you!

Thanks again for everyone’s help.

Stu.

Dr Dave · 12-13-2009, 02:30 PM

It'll fix OK, just standard bulbs etc

stupot · 12-13-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

It'll fix OK, just standard bulbs etc

Just had a look at the handbook. Yep, looks like its just a visit to Halfords for "W16W, 16 watts".

Glad about that, I knew some of the rear lights were LED's and I thought that could turn expensive.

Cheers

yian77 · 12-13-2009, 02:57 PM

I have the exact same problem. I’ve checked all the lights time and time again and everything looks fine. The alarm comes and goes randomly.
I gave up. I just get anxious every time I hear the sound (beep) of the alarm until I see the lamp sign on the dash board.

Dr Dave · 12-13-2009, 03:02 PM

16 watt bulb???? that's an odd one.

stupot · 12-13-2009, 03:34 PM

Stuck it into eBay. £1.50.

On it's way!

jwbmw · 12-14-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stupot

Just had a look at the handbook. Yep, looks like its just a visit to Halfords for "W16W, 16 watts".

Glad about that, I knew some of the rear lights were LED's and I thought that could turn expensive.

Cheers

Easy enough but check for scorching on the contacts which can generate the failure code. Have you got the latest bulb holders? I vaguely remember there being a recall on these.

Tunna_uk · 12-14-2009, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

16 watt bulb???? that's an odd one.

eh?

xenon · 12-15-2009, 01:39 AM

the inner brake lamp bulb is the high-intensity light that comes on with the BFD (Brake force display) i.e. panic / very hard braking. It's not possible to test by pressing the brake pedal when the car is stationary and hence it's always a likely culprit if you cant fathom out which bulb has failed by conventional means.

acerboo · 12-15-2009, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greatbm

When the fault symbol is showing press the end of the OBC stalk for a few seconds and a code will show. From what I remember 134 is drivers brake light and Lic plate 126, I think, dealer should be able to tell you or other forum members what the codes stand for.

ive tried this but doesnt work, do you have the engine running or not thanks

greatbm · 12-15-2009, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acerboo

ive tried this but doesnt work, do you have the engine running or not thanks

Once you have had the warning symbol go to the check menu and the symbol will show or multiple if you have any other problems . Scroll to the light symbol and press the end for a few seconds and the code will appear. You can do this with any of the warnings displayed and each will have a code. Engine running or ignition on.

vintagevrs · 12-15-2009, 07:46 AM

The very same thing happened me after fitting the GP thinders for my angel eyes. One of the GP thunders was faulty but after replacing back to standard still had an error code. Could not get to the bottom of it. Turned out to be one of the bulbs on the right brake light also. I pulled it out and the connection wires looked slightly corroded. Give them a clean and then all was rosy again.

Strange coincidence!

330cdsport · 12-15-2009, 08:41 AM

Yep me too - just this week - had a right hand brake light bulb failure. It actually told me that it was the right hand bulb though - I did not need to translate a fault code ???

I checked it out and sure enough, it was a slightly corroded contact. Just sanded it and put it back in. Problem sorted.

12-12-2009, 01:32 PM	#1
stupot Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 215 Posts Drives: X5 40d MSport, 21" wheels Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Bulb Error Message - Which bulb? Hello, I know the funny answer to that is the one that isnt lit up! But they all look ok. I have just had the bulb error message come up on the dash. Is there a way to bring up which bulb the error is coming from? And is there a way to reset it? I have recently put in led rear number plate bulbs that were discussed on another thread, so I am suspicious of them, although they were ok for a week. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ERROR-FREE-XEN...item35a3dce4f6 I have put them back to standard, but error message is still there, so might not be linked. Any ideas? Stu. Last edited by stupot; 12-12-2009 at 01:53 PM..
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12-12-2009, 01:42 PM	#2
acerboo Brigadier General 179 Rep 3,923 Posts Drives: e92 335d lci Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: kent iTrader: (2)	i fitted oem led no plate lights and they threw the error, i fitted resistors which stopped it but they get VERY hot and did't like the idea of them inside the bootlid with the wires so i fitted some led festoons from F1 £12-99 and they are perfect, have you checked all the other bulbs?
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12-12-2009, 01:44 PM	#3
kceire Private 4 Rep 98 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 318d Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dublin, Ireland iTrader: (0)	exact same problem as with my old E90, turned out to be the LED licence plate bulbs. __________________ 2007 E90 Titanium Silver BMW 318d M-Sport 2008 E60 LCI Alpine White BMW 520d M-Sport
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12-12-2009, 04:29 PM	#4
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 112 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	Carefully check all lights - even for dim sidelamp bulbs. My money is on the LED fo-shizzle. Not a fan. __________________
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12-13-2009, 12:07 PM	#7
MalM3 4 pot warrior 37 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: E90 318I Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: DENMARK iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 e90 [10.00]	great link __________________ Been there, done that, wanna do it again
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12-13-2009, 12:27 PM	#8
stupot Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 215 Posts Drives: X5 40d MSport, 21" wheels Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info guys. Wife is out in the car just now, I will investigate when she comes back.
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12-13-2009, 02:08 PM	#9
spandeli First Lieutenant 18 Rep 370 Posts Drives: BMW E92 320D M Sport Auto Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cyprus iTrader: (0)	maybe this should give you an answer? http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240839
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12-13-2009, 02:18 PM	#10
stupot Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 215 Posts Drives: X5 40d MSport, 21" wheels Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	code 134, right rear brake light. Had a look and its right enough. There looks like there are two bulbs. The outer one is still working but the inner is out. It was -3deg and dark so investigating replacing it can wait till some other time. Is this an easy fix on the E92, you hear horror stories about replacing bulbs in some cars needing the dealer? This looks like the number plate bulb thing has been a total coincidence. Just shows you! Thanks again for everyone’s help. Stu.
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12-13-2009, 02:30 PM	#11
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 112 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	It'll fix OK, just standard bulbs etc __________________
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12-13-2009, 02:57 PM	#13
yian77 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 48 Posts Drives: F36 430d auto Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: cyprus iTrader: (0)	I have the exact same problem. I’ve checked all the lights time and time again and everything looks fine. The alarm comes and goes randomly. I gave up. I just get anxious every time I hear the sound (beep) of the alarm until I see the lamp sign on the dash board.
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12-13-2009, 03:02 PM	#14
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 112 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	16 watt bulb???? that's an odd one. __________________
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12-13-2009, 03:34 PM	#15
stupot Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 215 Posts Drives: X5 40d MSport, 21" wheels Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Stuck it into eBay. £1.50. On it's way!
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12-15-2009, 01:39 AM	#18
xenon Major General 1402 Rep 8,087 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	the inner brake lamp bulb is the high-intensity light that comes on with the BFD (Brake force display) i.e. panic / very hard braking. It's not possible to test by pressing the brake pedal when the car is stationary and hence it's always a likely culprit if you cant fathom out which bulb has failed by conventional means. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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12-15-2009, 07:46 AM	#21
vintagevrs Private 17 Rep 73 Posts Drives: E92 320d Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Same thing happened me The very same thing happened me after fitting the GP thinders for my angel eyes. One of the GP thunders was faulty but after replacing back to standard still had an error code. Could not get to the bottom of it. Turned out to be one of the bulbs on the right brake light also. I pulled it out and the connection wires looked slightly corroded. Give them a clean and then all was rosy again. Strange coincidence!
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12-15-2009, 08:41 AM	#22
330cdsport Right Responsible 58 Rep 1,646 Posts Drives: AW F21 M135i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: N. Ireland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 535d M Sport [0.00] 2007 E91 320 M Sport [0.00] 2007 E92 335d M Sport [0.00]	Yep me too - just this week - had a right hand brake light bulb failure. It actually told me that it was the right hand bulb though - I did not need to translate a fault code ??? I checked it out and sure enough, it was a slightly corroded contact. Just sanded it and put it back in. Problem sorted. __________________ Last: 330cd Sport - Silver Grey, 335d M Sport Coupe, F10 535d M Sport. Current: AW F21 M135i, Coral Red, Pro Nav, Vis, HK, & Clunky Adaptive Suspension Current: F15 X5 XDrive 40d M Sport - Space Grey, lots of toys.
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