Tail Lights Out, No Code, Needs 'Repair Kit'

hdrewh · 04-23-2014, 09:20 AM

My SA just called to tell me that my tail (running) lights are out, in such a way that there's a short in the wiring that keeps the car from sending a code, so there's no indication that the lights are out.

BMW has a specific kit to fix this repair, part number 63214871753 - "Repair Kit for Tail Lights".

BMWNA customer service gave me the expected lines about the car being out of warranty, customer-paid repair, speak to the dealer for technical info, etc.

This strikes me as a potential safety issue that BMW should cover. They are obviously aware enough of the problem to have created a repair kit for the wiring.

Tischer sells the part online for $83. Dealer wants $350 for the part+ install.

I wonder if this post is an indication of the same issue...
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=949623

Anyone have this problem or know more about this issue? Who checks their tail lights on a regular basis?

Fillyo75 · 04-23-2014, 09:50 AM

Depending on year and mileage, they may goodwill, have to ask. They did my taillight (LED) under goodwill since it was not covered by CPO, but yeah, they initially quoted me $380, ridiculous.

hdrewh · 04-23-2014, 09:53 AM

Who covered that for you, BMW or your dealership?

Fillyo75 · 04-23-2014, 09:57 AM

My BMW dealership covered it under goodwill, they need approval from BMW NA I believe.

Kid Red · 04-23-2014, 10:05 AM

I mentioned my running light being out to my SA and I was told "LED taillights are not covered under CPO warranty."

I saw the repair kit looking for a replacement light but didn't know what it was as the price as so cheap compared to an actual light.

Anyone used these yet?
http://parts.bmwofalexandria.com/pro...%252d753).html

hdrewh · 04-23-2014, 09:00 PM

In September BMW recalled 134,000 5-series' for what sounds like the exact same problem.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2008...t-problem.html

From the article: "The maker says it has no reports of any accidents caused by the problem and was originally reluctant to order a recall...indicating that there are visual and audible alerts that would advise a motorist of the problem."

Except in my case it's worse because there is no visual/audible alert.

No word yet on whether BMW will cover this on "good will".

My car has 61k miles and is 2 months shy of 5 years old.

Kid Red · 04-24-2014, 06:27 AM

I had no codes or audio alerts. I just happened to switch cars with my wife and I ended behind her while driving when I noticed the light out.

NGEE · 04-24-2014, 06:40 AM

This is a safety issue that should be reported to the NHTSA. They maintain a database of automotive safety issues, and when an issue reaches critical mass they can put pressure on the manufacturer to issue a recall. That's the only reason we got our battery cables repaired for free under recall - it was a safety issue.

I recommend anyone who experiences this issue to submit a complaint to the NHTSA: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/Vehicl...nt/index.xhtml

[Preemptive NOTE for all you overly-sensitive lawsuit whiners out there: this is not a call for a lawsuit, and the NHTSA is not in the business of lawsuits

]

Blackhawk36 · 04-24-2014, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fillyo75

My BMW dealership covered it under goodwill, they need approval from BMW NA I believe.

Less than $500 doesn't require BMW NA approval. The dealer can do it themselves. I believe there is some cost sharing.

Bavarian Tech · 04-24-2014, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdrewh

In September BMW recalled 134,000 5-series' for what sounds like the exact same problem.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2008...t-problem.html

From the article: "The maker says it has no reports of any accidents caused by the problem and was originally reluctant to order a recall...indicating that there are visual and audible alerts that would advise a motorist of the problem."

Except in my case it's worse because there is no visual/audible alert.

No word yet on whether BMW will cover this on "good will".

My car has 61k miles and is 2 months shy of 5 years old.

E60 tail light recalls are completely different. The grounds were becoming to hot melting the plastic housing/ taillight connection,causing the whole tail light not to work. BIG NO NO. E90 tail light on the other hadn. The LED get corrosion on them and the LED fail but the brake light which are regular bulbs still work, which is not a major safety concern. I highly highly doubt their will be recall ever announced, hint why outer LED tail light housing are so cheap $150 for the both. BMW know theirs an issue so their cutting customers a break to help,

hdrewh · 04-25-2014, 08:48 AM

My dealer is covering the repair on their 'good will'.

Thanks for the replies.

Kid Red · 04-25-2014, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bavarian Tech

E60 tail light recalls are completely different. The grounds were becoming to hot melting the plastic housing/ taillight connection,causing the whole tail light not to work. BIG NO NO. E90 tail light on the other hadn. The LED get corrosion on them and the LED fail but the brake light which are regular bulbs still work, which is not a major safety concern. I highly highly doubt their will be recall ever announced, hint why outer LED tail light housing are so cheap $150 for the both. BMW know theirs an issue so their cutting customers a break to help,

My LEDs are fine, it's my running lights that won't work.

Kid Red · 04-29-2014, 03:27 PM

I just ordered the repair kit. I hope it fixes my issue.

Kid Red · 05-01-2014, 06:37 PM

So I ordered the $90 repair kit which includes the $500 pair of LED tails and bulb holders and my issue is fixed!

Not sure how these $500 lights can sell for $90 or why these $90 are being sold for $500? I'm just happy they have a 'repair kit'.

MiamiOffshore · 05-21-2014, 02:19 PM

Where is everyone buying their "repair kits"?

kounelii · 09-14-2014, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiamiOffshore

Where is everyone buying their "repair kits"?

Did you found out?

GetSomeE92 · 09-14-2014, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kounelii

Did you found out?

Just run a Google search of the part number listed in the first post. Here is one result: http://www.ecstuning.com/ES1929741/

blackhawkk22 · 02-24-2016, 10:35 PM

I was one of those guys that searched for this issue and had to bite the bullet and give it a shot. FWIW, my LEDs went out on the left side and I ended up getting this repair kit for the e90 and its basically two brand new lights. Not sure two of these are priced at half the price of a regular light. Literally no difference.

If your LEDs go out, buy this kit and you'll be good to go. Unplug your light, unscrew three bolts and put the new one in. Takes less than 10 mins.

Cheers

Part# 63214871753

04-23-2014, 09:20 AM	#1
hdrewh Lieutenant 70 Rep 441 Posts Drives: '09 E90 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	Tail Lights Out, No Code, Needs 'Repair Kit' My SA just called to tell me that my tail (running) lights are out, in such a way that there's a short in the wiring that keeps the car from sending a code, so there's no indication that the lights are out. BMW has a specific kit to fix this repair, part number 63214871753 - "Repair Kit for Tail Lights". BMWNA customer service gave me the expected lines about the car being out of warranty, customer-paid repair, speak to the dealer for technical info, etc. This strikes me as a potential safety issue that BMW should cover. They are obviously aware enough of the problem to have created a repair kit for the wiring. Tischer sells the part online for $83. Dealer wants $350 for the part+ install. I wonder if this post is an indication of the same issue... http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=949623 Anyone have this problem or know more about this issue? Who checks their tail lights on a regular basis? __________________ 2009 E90 328i Montego Blue, Black Leather, 6MT, ZPP, Logic 7, HD radio, CA, fold-down seats, PDC. ED pickup 6/12/2009 mods: Koni FSDs, Eibach Pro's, Sport/Heated Seats, BMW Perf. short shifter, M-tech shift knob/e-brake handle/steering wheel, split armrest, black grilles, 50% tint, 3M clear bra.
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04-23-2014, 09:50 AM	#2
Fillyo75 Lieutenant 22 Rep 457 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Chicago, IL (South Burbs) iTrader: (0)	Depending on year and mileage, they may goodwill, have to ask. They did my taillight (LED) under goodwill since it was not covered by CPO, but yeah, they initially quoted me $380, ridiculous. __________________ //\|Phil Current: 2011 Audi S4 Gone: 2009 e90 335 \|6MT
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04-23-2014, 09:53 AM	#3
hdrewh Lieutenant 70 Rep 441 Posts Drives: '09 E90 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	Who covered that for you, BMW or your dealership? __________________ 2009 E90 328i Montego Blue, Black Leather, 6MT, ZPP, Logic 7, HD radio, CA, fold-down seats, PDC. ED pickup 6/12/2009 mods: Koni FSDs, Eibach Pro's, Sport/Heated Seats, BMW Perf. short shifter, M-tech shift knob/e-brake handle/steering wheel, split armrest, black grilles, 50% tint, 3M clear bra.
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04-23-2014, 09:57 AM	#4
Fillyo75 Lieutenant 22 Rep 457 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Chicago, IL (South Burbs) iTrader: (0)	My BMW dealership covered it under goodwill, they need approval from BMW NA I believe. __________________ //\|Phil Current: 2011 Audi S4 Gone: 2009 e90 335 \|6MT
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04-23-2014, 10:05 AM	#5
Kid Red Captain 107 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 40i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Coral Springs, Fl iTrader: (6)	I mentioned my running light being out to my SA and I was told "LED taillights are not covered under CPO warranty." I saw the repair kit looking for a replacement light but didn't know what it was as the price as so cheap compared to an actual light. Anyone used these yet? http://parts.bmwofalexandria.com/pro...%252d753).html Last edited by Kid Red; 04-23-2014 at 10:11 AM..
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04-23-2014, 09:00 PM	#6
hdrewh Lieutenant 70 Rep 441 Posts Drives: '09 E90 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	In September BMW recalled 134,000 5-series' for what sounds like the exact same problem. http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2008...t-problem.html From the article: "The maker says it has no reports of any accidents caused by the problem and was originally reluctant to order a recall...indicating that there are visual and audible alerts that would advise a motorist of the problem." Except in my case it's worse because there is no visual/audible alert. No word yet on whether BMW will cover this on "good will". My car has 61k miles and is 2 months shy of 5 years old. __________________ 2009 E90 328i Montego Blue, Black Leather, 6MT, ZPP, Logic 7, HD radio, CA, fold-down seats, PDC. ED pickup 6/12/2009 mods: Koni FSDs, Eibach Pro's, Sport/Heated Seats, BMW Perf. short shifter, M-tech shift knob/e-brake handle/steering wheel, split armrest, black grilles, 50% tint, 3M clear bra.
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04-24-2014, 06:27 AM	#7
Kid Red Captain 107 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 40i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Coral Springs, Fl iTrader: (6)	I had no codes or audio alerts. I just happened to switch cars with my wife and I ended behind her while driving when I noticed the light out.
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04-24-2014, 06:40 AM	#8
NGEE Fuck it dude, let's go bowling. 888 Rep 2,480 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Not Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	This is a safety issue that should be reported to the NHTSA. They maintain a database of automotive safety issues, and when an issue reaches critical mass they can put pressure on the manufacturer to issue a recall. That's the only reason we got our battery cables repaired for free under recall - it was a safety issue. I recommend anyone who experiences this issue to submit a complaint to the NHTSA: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/Vehicl...nt/index.xhtml [Preemptive NOTE for all you overly-sensitive lawsuit whiners out there: this is not a call for a lawsuit, and the NHTSA is not in the business of lawsuits] __________________ 1M. Previously: '13 135is; '07 E90 335i; '02 325i; '99 Z3; '98 328is; '87 L6; '77 320i
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04-25-2014, 08:48 AM	#11
hdrewh Lieutenant 70 Rep 441 Posts Drives: '09 E90 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	My dealer is covering the repair on their 'good will'. Thanks for the replies. __________________ 2009 E90 328i Montego Blue, Black Leather, 6MT, ZPP, Logic 7, HD radio, CA, fold-down seats, PDC. ED pickup 6/12/2009 mods: Koni FSDs, Eibach Pro's, Sport/Heated Seats, BMW Perf. short shifter, M-tech shift knob/e-brake handle/steering wheel, split armrest, black grilles, 50% tint, 3M clear bra.
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04-29-2014, 03:27 PM	#13
Kid Red Captain 107 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 40i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Coral Springs, Fl iTrader: (6)	I just ordered the repair kit. I hope it fixes my issue.
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05-01-2014, 06:37 PM	#14
Kid Red Captain 107 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 40i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Coral Springs, Fl iTrader: (6)	So I ordered the $90 repair kit which includes the $500 pair of LED tails and bulb holders and my issue is fixed! Not sure how these $500 lights can sell for $90 or why these $90 are being sold for $500? I'm just happy they have a 'repair kit'.
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05-21-2014, 02:19 PM	#15
MiamiOffshore Enlisted Member 0 Rep 32 Posts Drives: E93 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	Where is everyone buying their "repair kits"?
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02-24-2016, 10:35 PM	#18
blackhawkk22 They don't want you to drive a 335i - DJ Khaled 126 Rep 444 Posts Drives: 2010 AW 335i AT M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I was one of those guys that searched for this issue and had to bite the bullet and give it a shot. FWIW, my LEDs went out on the left side and I ended up getting this repair kit for the e90 and its basically two brand new lights. Not sure two of these are priced at half the price of a regular light. Literally no difference. If your LEDs go out, buy this kit and you'll be good to go. Unplug your light, unscrew three bolts and put the new one in. Takes less than 10 mins. Cheers Part# 63214871753
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