Tail light issue. Thanks for the info.

[ulrichd]

Took my 128 in to get the passenger tail light fixed. The LED part is out and there is no warning light. Picked it up, dealer says it's a loose bulb...hmmm really? 20 mins. after leaving the dealer it's out again. I am not pleased but some checking on this forum found this:

Here's some info from SIB630310 for the tail lights,
SITUATION
The LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in the left or right rear lamp are inoperative. No check control message is displayed.
CAUSE
Corrosion of an internal connection within the tail lamp
CORRECTION
Replace both rear lamps (left and right), even if only one side is inoperative. Refer to Repair Instruction REP 63 21 180.

Thanks guys. Question is why doesn't the dealer know this?

[Sdracing]

Ask them/tell the Service guys about it...ONCE I mentioned the TSB the service adviser seemed to all know about the issue.

I was told the tail lights are on back order in Germany. Dealer had no estimate of how long it will take to get them in stock...but did promise to replace both L and R when they get them in stock.

Did you check your 3rd brake light to see if its cracked? I had mine replaced....

[ulrichd]

Originally Posted by Sdracing

Ask them/tell the Service guys about it...ONCE I mentioned the TSB the service adviser seemed to all know about the issue.

I was told the tail lights are on back order in Germany. Dealer had no estimate of how long it will take to get them in stock...but did promise to replace both L and R when they get them in stock.

Did you check your 3rd brake light to see if its cracked? I had mine replaced....

Third brake light's ok, thanks. Sucks about the lights being backordered.

[SpacE82]

I have the same issue. The LEDs are out, but the brake light works. Mine is out on the left side. I cant get the car in until next week. Pain in the ass.

[mpm345]

The same thing happened to my 128. My dealer said there is a factory recall on the tail lights. There is also a recall on the seat belts.

[SpacE82]

I called my dealer and he seemed to think it was just a bulb

Im bringing it in Tuesday to have the taillight fixed and the seatbelt recall fixed.

[ulrichd]

My dealer is pretty unresponsive. I forwarded the info from my first post this morning and have not heard back from them.

[arsenyc]

You need to be on top of them, pull your car in, get a tech to come out and show him what is wrong --> otherwise they will just jerk you and waste your valuable time!

[timhatimay]

Took my car in and they preemptively performed the recall (I believe they just make a small modification if no lights are out), but now about 1 month later my tail light is out...I hate the dealer and going there.

Tim

[ND40oz]

If you do the TSB before one or both lights go out, you don't have to replace the tail lights, just the seals.

[ulrichd]

TSB?

[Sdracing]

Originally Posted by arsenyc

You need to be on top of them, pull your car in, get a tech to come out and show him what is wrong --> otherwise they will just jerk you and waste your valuable time!

You can tell if its the bulb or not, the tubes are led. I only noticed at night when locking and unlocking the car.

Maybe the dealers are stalling because the lights are on back order.....

[bkochuk]

This happened to my 135 on October 14th. I have absolutely NO taillights. They've completely failed.

Dealer (Performance BMW in Chapel Hill) said it was on backorder. Couldn't and wouldn't say when they'd be in. Didn't really seem to care, even though I explained it's a huge safety issue, I have the potential to be ticketed, and I'm effectively on curfew, rushing home every night before the sun sets. Which is around 6:30 these days.

Waited a week and contacted BMWUSA. They are "looking into it" and seemed unaware of the problem. Said they had to contact Germany. Would be back in touch on Monday. But they seemed really pleased with themselves that it was not a "recall," which my SA told me it was.

Meanwhile, I have called the dealership and asked if I can have a loaner car, at least for the weekend, as I have out of town guests coming in. I know loaner cars are tight, especially at a dealership as big as this one, but figured they could at least spare one over the weekend. Had BMWUSA call and make the request too. So far the Service Manager has not called me back.

So it's been over two weeks that I haven't had taillights, and no one seems the least bit worried about it. Except me, of course.

Love my 135. Hate the lack of concern from everyone involved at BMW.

They. Just. Don't. Care.

[SpacE82]

^are your taillights/brake lights out completely or just the LEDs? I noticed that my brake lights work, just not the LEDs. Mine is also only my left side. I cant get it in until Tuesday which is frusturating cuz id really like to get this taken care of sooner rather than later.

[ulrichd]

My brake lights and blinkers work but I can still get a ticket for having the base illumination of the light out.

[bkochuk]

brake lights work fine. taillights are DEAD.

[ulrichd]

Just got a call from my dealer to come by at 1pm to change them out while I wait. Wonder where they are getting the lights.

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

TSB?

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...74&postcount=3

[SpacE82]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

Just got a call from my dealer to come by at 1pm to change them out while I wait. Wonder where they are getting the lights.

Nice! I wish i didnt have to wait until tuesday thats good that they will do it while you wait. I'm having the seat belt recall done too so ill just take the loaner for a day. Hopefully they can get the lights fixed in a day.

[bkochuk]

at least your dealer has given you a fix date. mine just ignores me.

they DID fix the seat belt two weeks ago...and the 3rd brake light...

[bkochuk]

well, they did give me a loaner car for the weekend, so that's cool. still no word on when the taillight assembly will be in.

[timhatimay]

Mine is the driver's side as well. Only the taillights (LED), not the brake light or blinkers.

It seems many of us on here have less than great experiences with our dealerships. I think even if the 1er or BMW was an unreliable car, if the dealers handled the issues properly you would hear many less complaints on the forum. I don't know if its because the 1 is the lowest number in the BMW range, but I get the run around every time, and even when my car is in the shop no one will call me back. I assumed being a premier brand, BMW would take care of its owners, but this is not even close to the case. My friend's acura gets a loner car (or rental if they are out of cars) every time, and my toyota dealership was far more courteous. The dealerships service departments seem to be some of the worst of any car manufacturer...what a bummer for a 45k car.


Sorry for the rant,

Tim