Is there an easy fix for the tail light LED bars out issue?

[imoz]

So in addition to my driver's window not working, my passenger rear tail light LEDs are out. I know this is a common issue and apparently there is a recall on it, but I'm wondering if there is an easy even temporary fix for this? Can I pop the tail light out and do something to make it work again?

Trying to avoid taking the thing to a dealer. I don't want to drop it off and have it kidnapped for 2 weeks while they order parts and break more things on the car. I'm looking to trade the car in and dump it before more stuff breaks, hence why I'm trying to see if I can quickly fix a few of these things myself. Otherwise I guess I can try and trade it as is.

[MilehighM3]

You can always just buy new tail lights. I think they're about $160 for the set. There is a recall that takes less time to actually complete than the paperwork needed to get the dealership paid. Sounds like you have major trust issues, just set up an appt and wait for it to be done. Have your advisor make sure the part are in prior to bringing the car in. A little less negativity goes a long way when dealing with people too ;-)

[dtwyim]

+1 on going to the dealer
Don't drop the car off unless they have the part.

[n2djazz]

My left (driver's side) tail light is out. Have appt with dealer on Thursday. Will update with outcome from visit. But will not let dealer keep car while parts are in transit, will return when parts are available for install.

[Dackelone]

The only way to "fix" the led lamps is to replace the whole tail light. BMW has a new version which the LED circiut board doesn't fail like the old tail light. I think they are about 160 each. I don't think this part has been recalled. But rather there is a "service campaign", meaning it will only be replaced while teh car is under warranty or as a "good will" policy. I would still contact a dealership and ask them about coverage for the repair. Same thing for the drivers window regulator/motor. G.L.


Btw... Tischer sells the LCI tail lights for $145 each. They are pretty easy to install - so ppl say. http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...egoryID=132126

[n2djazz]

I am under warranty so will take to deal for replacements. Follow link to edmunds to see tail light issue. LED failure has been traced to faulty tail light gasket which is root-cause of failure. Once at edmunds, enter your vehicle info and follow links to brake light / tail light issues.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenan...100870599&zip=

[Satalite]

Known issue with tail lights getting moisture in them because of the seals. Dealer should replace them under warranty. I tried getting the new LED ones ordered instead of replacing them with the old ones but unfortunately it doesn't work like that

[n2djazz]

Got my driver's side tail light replaced by dealer yesterday. Dealer would not replace passenger side because he said BMW would not cover it. Oh well, I have two more yrs of warranty. I'm sure if it is defective, it will fail by then. And if it fails after the warranty, I'll just replace it.

p.s.: This is a known issue. My dealership keeps tail lights in stock. So my repair was completed in under an hour.

[FDM68]

It's like a snap job. Me and a buddy did his in the parking lot where we work on his car. Just make sure you have the right torx driver.

[n2djazz]

Well the passenger side tail light kicked the bucket. Off to the dealer again for a super simple fix. Too bad they wont just give me the light to replace.

[Greenkirby21]

I got mine fixed by the dealership. They had a lot in stock because it's a common problem. Took a few hours if anything.

[n2djazz]

Dealer replaced both my tail lights to include the driver's side which was replaced Dec 02,2011. BMW had better get their act together for these annoying problems !!!

[Riley1524]

Originally Posted by n2djazz

Dealer replaced both my tail lights to include the driver's side which was replaced Dec 02,2011. BMW had better get their act together for these annoying problems !!!

Good luck with that!!!! I have had minor issues with my 128i, but they have been enough to not make me want another BMW. Coming from Japanese cars almost my whole life, I guess I'm just spoiled not ever having problems like I have with my BMW.. I really feel for the 335i/135i owners with the various, major problems that have been arising.

[Anfield]

I got two back tires replaced last week on my 135i 'vert. Basically my left rear LED running light is out. The brake lights both work fine.

They quoted me at $380 for the part plus install. This is one tail light mind you... It's sort of a joke because I just bought the car under CPO last December. The warranty lasts til 2015. But my problem is that this repair is NOT covered under warranty, and despite what some of you have been posting in this thread, there is no recall for my vehicle.

So even after talking to the service place and calling up BMWUSA corporate, there seems to be little to nothing I can have fixed under warranty.

What is the point of the warranty if it doesn't cover things like this? It's not a light bulb outting, it's the entire LED! If it was just a simple bulb replacement that would be one thing...

Anyways if there is anyone else affected by this or someone who can guide me in another direction save for trying to do this repair/replacement myself, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[ray-ray89]

I'm on the same situation that's why I'm looking for a part so I let them install it or I can install it myself coz my warranty is already expiring next month

[MuNkY6913]

Originally Posted by ray-ray89

I'm on the same situation that's why I'm looking for a part so I let them install it or I can install it myself coz my warranty is already expiring next month

My 2009 had this happen back in 2011 on the drivers side and they replaced both side because it was recalled. if i still had the letter i would post it up here. i'll look on the receipt from the dealer and see if it references any recall #'s in the comments section.

[ray-ray89]

Originally Posted by MuNkY6913

My 2009 had this happen back in 2011 on the drivers side and they replaced both side because it was recalled. if i still had the letter i would post it up here. i'll look on the receipt from the dealer and see if it references any recall #'s in the comments section.

Thanks man I found a pair if light for $90 though it ain't bad

[Anfield]

Originally Posted by ray-ray89

Thanks man I found a pair if light for $90 though it ain't bad

Do you have a link or recommendation for where you bought the lights? I'm trying to save money since BMW won't help out... @Munky if you find that in the meantime that would be really helpful!

[ray-ray89]

I have the same issue they said I need to get a new one .. Go to the search bar and search tail light I got a set of the same ones I got for $60 + shipping you just have to be patient and you can order the part then they will call you if the part comes in and they'll install it for you it only takes under 2 hours if that's the only thing that's wrong with your car ..

[ray-ray89]

I got a set of tail lights for $70 you just have to look for them they're out there .. But you have to call the dealer first give them your vin and ask them if there is recalls on your car before you purchase the light .. It's a common thing but they bmwoa sends out the recall per vehicle so if you didn't get a letter in the mail you prolly don't have a recall for your car

[psamtik]

I had this issue. When I unplugged the plug that was on the outside side of the light, I realized that it was being lit by a bulb, not an LED set.

Can someone confirm that the rear taillights are NOT LEDs? I'm about to get black-lines and want to make sure it'll be alright.

[Mid_Night_F20]

I have the dim LED issue in mine, does anybody know where to buy the whole new LED housing that has the updated board?

thanks in advance!