Brake light failure....again

[tmeyers]

I just bought a 97 328IS. The brake lights on the car don't come on (I knew this when I bought it). I've replaced the stop switch with a brand new one brom bmw, but the brake lights still don't work. I don't have a fuse map so i'm not sure which one is for the brake lights, but I've inspected all the fuses and none seem blown. The "break light failure" is lit on the OBC, but I already know that the lights are out. Is it possible that all 3 of the bulbs have gone dead (seems unlikely). Any ideas? I'd prefer not to have to take it in to the dealer.
Thanks!

 

[DSK]

I had a similar problem with my 1997 328i when i bought it. There was a brake light failure warning on the OBC. I replaced the bulb with a new one, but it still didn't work. I checked the holders and connecters and all seemed fine. The problem with mine was a wiring fault, where two wires were touching each other causing the failure.

 

[Detrich]

hmm... i guess go thru the troubleshooting procedures. i'd start w/ replacing the bulbs. if that doesn't work, take the bulb housing apart and check the sockets and see if the contact points are melted, warped, or rusted out. if they are, then u probably have to replace the bulb socket(s). i've had to replace a turn signal bulb socket because it "melted." when i showed the dealer to buy the replacement, they were not at all surprised and actually told me this happens quite often. i go thru light bulbs quite often tho, so i'm not surprised if there are some design issues w/ the lighting circuitry.

 

[tmeyers]

Thanks for the suggestions. The bulbs aren't blown and the connections look fine, but I guess I'll replace them anyway. The thing that leads me to believe that it is wiring is that the center break light doesn't work either, so I have a feeling that maybe one wire isn't grounded or there is a short or something. The only problem is that I don't even know where to begin looking.

 

[k00lkf]

I have a similar problem with my 325is. The right tail light dose not work. i have changed the blubs and have replaced both assm. because they also had bad connectors. i'm going to buy new sockets today and see if that works. I think that i will still have to go the dealer to get this problem fixed.

 

[m5runner]

I have a similar problem with my 325is. The right tail light dose not work. i have changed the blubs and have replaced both assm. because they also had bad connectors. i'm going to buy new sockets today and see if that works. I think that i will still have to go the dealer to get this problem fixed.

I had the same issue and I'll give you the fix for free. (It cost me $103). Basically, the brake light failure on your OBC is from a faulty brake light switch. The switch is less than 100 bucks and it's located under the steering wheel. the brake light failure situation is one of you bulbs are making this happen. Pull each one out and inspect it. It it looks a little on the dark side, replace it. That was the issue with mine. Hope this helps