2000 528i Tail Light issues

[bhfdino92]

Hello everybody,

I've been having some issues with my tail lights and i'm at a loss of ideas. So my dash displays an error message for my tail lights when my lights are on. Sometimes it is for the left, sometimes right, but sometimes it will also stay off for a bit before turning on the error. But the thing is that my tail lights are fully working and functional. I've checked all the bulbs and the wiring for the break lamp and its all fine. I've noticed that the break part tail lights are also flickering for the first few seconds of powering my car on when the lights are in the off position and my foot is not on the break pedal. Could this be connected?

If anybody has had the same issue, a possible solution or theory would be nice.
Thank you!

[bartelbe]

Are these factory taillight or aftermaket?

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Are these factory taillights or aftermaket?

[bhfdino92]

These are the OEM Hella tail lights that come stock


Are these factory taillight or aftermaket?

- - - Updated - - -

Are these factory taillights or aftermaket?

[scottdodge]

I have the same issue on my '98 528i, except its the same tail light. From what I understand, if the socket has a little gunk or rust on it, it can report that the light is out.

I'd pop the bulbs out, and wipe the inside of the socket out and see if that takes care of it.

[Anthracite528i]

My indie told me that when the third brake light (above the trunk on your rear deck) goes out, the light out message for the passenger side comes on. idk if that would help you since you said sometimes it says the drivers side is reading "out" as well :dunno

[bcain79]

This issue is often the result of weakening ground in the bulb housing. You know how the bulb housing socket (not sure of official name) has those 2 bumps on them that make contact with the taillight housing when you twist them into position? Those bumps are gettinig worn down and when there is a brief moment of lost conectivity the dash light will trigger but the tail light will still work. Clean the areas where the bumps touch with a wire brush or buy new bulb housing sockets (they're pretty cheap).

My car was doing this, I cleaned the connection points and pushed out the bumps a little to pronounce them and it has been almost a year with no problems.