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Thread: Unclearable bulb error

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 3 E90 320i

    Unclearable bulb error

    Hi all, I've recently purchased BMW 320i 2006 E90.
    I have annoying bulb error on dash i can't remove.
    Both stop lamps have 2 bulbs as on pic:


    On both sides, inside bulb doesn't work, even if i switch bulbs, still inside one is not functioning.
    My friend checked codes for me, and it seems there is something in FRM, error cleared, but come back straight after.
    Is it something wrong with FRM and it cuts off both bulbs?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    442
    My Cars
    '08 E90 335xi manual
    What's the code?
    Are you gonna eat that?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 3 E90 320i
    Quote Originally Posted by relative4 View Post
    What's the code?
    Don't know codes, but it said bulbs need to be replaced.
    I have read about it, and if bulbs aren't replaced for long time, FRM cuts the off and need to be reset via NCS Expert. But can't find clear instructions how to reset it. I did use NCS in previous BMWs i did have, but last time I've used it ages ago

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    You're reading too much into it. If you cleared the faults, and they come right back, there are still bulbs out somewhere. There's no special reset procedure. That's why we need the fault codes. It could be the adaptive brake lights (rear fogs in Europe), or any of the other bulbs. I can't see your picture, BTW.
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    512
    My Cars
    335i E93 N54
    With these (and other smarter cars), you can get the 'bad bulb' warning light before it dies.
    It's measuring the resistance.

    I've never had an invalid bulb warning, even though in most cases they still worked.
    Once I changed the identified (lit up) bulb(s), the warning clears.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Beale AFB, CA
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    2007 BMW 335i 6MT (4/200
    I'd like to chime in as there maybe well be a FRM issue going on as well. I have a similar issue with my left xenon blinking on/off three times when they are turned on throwing a ccid-120 and my right high beam throwing a ccid-130. (See my thread titled "blinking Xenon issue") Both bulbs and ballasts have been changed but the warnings remain. They both manifested at roughly the same time as well. My goal is to find time to learn winKFP and to reprogram the FRM as a last ditch before I look into replacing it. If anyone else has any other pointers send them our way!

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    512
    My Cars
    335i E93 N54
    Fair.
    As I think about it, I've also had my ground bar melt, requiring soldering some heavy wire to assist.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Mission Viejo, CA, USA
    Posts
    22
    My Cars
    2011 328i M Sport Wagon
    Do you have voltage at the wiring harness and at the socket terminals?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    13,674
    My Cars
    2005 325Xi
    If the FRM was replaced between about 2011-2015, it probably got one of the bad FRMs for which BMW has issued a 10-year 156,000 mile warranty extension. BUT, that warranty extension is only for cars produced during that time, and not for cars that had replacement FRMs installed.

    That being said, if the fault is for the "inner" bulb, it's probably referring to the bulb on the decklid, or the adaptive brake light bulbs, and not the "inner" of the two outer brake light bulbs.
    Quote Originally Posted by B4SH View Post
    If anyone knows, it's this guy who knows literally nothing about everything.
    Quote Originally Posted by fcvapor05 View Post
    Do you even OT? The mean 401k around here is probably about $6, what with all the shiny cars and $1,000 watches and donations to get other members' Volvos running.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    16
    My Cars
    2006 325i
    I had an issue where I had a short that I fixed. After repairing the ground my reverse lights wouldn’t work. I reset faults in ISTA to no avail. I ended up going into FRM to clear the short circuit counter. This is a protective measure of the module basically saying “are you sure the issue is fixed so I don’t short again because my delicate circuitry may not survive the next one”. Not sure if this relates to your issue but I thought I would chime in.

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