Author Topic: Aftermarket LED tail light issues (Read 4584 times)

M42_Jester · « **on:** December 13, 2009, 06:34:07 PM »

so basically, i bought a set of LED tail lights for my E36 318iS and they looked awesome. exactly what i wanted. But about 2 months ago, the left tail light started mucking up. the tail light itself lights up when the lights are on, and the reverse and indicator lights work fine...but the brake light doesn't.

My question is, has anyone had any experience dealing with these aftermarket LEDs before and what can i do to fix them?

i will post pics if necessary.

Cheers,
Jester

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #1 on:** December 14, 2009, 12:56:21 AM »

^They are notoriously bad quality... probably DEPO lights. You can fix them but have to trace the bad solder point. Follow the brake light circuit from the brake wire on the lights harness... you'll find a cold/broken solder on that somewhere probably.

Sean_318is · « **Reply #2 on:** January 12, 2010, 05:08:16 AM »

Have you checked the notorious wiring from the boot into the body? It chafes really badly causing random electrical problems. Mine had 3 wires split causing the locks to activate by themselves. My colleague had lighting problems on his 320 caused by the same thing.

Worth a look and takes minutes to fix.

nigel · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2010, 05:06:27 PM »

Sean - where exactly is the wiring problem in the trunk? I have some taillight issues (which just turned into instrument panel issues) and I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the harness in the trunk.

thanks

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2010, 08:47:43 AM »

It runs along the passenger side trunk support. Check out posts #57-60 on this thread:
Your local BMW dealer sells a replacement wiring harness kit for the trunk lid. The part number for a 1997 328i is 61 12 8 391 788, and the list price is $78. It is a special order item.

In addition to the wiring harness and rubber covering, the kit includes several short lengths of clear shrink tubing and little crimp-type connectors to hook up to your existing wiring inside the trunk.

I strongly encourage you to verify that this is the correct part before you order it. There is a different part number for the 325i. Remember that electrical and special-order items are generally non-refundable.

dvmotorsports · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2010, 11:13:56 AM »

Put the OEM lights back in PLEASE.

Sean_318is · « **Reply #6 on:** February 03, 2010, 03:53:51 AM »

Quote from: nigel;86434

Sean - where exactly is the wiring problem in the trunk? I have some taillight issues (which just turned into instrument panel issues) and I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the harness in the trunk.

thanks

Hi, mine was around the area on the trunk lid where the harness it goes into the boot. It catches on the metal and frays the sheath and the wire. I fixed it with some cable connectors and electrical tape.