Brake light and trunk indicators

[ctm1978]

About a week ago my burned-out brake light indicators and trunk open lights came on the dashboard display.

The brake lights still work just fine, and the trunk is definitely closed. The electronic trunk release does not work, however. (Via the key fob, trunk lid release, or driver's side button.)

Any ideas?

[Hootie]

Sounds like an electrical short or disconnection. Does anyone know if they all run off the same fuse?

[drz]

In my E36, there is a wiring harness that comes into the trunk on the left side. I believe this is tru for E46s also. If so, check if the wires are intact, or if they are worn/frayed, and maybe even broken or shorting out with something else. For a short while, I had no electronic control of my trunk release mechanism. Furthermore, I was unable to lock the doors by turning the key while inserted in the trunk's keyhole. I repaired the connections in the aforementioned wiring harness and everything went back to working beautifully.

Good luck.