e39 backup-lights..any taillights - BMW Forum

ron-e-g · 03-08-2012, 08:40 PM

Hello, So I just bought this 2002 530i. I notice there is no back-up lights. I open the trunk and take a look. What is this? bulbs with no wires? And nothing but holes where the back-up lights should be? Then upon further inspection I see that the tail light assembly is on some sort of grid! Well I think to myself Thats cool. It's not the Back-up switch...or some other unknown and probably expensive thing. I have to go to the local BMW dealer any way to get a second key so I'll just pick-up a couple of those plastic twist in thingies. First blow..key..$170.00 (and battery..not changeable) second..those plastic thingies....$78.00 What's up with that? Anyway I'm a pretty crafty Guy (even if I do say so myself) So I figure, I'll go on ebay and pick a couple up...na da! What's the real deal on these things? Anybody?

Lord Vader · 03-08-2012, 11:35 PM

The BMW keys are pretty expensive. Their laser cut in New Jersey and overnight couriers to the dealership. The chip inside is part of the reason of the cost. As for the taillights the bulbs sit into what's calle a "lamp socket" and then sit in the housing. The sockets are $17 at the dealer. At least mine were. They wear out over time and need to be replaced. RealOem.com has a parts diagram so you can get the part number. It's different from the one in my E36 I think.

ron-e-g · 03-09-2012, 09:58 AM

Thanks,Lord Vader. "Lamp socket". Well Where I live..they cost $37.00 at the dealer. And ebay has lots of front headlights, fog-lights, side-markers, even third taillights but not one....back-up "socket"

Hey, you and me the only ones around here?

Lord Vader · 03-09-2012, 10:37 AM

Where do you live? That's a little outrageous IMO. Their are several OEM part retailers that will probably have one for cheaper.

Pelican Parts - Porsche Parts & BMW Parts - Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche & BMW
RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog
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Www.ecstuning.com

There are more, but these are a few examples.

ron-e-g · 03-09-2012, 11:37 AM

Yea, I kinda thought so too! My previous car was a Volvo 850 turbo so I'm use to high prices but...really? and special order to boot! seems the back-up have a different part #.

Off topic, I get a "check side lights" along with the obvious "check back up lights" code when I start this machine, any ideas why?

Lord Vader · 03-09-2012, 12:14 PM

The dealer has the sockets, or should. I walked in and take to the parts guy and he had them in stock in the back. I grabbed 2. The check light may be because it can't sense if the tail lights are working. That's common. If something is wrong the car usually alerts you. Check the bulbs, sockets, and wiring connectors and then check your fuses.

ron-e-g · 03-09-2012, 03:18 PM

Yea. No the dealer doesn't carry them. So..if the tail and all other lights work, But the obc doesn't read from one it will say "check side lights"? Is there one that Say's "check tail or even head lights"? What is this side-light attention? Not the ones on the side to warn of a turn? They work fine. Or should I center my attention to one of these?

Lord Vader · 03-09-2012, 03:32 PM

Start by visually inspecting all of your lights to make sure they are or are not working. When my taillight burned out it said "taillight failure" not "check taillights". Mine was because the socket wore out and was loose. Replacing it fixed it. If all the bulbs are good and te sockets are sitting firm in the assembly then check the fuses.

ron-e-g · 03-10-2012, 09:35 AM

Thanks, Lord Vader.