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Brake lights and tail lights not working

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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ZaccIsWacc
Posts: 4
Joined: Feb 16, 2025 12:40 PM
Location: Santa Fe, NM

Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by ZaccIsWacc »

Hi, I’m a new member here! I need some help fixing my rear lights. I noticed my overhead warning light for my brakes was on, so I checked my lights and my left brake light went out. I replaced the bulb but it still wasn’t working, so I thought it might be the mount, since it looked a tad corroded. I switched the left and right mounts, since previously, my right brake light was working. But now, after switching them back, neither of my brake lights work. My third brake light in the middle still works along with my turn signals, but upon further inspection, neither my reverse lights or tail lights work. I checked on my fuses in the engine fusebox and they look fine, but I don’t know what to check next. 

In summary my rear turn signals and middle brake light work, and my right brake light used to work before I switched it over to the left side. My reverse, left and right brake, and tail lights are all out. Any suggestions? 
1st 5er
Posts: 21937
Joined: Jun 13, 2008 12:15 AM
Location: Cypress
Contact:

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by 1st 5er »

My guess would still be corrosion. 
There's a lot of contact points back there. 
Use a test light to probe the points. 
harrypalmer
Posts: 692
Joined: Jul 25, 2012 12:10 AM
Location: Denver, Colorado

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by harrypalmer »

Look out for “Mr. Fixit” and get any of his great lighting products, such as his Octopus. Besides, solving your rear lights they’ll be brighter, just ask Andy, he’s a fantastic seller and very helpful member here in this forum. GL 
ZaccIsWacc
Posts: 4
Joined: Feb 16, 2025 12:40 PM
Location: Santa Fe, NM

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by ZaccIsWacc »

Thank you for the pointer! Since I’m still a new member the forum won’t let me send any primate messages, do you have his email so I can contact him? 
harrypalmer
Posts: 692
Joined: Jul 25, 2012 12:10 AM
Location: Denver, Colorado

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by harrypalmer »

Just contacted PMd now so he should get in touch with you soon. Also sent him the link to your request so he can find you as well.
Don’t have his contact info with me right now but 
you may see his posts here if you type: MisterFixit

Best of Luck
 
Chimi-Changa
Posts: 1696
Joined: Nov 08, 2011 11:02 PM
Location: Massachusetts

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by Chimi-Changa »

1st 5er" wrote: Feb 16, 2025 1:42 PM My guess would still be corrosion. 
There's a lot of contact points back there. 
Use a test light to probe the points. 
^ This. Corroded tail lights and bulb sockets are always happening around here.

Welcome!
Mike W.
Posts: 27525
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by Mike W. »

Welcome to the group!

Might want to check out this thread. viewtopic.php?t=154344
ZaccIsWacc
Posts: 4
Joined: Feb 16, 2025 12:40 PM
Location: Santa Fe, NM

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by ZaccIsWacc »

  Image


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I was able to get my lights working, thank you! It was just corrosion like you guys said. I took off the brakes and brushed off all the gunk with a wire brush followed by a dremel, worked like a charm! 
ZaccIsWacc
Posts: 4
Joined: Feb 16, 2025 12:40 PM
Location: Santa Fe, NM

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by ZaccIsWacc »

*Brake lights* I meant to say!
1st 5er
Posts: 21937
Joined: Jun 13, 2008 12:15 AM
Location: Cypress
Contact:

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by 1st 5er »

👍👍
BMWCCA2
Posts: 4088
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Central Virginia

Re: Brake lights and tail lights not working

Post by BMWCCA2 »

ZaccIsWacc wrote: Feb 19, 2025 1:46 AM *Brake lights* I meant to say!
I hope you replaced your tail light gasket while you had it out. Most likely the source of many problems. 👍
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