My 2005 530D consumes right rear reverse lights at a rate of one every 2 weeks!! I now have a handy stash of them nestled in my ash tray for when she gets hungry again. I have opened the compartment at the back and checked for bad connections, fuses and any unwanted rear reverse light eating trolls.......but nothing!

Fortunately the spare globes are not from the dealership because I almost popped my own globe when I was quoted for a replacement for the original one that was blown. For now I am happy to replace them every now and then due to the fact that my vehicle is no longer under warranty and I bet the cost for "deciphering the cause" will cost a lot more....but I need this sorted as the owner of the store that I buy the globes from is giving me the "maybe you should stop fiddling and get professional help" stare.

Has anyone come across this phenomenon before?

 

Never! And while I don't drive in reverse a lot (backing out of my driveway a few times a week) I suspect something electric (surges) or physical (look for water or condensation on the bulb - or corroded contacts on bulb or socket) is causing your high failure rate. I can't imagine any voltage surge getting into that circuit to cause a burnout.

Last point, be sure to use "brand name" bulbs like Osram, GE, Hella etc in the proper size for your car.

 

I have checked for the water and or condensation as well as for corrosion but alas nothing is present......I am going to try out a branded name though to see if they outlast the cheapies. Thanx.

 

Be certain to use the correct bulb number / size. Many manufacturers produce a "heavy-duty bulb" with more robust filaments. Those might serve you better and help eliminate this problem.

 

Thank you for the heads up - I will definately give it a go. If this fails I am going to tie a trained monkey to the bumper with a small flashlight....

 

Aww... poor monkey.

 

Ah, the trunk monkey:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCUBxgdKZ_Y

 

Trunk monkey!


But in all seriousness, have you hooked up a multimeter? Might give you some answers straight away...

 

Manual calls for w16w replacement bulbs. I had used a replacement from a leftover in the wifes car for a few days until I found the proper bulb. Perhaps the bulbs you're using aren't up to snuff?

 

I swallowed my pride, and gave the credit card a workout, replaced both the bulbs with originals from the dealership as they suggested that this might be happening due to the fact that the resistance on my cheapies might not be high enough.

My credit card almost had a wobbly when it noticed what I was buying and at what price so it gave me a warning that it would put the trunk monkey on me if I did it again.........after seeing the monkey in action I hope it works. Will keep you posted and try out the multimeter - good idea!