This is for my 2008 528xi. I started getting the light malfunction error on the screen. Then it would go away for a while, then come back. So i finally took the taillight housing out for inspection and this is what i found.

Attachment 130624
Attachment 130625

So i have no problem replacing the housing and connector, but i just do want it to return. Has this happened to anyone else and could this be a recalled item?

Thanks

Yes It has happened to me and several others on this forum. I am not sure if the replacement parts will permanently fix the problem as it may come back 3 years later on the other side or the same side.

You might ask Bruce Miranda on this forum, since he knows all about the tails!

had the pass. side repaired by dealer under original warranty a few months back. no other problem with either side to date and have no info if was recalled [but i doubt]. don't worry the warning will return...part of the problem is a grounding issue at site.

Thanks everyone for your replies, im going to replace it and if it last 3 years, thats ok with me. Only $40 to fix so i can deal with it.

I had almost the same issue. But as I like to check all on a fresh bought car, I discovered it in early stage. I pressed hardly the contact and I have no problems since then.
I think it could be called a common problem...

This is indeed a common problem with the LCI cars. I think the problem is that somewhere in the chain of wiring harness BMW reduced the size of the ground path.

I would seriously recommend LCI owners to change their brake lights with the LED equivalents and then code the car to remove the errors. Don't replace with LED bulbs that cancel the errors because that will defeat the purpose. Doing this will reduce the total current flowing through the common ground on the tail light.

Agree with that... and already tried, but the LED equivalents aren't bright enough. :(

Someone missed that engineering class but got hired anyway !!

Isn't this issue enough to warrant a recall from BMW? Or has one already been put in place?

If, on a car w/o modifications, wiring melt-downs like this happened - even 2-3 years after warranty - Someone should raise one hell of a stink with BMW corporate.

There are some pretty bright LEDs out there. I have a set on my car and you wouldn't be able to tell it was an LED.