[First740i]

On the info bar it said to check break lights.. all my read lights work. Any suggestions??? Thanks!!

 

[chrisn7]

did you remember the 3rd light on the rear screen?

 

[joyism5]

On the info bar it said to check break lights.. all my read lights work. Any suggestions??? Thanks!!

Or maybe they are not the correct replacement (watts).

 

[BMWFatherFigure]

If the two above checks are good take the globes out and check for 1) any discoloration on the interior of the glass envelope and 2) if all clear check the filament with a magnifying glass (X5). If you can see craters in the filament replace globe. Car 'sees' these craters as globe failure. Any 'dirt' on the inside is filament - replace globe. While you are there check for clean contacts, both power and earth sides.

 

[bluebee]

Do you E38 folks have the chronic center brake lamp melting issues we have on the E39?
- Rear center brakelight socket melting

 

[First740i]

No mine has not melted at all. Nor is there signs of any melting.

 

[BMWFatherFigure]

Socket melting can be caused by wrong wattage or bad contacts. The bad contact acts a resistor and therefore heating element. Keep contacts clean and tight. If stationary for long periods knock it into 'N' and release the brake.