brake light malfunction: take a look at the photo

[aurelius]

'02 325i. Maybe it's been this way since the dealer did the wiring recall 2+ years ago but the malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster has been lit consistently for approximately 4 months.

Wasn't too concerned but it's going top prevent the car from passing state inspection due to the malfunction indicator light inside the car.

The upper lamp on the right lights up as it should when the brake pedal is stepped upon. But on the left, there are 2 problems. First, the upper left brake light isn't working. Second, the lower left running light brightens when the brake pedal is stepped upon.

Thoughts? Is this a backup safety mode when the brake light bulb goes out?

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l584/aurelius3/Random%20BMW%20Pics/E46brakelights_zps595d6940.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/aurelius3/media/Random%20BMW%20Pics/E46brakelights_zps595d6940.jpg.html)

[az3579]

Yes, that is a backup mode for when the brake light fails so that you still have a brake light illuminating on that side.

[aurelius]

Thanks. Too bad ZKW didn't put as much thought into their headlight design...

[fredo]

According to this TX link, the warning light on your dashboard should not be a reason to fail:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/inspection/inspectionCriteria.aspx

Listed in suggested order of inspection:

1. Horn
2. Windshield Wipers
3. Mirror
4. Steering
5. Seat Belts
6. Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models)
7. Tires
8. Wheel Assembly
9. Exhaust System
10. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)
11. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)
12. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
13. Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
14. License Plate Lamp (1)
15. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
16. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models)
17. Head Lamps (2)
18. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
19. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old
20. Window Tint.

[alexandre]

I'd definitely look into swapping out that upper bulb.

[iZHP]

I'd definitely look into swapping out that upper bulb.

+1 to that

[Imola.ZHP]

Swap the top bulbs (left and right) to see if the "issue" switches sides. Shouldn't take more than 2 minutes. You'll have more insight after this.


--Marcus

[mbeckel]

According to this TX link, the warning light on your dashboard should not be a reason to fail:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/inspection/inspectionCriteria.aspx

Listed in suggested order of inspection:

1. Horn
2. Windshield Wipers
3. Mirror
4. Steering
5. Seat Belts
6. Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models)
7. Tires
8. Wheel Assembly
9. Exhaust System
10. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)
11. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)
12. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
13. Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
14. License Plate Lamp (1)
15. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
16. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models)
17. Head Lamps (2)
18. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
19. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old
20. Window Tint.
Most of them little rinky dink inspection places don't check all of that list!