[vintagevrs]

I have an f31 and today noticed one of the red strips in the rear lights was not lit. Thought it must be a blown bulb. But on inspection only the brake and indicator lights are normal bulbs. The light source for the two red strips that illluminate when the lights are on are from leds. Bmw told me I need a new unit at €280 for one side. Both sides are letting in water and I expect the board that runs the leds has failed due to the water, and the 2nd one will likely fail soon. Car is out of warranty and bmw don't want to know.

Is there a diy fix for this? I'm guessing not as the units look like they are sealed. Any other options?

Here is how it looks now



Cheers

[PX3]

Originally Posted by vintagevrs

I have an f31 and today noticed one of the red strips in the rear lights was not lit. Thought it must be a blown bulb. But on inspection only the brake and indicator lights are normal bulbs. The light source for the two red strips that illluminate when the lights are on are from leds. Bmw told me I need a new unit at €280 for one side. Both sides are letting in water and I expect the board that runs the leds has failed due to the water, and the 2nd one will likely fail soon. Car is out of warranty and bmw don't want to know.

Is there a diy fix for this? I'm guessing not as the units look like they are sealed. Any other options?

Here is how it looks now



Cheers

I realise the following is for an X3, but it may come in useful - https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...ght=rear+light

Although with yours, it seems only one of the two LED bars has gone, so it could be as simple as a loose connector, but with water ingress it could be degrading the connectors. I guess worst case, the led has just died, in which case I would assume a whole new unit would be required unfortunately.

[vintagevrs]

Yeah thanks for that. Unfortunately that little control board that is on the outside of the light on the x3 I believe is on the inside on the f31. Prob better to get a scrap yard set. Just a pain in a fresh enough car.