Is 1 number plate light missing an MOT failure?

[pvr]

Just had my MOT done and they (BMW) changed the number plate bulb as they said it was broken (one of them).

So - does it not show up on the dash if it is not working? Secondly, as there was 1 remaining working, would it fail the MOT then?

Just a bit annoyed as it takes a minute to replace by me versus £15 to do it by the dealer which had just been added to the bill.

 

[andysat]

I thought they had to ring you first before doing work on owners cars?

 

[pvr]

It is not a huge amount of money by any means, but just annoying as I would have just bought some LEDs or so instead.

Funny thing as well - advisory that the rear tyres are wearing on the inside. Same advisory as last year ...

 

[PawnSacrifice]

This is what I use to go over mine before it goes in...
MOT Inspection Check List VT40

It does list the number plate lights as plural so I guess so:
"Rear lights, rear fogs, number plate lamps"

Cost is annoying - Cooper BMW always used to top up the coolant / screen wash and charge a small fortune for the privilege, a mate became obsessed with it, used to brim them every time!

Depending on the test centre they either do it themselves or fail the car and tell you to get it re-tested.

 

[billygilly]

Yeah I'm afraid I've just been told they both need to be working

 

[lacroupade]

and bulbs are one of the few things the MoT tester CAN sort.

 

[JonW]

If 2 lamps are fitted then both have to be working for the MOT but as previously mentioned no chargeable work should be carried out without your written consent. Perhaps when you signed the car over for the MOT they had some small print saying any work up to £50 or so could be carried out without any further consultation?? Not unusual big dealerships. Although any decent outfit would fit the bulb and ask for a couple of quid for the part only.

JonW

 

[srhutch]

When my local dealer MOT'd mine they asked if they could change bulbs and wipers without calling me, to which I replied No of course saying I had checked and all were OK. I'm sure they would have changed my wipers though.

I always take my car in with full screen wash though as I have been stung on that once. Although they claimed they sill fitted in 1 litre under the last service when it was already brimmed to the top although they didn't charges as price was already agreed

 

[lacroupade]

If 2 lamps are fitted then both have to be working for the MOT but as previously mentioned no chargeable work should be carried out without your written consent. Perhaps when you signed the car over for the MOT they had some small print saying any work up to £50 or so could be carried out without any further consultation?? Not unusual big dealerships. Although any decent outfit would fit the bulb and ask for a couple of quid for the part only.

JonW

But the point is, the MoT test is a seperate issue even within a dealership. If its fails it fails....any remedial work needs to be carried out and a retest booked and executed. BUT bulbs are, I believe, about the only thing that the tester can replace on the hoof.

 

[pvr]

Does the car not show a bulb failure though? I never had a dash warning.

 

[AlanJ]

Whats all the fuss about. If it's a minor issue and costs me a few quid then I am grateful the tester rectifies the issue on the spot. Of course a quick check before you take the vehicle in can reveal problems which you can fix yourself to avoid the issue of failure.

Oh and my usual pet hate - '....they (BMW) changed the number plate bulb...' is that BMW UK or a local dealer? It's a dealer decision to do MOTs and not a BMW franchise requirement so I would guess it was the dealer or did you drive all the way to Bracknell BMW HQ to get the MOT done? oke:

 

[a11y]

I can understand this, I'd be incredibly pissed off if someone charged me £15 for a bulb that costs a couple of quid. Given the choice I'd have the car failed, replace the bulb myself, then a free retest (if that was on offer).

I always check over bulbs n stuff before an MOT though... :wink:

 

[srhutch]

I can understand this, I'd be incredibly pissed off if someone charged me £15 for a bulb that costs a couple of quid. Given the choice I'd have the car failed, replace the bulb myself, then a free retest (if that was on offer).

I always check over bulbs n stuff before an MOT though... :wink:

Exactly my thoughts which I why I told the dealer not to touch the car if it failed.

 

[AlanJ]

I can understand this, I'd be incredibly pissed off if someone charged me £15 for a bulb that costs a couple of quid. Given the choice I'd have the car failed, replace the bulb myself, then a free retest (if that was on offer).

I always check over bulbs n stuff before an MOT though... :wink:

Exactly my thoughts which I why I told the dealer not to touch the car if it failed.

Ah..... got it now.

Don't check your car before an MOT, simple failure for a lamp not working. :?

Collect from the dealer, take it away and replace the lamp and then make another appointment for a restest. :|

Take the car back get the restest done.

Please....... oke: