Rear number plate bulb staying illuminated

[Couzens]

Noticed one of the rear number plate bulbs is staing illuminated when the cars locked up, I think it's had an LED upgrade as they're nice and white. Don't think it's fully on as it's quite Dull.

Just wondering if there's a reason for this and if it could possibly drain the battery of the car was left for long durations without starting.

 

[Mark555]

It will drain the battery if car left standing for any prolonged period. A previous car I had drained the battery completely in 2 days when I didn't shut the boot properly. I'd also try replacing the bulb with a new standard one and see what happens. Otherwise a wiring issue??

 

[Scooba_Steve]

When you lock/unlock the car there is some residual current that will illuminate LEDs, my sidelights do it. If it is LED then it wont cause much drain and should go off after a few minutes, check it next time. Sound like aftermarket units to me, the OE ones don't behave the same.

 

[Couzens]

This was at 5am when I noticed it. So I presume it had been on over night. Car started fine. I'll have a look at changing them back to originals.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I would say it is unlikely - had you unlocked the car before you noticed? Even if the LED is fully on (which you say isn't the case?) it's going to draw 1-5W I would guess. On a DD that's not an issue overnight. if you like the LED numberplatet lights in general then get an OE set.

 

[Marlon]

I'd swap out the LEDs. I've had one experience with side light LED's and ended up replacing them with brighter standard bulbs after getting code errors.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I'd swap out the LEDs. I've had one experience with side light LED's and ended up replacing them with brighter standard bulbs after getting code errors.

That was just because you didn't listen to me

 

[Couzens]

I presume it's a generic bulb across the BMW ramge? Just pop into the dealers and ask for some?

 

[Marlon]

I'd swap out the LEDs. I've had one experience with side light LED's and ended up replacing them with brighter standard bulbs after getting code errors.

That was just because you didn't listen to me

Yep - I just went ahead, recklessly ignoring your advice. And now I give it to others

 

[bmwaddict]

I get the same thing on one of the number plate lights (aftermarket led) staying on very dimly when I leave the car, haven't been able to solve it, but seems to have no effect on the battery, although I drive the car every day.
Does anyone know which oem ones to ask for from bmw that are also 501s?

 

[Grizzly9]

I've got led number plate bulbs with no problems. I would say that you have an earth/short circuit fault if the bulb is staying on permanently after switching off. Can't see how changing the bulb would make any difference unless you have code errors displayed. I currently ( pun intended) have a battery drain issue at the moment. So would be interested to hear the outcome of this.