Rear Number Plate Light Issue

[CornishRob]

Hi all,

Anyone got any ideas on my issue.

Basically 1 of the 2 rear number plate lights doesn't always seem to light up when the lights come on.

If you very (and i mean literally touch) the perspex cover which covers the bulb, it lights up and as far as I'm aware stays on, as its still on after a drive. I haven't ever noticed it being off after its been on if you know what i mean.

This afternoon, i took the holder out and inspected it all. The housing is just a housing, and the bulb and holder unscrews out of the housing. I inspected it all, cleaned it and put it back together, but it still does the same.

I cant figure out whats causing it as its literally a touch to the lens cover which seems to make it work. I cant see how it can be the wiring as the housing is solid in the bumper, and nothing is moving to cause it to work, apart from the gently vibration of the touch/tap.

Has anyone had the same or any ideas how to fix it? Am i best off just replacing the lot back to the wiring and see if it fixes it?

 

[Beetlegav]

I'd say the bulb is on its way out. You could upgrade to led units off a new shape 1series.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Yeah be done with it and get the LED sets off the 1er. 2 units and new connectors needed, all in about £25 from Soper. And they look tons better.

 

[jevans]

if you're not actually touching anything that could wriggle the wiring then i'd say bulb - swap them over and see.
to other members in thread - How come a 1series unit from ebay seems to an upgrade rather than just LED bulbs? they look pretty chunky from pics i've seen - maybe just a cheap replica perhaps

 

[firebobby]

Bulb x 3

 

[CornishRob]

Thanks all. I guess it could be the bulb. Just strange how it seems to work fine once it's going!

Do you have a part number or the 1 series year from which the LED comes from?

Does it need a new housing or just the bulb and connector which locks into the housing?

 

[markplant]

I believe you get complete new units

 

[Scooba_Steve]

It's a new housing with an LED integrated. New connectors are needed as it's obviously keyed for polarity. Call Soper, they will know what you mean and find them.

 

[CornishRob]

It's a new housing with an LED integrated. New connectors are needed as it's obviously keyed for polarity. Call Soper, they will know what you mean and find them.

Ok, cheers, will do. So do I have to cut and put a new connector on the end of the wiring on the car side?

 

[Cymru]

http://www.xenonbulbs.co.uk/canbus-leds/Canbus-LEDS-OEM-Number-plate-Units/CANBUS-LEDS-LED-Bulbs-by-Application-OEM-NUMBER-PLATE-UNITS-BMW-E81-E87-E63-E64-E85-E86

Could try these I have fitted them to my E85 and they are great. Excellent customer service too

 

[Scooba_Steve]

You don't have to cut the current connector. Just remove the wire pins using a small screwdriver then put those pins in the new connector. If that doesn't make sense then call in next time your in/passing Exeter and I'll fit them, 10 min job.
If you go aftermarket like the link above you don't need anything CANBUS compatible as the number plate bulbs are not monitored. I'm not af fan of loads of LEDs in the unit as they end up too bright.
As they're the same price as OE the choice for me is simple but it's your money.

 

[ben g]

I have all the Part numbers somewhere as I installed them on mine last year. I'll try and find them for you.

You need 2 connectors: 61138365340

And 2 led housings: 63267193293

Shouldn't cost more than 20 quid for that lot.

 

[CornishRob]

Thanks for all the info and part numbers.

I will get the OEM solution order up and sorted.

Cheers

 

[doane2u]

Just curious, what happens when you switch the bulb with the other one?

 

[Toe-side]

Just curious, what happens when you switch the bulb with the other one?

That's a very good faultfinding method and worth a shot.

I just fitted LED bulbs to the original holders mucho cheapo

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=61548&p=909956&hilit=led#p909956

 

[CornishRob]

I have all the Part numbers somewhere as I installed them on mine last year. I'll try and find them for you.

You need 2 connectors: 61138365340

And 2 led housings: 63267193293

Shouldn't cost more than 20 quid for that lot.

Just got a price from Sopers and my local BMW dealer. Both about the same price for the above.

£46.04 !!!!

 

[Darkangelv2]

I got mine from Poland - Getem.pl

Poland is such good value for BMW bits. Cost about £20 including delivery.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

My, that's gone up! I should have bought more!

 

[ben g]

Z4 parts are a better investment than gold, it seems :lol:

I bought the connectors off ebay for £2.50 each. They were being sold by a BMW dealership. Sod paying nearly 50 quid for the stuff :lol:

 

[CornishRob]

Z4 parts are a better investment than gold, it seems :lol:

I bought the connectors off ebay for £2.50 each. They were being sold by a BMW dealership. Sod paying nearly 50 quid for the stuff :lol:

Ha yeah exactly. I would have ordered for around £20, but not nearly £50!

I will just get a replacement bulb and see if that fixes the issue. Also noticed the GFs car has one completely out, so got two to change now!