MB96

Hi all,
my passenger side rear brake light went out, i replaced it with a new one and it still does not work. any idea of what to check next. 96' E320. Thanks

CS1946

Check the contacts. I've had trouble with the lights in my '86 BMW 528e. In my car, the bulbs fit into plastic sockets which have two metal contacts each. These contacts touch a metal panel through which the bulb goes. Using a knife to clean the corrosion off helps somewhat, as does some electrical conductant (grease, etc.).

I got new quartz halogen brake light bulbs a year ago, and since then I've been having trouble. Still haven't solved it entirely; they'll work for a few days--then one side or the other will go out, and I'll have to twist the socket to get it to come on again.

Hope this is of some help. Let me know if you find a solution.

sosh

Clean up the contacts very well using something like CRC.

MB96

thanks, will try that

MB96

thank you all for you help..

tj99e320

I just received the left tail lense on the picture below that I won on eBay. The one on the right is cracked and is the original for my 99 E320.
<img src="http://members.ispwest.com/tvasquez/E320/TailLenses.jpg"><br>
On the surface, the old and the new look exactly the same. but I found that the brake light socket (pink) won't snap in.

After further scruitiny, I discovered that the brake slots are designed differently. The original has ramps that require a deeper socket. The other one is flat like the other two bulb sockets on the assembly. Check it out:
<img src="http://members.ispwest.com/tvasquez/E320/OriginalRaised.jpg">
<img src="http://members.ispwest.com/tvasquez/E320/NewFlat.jpg">

Has anyone else run into this? Can I purchase the socket (the pink deal that hold the bulb) that will fit my new lens assembly?
This one:
<img src="http://members.ispwest.com/tvasquez/E320/PinkSocket.jpg">

Thanks,
TJ

E320

This will solve your problem cause some of the metal plate are melting that's why you always have problem with burn bulb.for sale mint condition.$40 + shipping

tj99e320

Damn! I'm not about to drop another $50 for another pair. I really think there is just a design difference. I'll keep your post in mind in case I'm wrong.

TJ

haspelbein

Yes, you can just buy the pink socket. Actually, I have one laying around in my garage. I also found out about the mismatch on my '96 E320 (old taillight assembly). I tried to replace just the socket, but I ran into the same problem as you. (The socket cost about $5.)

I just cleaned up the contacts of the old socket really well and it works for now. Eventually, I may replace the whole assembly, lights, socket and all.

E320

Reduce $50 shipped.