Unfortunately, I know exactly what it is....just happened to me...Here's a "TSB" from All-Data....your gonna have to replace the entire tailight panel assembly, sockets/bulbs. Might as well do both sides because if one is doing it the other will also. Hope this helps..........
Brake Lamps - Inoperative/Warning Lamp ON
Notes
GROUP 63
Lights
Bulletin Number
63 02 97
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
August 1999
Product Engineering
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 63 02 97 dated October 1997 which should be removed and discarded from your S.I. binder.
SUBJECT:
"Check Brake Lights" Message Displayed at the Check Control
MODEL:
E38, prior to 10/96
Situation:
Left or right brake light fails to illuminate, and a message "Check Brake Lights" is displayed at the Check Control. After diagnosis, we may find out that the brake bulb is not defective, but the bulb carrier board and bulb socket have distinct electrical contact marks.
Cause:
Insufficient contact pressure between brake light socket and bulb carrier board.
Correction:
If a customer complaint is received, inspect and clean the bulb carrier board and replace the light socket. If distinct electrical contact marks are found on the bulb carrier board, replace the complete tail light unit (including brake light socket) with a modified part (in production since 10/96). Optimized units can be identified by the missing bottom black end strip (illustrated).
Important Note :"Distinct electrical contact mark" is described as a surface erosion crater. In order to qualify for tail light replacement, the diameter of erosion crater must exceed 2.0 mm (Detail 1).
Important :
Tail light assemblies replaced under warranty and not fulfilling the above criteria will be returned to centers and warranty claims will be debited.
Parts Information:
Warranty Information:
Parts and Labor are reimbursable under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.
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