BMW 3 series - Licence plate lights fail | HELLA

BMW

3 series (E46)

All Touring models

Model years 2001-2005

Licence plate lights fail

If a customer complains about the above error, this is not necessarily caused by the light source. High levels of humidity in the lights corrode the contacts (see Fig. 1). Capillary action in the cables can then bring water into the contact switch. This generally leads to corrosion in the switch, which prevents sufficient contact. The trunk lid may sporadically lock and unlock. In this case, proceed as follows:

- Remove the licence plate unit. To do so, unscrew the four Torx screws (see Fig. 2). The unit is still clipped in place on the body on both sides. Use a plastic lever to “lever” the unit carefully out of the body.

- Clean the licence plate light contacts. If damage is severe, the licence plate holder must be replaced.

- If the trunk lid sporadically locks and unlocks, check the contact switch and replace if necessary (see Fig. 3).

- Refit all the removed parts in reverse order. Check that the lighting system and switch are functioning properly.