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.


Important safety note Technical information and practical tips have been compiled by HELLA in order to provide professional support to vehicle workshops in their day-to-day work. The information provided on this website is intended for use by suitably qualified personnel only. Reprinting, distribution, reproduction, exploitation in any form or disclosure of the contents of this document, even in part, is prohibited without our express, written approval and indication of the source. The schematic illustrations, pictures and descriptions serve only for the purposes of explanation and representation of the instructions and cannot be used as a basis for installation or assembly work. All rights reserved.

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