MOT Question

[adamb818]

One of the LED rear number plates on my 1 series has dimmed

The other is fine and still really bright

The plate is clearly visible but would it fail a MOT for one of the two bulbs being dimmed

Obviously don't want to send my car in and then it fail on something I can/should have sorted myself

[andyiley]

So why not just change it then?

I don't know the layout, so pardon my ignorance, but at some point you will obviously be changing it anyway.

[Mr Tidy]

My 1 series failed it's first 2 MOT's on blown number plate lights (one fail each side) - I thought longevity was supposed to be one of the benefits of using LED's in the first place?
Anyway first was free under warranty and second cost less than £20 from Sytner (still alot more than a bulb though).
Not sure if dimmed would be a pass or a fail but as has been said you'll have to change it some time anyway so why not now?
By the way the replacements were both still working after another 2 + years.

[8Tech]

It really depends on the tester. It is a matter of opinion whether the light is sufficient to illuminate the plate so it could be a pass or a failure.

As far as the longevity of LED's, they SHOULD last much longer but the manufacturers have found a way of selling complete light units instead of bulbs and they are unlikely to change that cash-cow anytime soon.

Wait until you need a taillight bulb!!!

[jayemm89]

Actually last time I checked BMW seemed to have been abandoning LED tech? Always infuriated me... my 2005 E46 had it but my E63 didn't, despite being a much pricier car. The e90 also only got it with a facelift but the F30 doesn't have them either... Bizarre.

[Mr Tidy]

8Tech said:

As far as the longevity of LED's, they SHOULD last much longer but the manufacturers have found a way of selling complete light units instead of bulbs and they are unlikely to change that cash-cow anytime soon.

What, you mean they might have found a supplier to provide LED lights that don't last as long as normal bulbs!!!
Strangely enough in 6 and a half years and 81,000 miles the 2 number plate lights are the only bulbs I ever had to replace.
And they tell us it is progress.

[adamb818]

Thanks for the replies.

I am going to change it but I don't go near a BMW dealer very often, as my MOT is coming round soon I just wanted to know if it was best making an effort to go past a dealer before the MOT rather than risk a fail with a picky MOT tester