F11 Inner Rear Sidelights?

[Sn1ckers]

Both inner rear sidelights on my F11 have failed? The near side began flashing first, then failed and now (a few weeks later) the offside light has gone. The reversing lights are fine.

Has anyone had a similar problem and did they find a fix?

[Gassmi]

Sounds like a common F11 issue. Check the earth point in the tailgate loom, especially near the hinge. Wires break there over time. Also check the bulb holders for melting. If not that, the LCM or rear light module can act up.

[Sn1ckers]

Gassmi said:

Sounds like a common F11 issue. Check the earth point in the tailgate loom, especially near the hinge. Wires break there over time. Also check the bulb holders for melting. If not that, the LCM or rear light module can act up.

This is what is confusing me; if it were an earth point or similar why did the lights fail at different times?
Plus, if they’re separate why are they failing so close together?

[dtulip8]

I had mine do this on my F12 640i, I just bought second hand replacements as they were much cheaper and they've worked fine ever since. I think I read somewhere the circuit board starts to fail in them.

[Gassmi]

Sn1ckers said:

This is what is confusing me; if it were an earth point or similar why did the lights fail at different times?
Plus, if they re separate why are they failing so close together?

Bad earth can still cause separate failures. If the shared ground point is corroded, it creates resistance and voltage spikes. That kills bulbs or modules at different times but within the same rough window. Think of it like a dodgy neutral in a house different lights blow on different days but same root cause.

[Sn1ckers]

Gassmi said:

Sn1ckers said:

This is what is confusing me; if it were an earth point or similar why did the lights fail at different times?
Plus, if they re separate why are they failing so close together?

Bad earth can still cause separate failures. If the shared ground point is corroded, it creates resistance and voltage spikes. That kills bulbs or modules at different times but within the same rough window. Think of it like a dodgy neutral in a house different lights blow on different days but same root cause.

Any idea where the earth is for these lights?

[Gad-Westy]

Happened on my F11, fitted a used replacement inner light unit and has been fine ever since.