Re: "check brake light" (archive)

Rob,
Let me tell you what I found out on our '95 740i. We had the same problem as you. I'd check the bulb and find it O.K. I could remove it, put it back in and all was good for a while, then the "check brake light" would come on again. Brett Anderson had written me & said that this was a common problem with this model. The light assembly was bad for 'corroding'. I ended up removing the lens assembly and put it on the bench so I could take a good look at it. What I found out was that the pointed contacts on the bulb holders would bi=urn a small hole in the aluminum contact plate in the assembly. Removing the bulb holder & replacing it would help only for a short time. With the assembly on the bench, I could clean the alum. Plate real good. I also filled in the "burned area" and used dielectric grease on the bulb holders. This has seemed to fix my problem.
I have since bought a couple of used light assemblies off Ebay and found them to have the same "burned" area.

Also, as mentioned on the other posts, be sure to buy bulbs that have stainless (silver color) bases. They have worked well for me. You can buy them at Wal-Mart and have worked for me. The other option is to buy the OEM's from the dealer.

Hope this is of some help.

Richard V
BMW CCA Tarheel Chapter
'95 740i
'92 535i 5 speed
'90 325i 5 speed

I recently replaced a burnt out brake light after the "check brake light" warning came on. Replacement bulb works fine. Warning light still on. Any solution? Thanks

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