E92 - phantom 'bulb-out' warning - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

sheps · 03-27-2008, 12:49 PM

On my journey to work this morning I had a bulb failure warning light appear on the dash. Despite spending a good 10 minutes trying to figure out what bulb had gone (so I could replace it without visiting the dealer) I couldn't identify which one had expired.

I called into my local stealership (Elms, Bedford) on the off-chance this afternoon, and they were able to fit me in. Half an hour later the receptionist appeared and explained that I wasn't going mad - there was no bulb failure - it transpires that the rear light cluster holder/s have developed a fault and are giving a false bulb failure reading.

Parts have now been ordered to replace the faulty carriers, which should be one day next week. Until that time the car will continue to 'bong' a light failure.

Just curious, has anyone else had this occur?

AJerman · 03-27-2008, 12:53 PM

You know, I don't know how common this is with BMWs, but my parents 92 735iL does the exact same thing. Now, I'd think that you could attribute that to it's age and they would have fixed it by now, but maybe not?

dxb335d · 03-27-2008, 02:14 PM

Shepsy, i had this for ages. Must have lasted over a month. Gone away now though!

335DJim · 03-27-2008, 06:49 PM

Yeah mine did it too... went away for a month and now its back on again - rear RHS.. arrgghh!

itsbrokeagain · 03-27-2008, 06:50 PM

my E90 did it...the bulb was no good....when I got the bulb out indicator, I went in the back and checked it out...turned out the parking light was no good.

Went to the gas station, got a bulb...no problems since.

The bulb situation was going on for 3 weeks...it had me pissed....but it was an easy fix...I guess the bulb was kinda crap, kinda wasnt....if I flicked the lights on once or twice it would start working.

AJerman · 03-27-2008, 07:54 PM

It's probably low blinker fluid.

DaveC · 03-28-2008, 03:28 AM

I had headlamp warnings all the time on my E46, they'd just come and go for a day or two. After checking the bulbs multiple times I just decided to ignore the warning and do it the old fashioned way ... i.e. drive round with no taillights, one working headlight and a reversing light permanently on. Worked for me

OriginalFrak · 03-28-2008, 04:58 AM

Mine did that this morning when I finally got back to the station after a day wasted flying from T5 to Munich and back.

Prssed the go button and got the Failed Rear Fog light, indicators flash really fast bust no bulbs out.

Will have to ring the dealer and ask them to get some carriers in just incase.

Only done 1800 miles !

sheps · 03-28-2008, 07:32 AM

Elms are impressing me with their service - the parts have been ordered and car is booked in on Monday afternoon to have the works carried out.

Good job.

The resulting wash on Monday even saves me the grief of doing it this weekend, thus creating more

time - bonus

335DJim · 03-29-2008, 05:58 PM

Dropped my E92 into the stealers today to sort the 'Brake Light Failure' warning that keeps coming up (even though the brake lights work fine) - transpires BMW have issues with E90/91/92 & R series cars made before Feb 2008 and have issued a PUMA notifications to dealers to replace the FRM2 covenience module (runs the car lighting systems) - mine was the 2nd thay'd had in 24hrs..

Its half a days work to replace and the car needs to be reprogrammed, it may knock out my remap as well

sheps · 03-30-2008, 12:00 PM

On that basis, the work I'm due to have done on Monday afternoon isn't likely to cure my problem then? This issue sounds significantly more in-depth than the bulb carriers, as I was told....

335DJim · 03-30-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheps

On that basis, the work I'm due to have done on Monday afternoon isn't likely to cure my problem then? This issue sounds significantly more in-depth than the bulb carriers, as I was told....

I would say that's a fair assesment.. I asked if I could get a copy of the Puma notification they gave me to look whilst I waited - but they said no.. way! Perhaps your lucky and its a simple fix.. keep us posted

sheps · 03-31-2008, 02:07 AM

Booked in at dealers for 3 this afternoon, so will keep you posted.

Excusing my ignorance, but what is a PUMA? Might be handy to know when I walk into the dealership, so at least I can let them know that I know, ensuring I don't get fobbed off if this fix fails to sure the symptoms.

OriginalFrak · 03-31-2008, 04:27 AM

Well, I checked all the bulbs and they are all a glowing.

But it's still bonging at me.

Yeah - what's the PUMA so I can mention it when I go to Westerly Yeovil on Friday.

335DJim · 03-31-2008, 08:40 AM

Puma is a system BMW use to report known faults/issues to there dealer network IIRC..

CubanJJ09 · 03-31-2008, 11:41 PM

yep happened to me and i checked every damn light like i was going crazy. they called up the parts and a week or so later they came. took about hour and half to replace the housing units

baddabing · 04-01-2008, 11:21 AM

I had this problem with my car about 6 months ago, it seem the problem is with the two stage brake lights ie the parts of the light system that only come on with hard braking therefore it is not so check yourself. Mine was sorted by the dealer no problems since.

OriginalFrak · 04-04-2008, 07:08 AM

Bong !

Here is the news..

Just got back from Westerly Yeovil.

It is the dreaded FRM2 module - they are ordering it for next week.
Need car for the day due to the re-programming.

I wonder what happens if they lose power during the flash process.

Hopefully it waits until the whole image is successfully transferred until it writes over the original image in flash.

Here's to driving around with superfast indicators.

Bong !

03-27-2008, 12:49 PM	#1
sheps Colonel Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cambs, UK Posts: 2,381 iTrader: (2)	E92 - phantom 'bulb-out' warning On my journey to work this morning I had a bulb failure warning light appear on the dash. Despite spending a good 10 minutes trying to figure out what bulb had gone (so I could replace it without visiting the dealer) I couldn't identify which one had expired. I called into my local stealership (Elms, Bedford) on the off-chance this afternoon, and they were able to fit me in. Half an hour later the receptionist appeared and explained that I wasn't going mad - there was no bulb failure - it transpires that the rear light cluster holder/s have developed a fault and are giving a false bulb failure reading. Parts have now been ordered to replace the faulty carriers, which should be one day next week. Until that time the car will continue to 'bong' a light failure. Just curious, has anyone else had this occur? __________________ Gone but not forgotten: 325i M Sport (E92), Black Sapphire, Coral Red Dakota, 19" 225's, Seat Heating, 6FL and de-badge Replaced by 6.2 litres of AMG powered C class.
	Tweet

03-27-2008, 02:14 PM	#3
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist Drives: E46 M3 Tiag/Imola Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' Posts: 28,957 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2003 BMW E46 M3 [3.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [2.75]	Shepsy, i had this for ages. Must have lasted over a month. Gone away now though! __________________

03-27-2008, 06:50 PM	#5
itsbrokeagain Drives: E28 535, 1996 Dodge Ram Diesel Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Valley Stream, NY Posts: 15,742 iTrader: (7)	my E90 did it...the bulb was no good....when I got the bulb out indicator, I went in the back and checked it out...turned out the parking light was no good. Went to the gas station, got a bulb...no problems since. The bulb situation was going on for 3 weeks...it had me pissed....but it was an easy fix...I guess the bulb was kinda crap, kinda wasnt....if I flicked the lights on once or twice it would start working. __________________ AUTOCouture Motoring: Handling reflector installs to turbo upgrades and superchargers, and everything in between 15-01 Pollitt Drive, Fairlawn NJ 201-666-3500 <-Official Vehicle Transport for AUTOCouture

03-28-2008, 04:58 AM	#8
OriginalFrak Private First Class Drives: I have a few... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK Posts: 125 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 X5 3.0d Xdrive ... [0.00] 2007 E92 330i M Sport [0.00]	Mine did that this morning when I finally got back to the station after a day wasted flying from T5 to Munich and back. Prssed the go button and got the Failed Rear Fog light, indicators flash really fast bust no bulbs out. Will have to ring the dealer and ask them to get some carriers in just incase. Only done 1800 miles ! __________________ Cats have nine lives ...which makes them ideal for experimentation.

03-28-2008, 07:32 AM	#9
sheps Colonel Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cambs, UK Posts: 2,381 iTrader: (2)	Elms are impressing me with their service - the parts have been ordered and car is booked in on Monday afternoon to have the works carried out. Good job. The resulting wash on Monday even saves me the grief of doing it this weekend, thus creating more time - bonus __________________ Gone but not forgotten: 325i M Sport (E92), Black Sapphire, Coral Red Dakota, 19" 225's, Seat Heating, 6FL and de-badge Replaced by 6.2 litres of AMG powered C class.

03-27-2008, 12:53 PM	#2
AJerman Major Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 1,381 iTrader: (0)	You know, I don't know how common this is with BMWs, but my parents 92 735iL does the exact same thing. Now, I'd think that you could attribute that to it's age and they would have fixed it by now, but maybe not?

03-27-2008, 06:49 PM	#4
335DJim Private First Class Drives: 335D Coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 124 iTrader: (0)	Yeah mine did it too... went away for a month and now its back on again - rear RHS.. arrgghh!

03-27-2008, 07:54 PM	#6
AJerman Major Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 1,381 iTrader: (0)	It's probably low blinker fluid.

03-28-2008, 03:28 AM	#7
DaveC Captain Drives: 330 Touring Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK Posts: 645 iTrader: (0)	I had headlamp warnings all the time on my E46, they'd just come and go for a day or two. After checking the bulbs multiple times I just decided to ignore the warning and do it the old fashioned way ... i.e. drive round with no taillights, one working headlight and a reversing light permanently on. Worked for me

03-29-2008, 05:58 PM	#10
335DJim Private First Class Drives: 335D Coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 124 iTrader: (0)	Brake light out warning - Do BMW have faulty modules on new E90/91/92?? Dropped my E92 into the stealers today to sort the 'Brake Light Failure' warning that keeps coming up (even though the brake lights work fine) - transpires BMW have issues with E90/91/92 & R series cars made before Feb 2008 and have issued a PUMA notifications to dealers to replace the FRM2 covenience module (runs the car lighting systems) - mine was the 2nd thay'd had in 24hrs.. Its half a days work to replace and the car needs to be reprogrammed, it may knock out my remap as well Last edited by 335DJim; 03-29-2008 at 05:59 PM. Reason: Title

03-30-2008, 12:00 PM	#11
sheps Colonel Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cambs, UK Posts: 2,381 iTrader: (2)	On that basis, the work I'm due to have done on Monday afternoon isn't likely to cure my problem then? This issue sounds significantly more in-depth than the bulb carriers, as I was told.... __________________ Gone but not forgotten: 325i M Sport (E92), Black Sapphire, Coral Red Dakota, 19" 225's, Seat Heating, 6FL and de-badge Replaced by 6.2 litres of AMG powered C class.

03-31-2008, 02:07 AM	#13
sheps Colonel Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cambs, UK Posts: 2,381 iTrader: (2)	Booked in at dealers for 3 this afternoon, so will keep you posted. Excusing my ignorance, but what is a PUMA? Might be handy to know when I walk into the dealership, so at least I can let them know that I know, ensuring I don't get fobbed off if this fix fails to sure the symptoms. __________________ Gone but not forgotten: 325i M Sport (E92), Black Sapphire, Coral Red Dakota, 19" 225's, Seat Heating, 6FL and de-badge Replaced by 6.2 litres of AMG powered C class.

03-31-2008, 04:27 AM	#14
OriginalFrak Private First Class Drives: I have a few... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK Posts: 125 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 X5 3.0d Xdrive ... [0.00] 2007 E92 330i M Sport [0.00]	Well, I checked all the bulbs and they are all a glowing. But it's still bonging at me. Yeah - what's the PUMA so I can mention it when I go to Westerly Yeovil on Friday. __________________ Cats have nine lives ...which makes them ideal for experimentation.

03-31-2008, 08:40 AM	#15
335DJim Private First Class Drives: 335D Coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 124 iTrader: (0)	Puma is a system BMW use to report known faults/issues to there dealer network IIRC..

03-31-2008, 11:41 PM	#16
CubanJJ09 Banned Drives: like an asshole Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago Burbs Posts: 12,693 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [3.09]	yep happened to me and i checked every damn light like i was going crazy. they called up the parts and a week or so later they came. took about hour and half to replace the housing units

04-01-2008, 11:21 AM	#17
baddabing Private Drives: E70 X5 30sd Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dublin Posts: 97 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E93 335i SE [0.00]	I had this problem with my car about 6 months ago, it seem the problem is with the two stage brake lights ie the parts of the light system that only come on with hard braking therefore it is not so check yourself. Mine was sorted by the dealer no problems since.

04-04-2008, 07:08 AM	#18
OriginalFrak Private First Class Drives: I have a few... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK Posts: 125 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 X5 3.0d Xdrive ... [0.00] 2007 E92 330i M Sport [0.00]	Bong ! Here is the news.. Just got back from Westerly Yeovil. It is the dreaded FRM2 module - they are ordering it for next week. Need car for the day due to the re-programming. I wonder what happens if they lose power during the flash process. Hopefully it waits until the whole image is successfully transferred until it writes over the original image in flash. Here's to driving around with superfast indicators. Bong ! __________________ Cats have nine lives ...which makes them ideal for experimentation.

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