brake light check light

[aduarte]

I recently purchased my first BMW, a 1997 528i with 43000 miles. One day the left rear taillight check light indicator on the dash lit up. I found that the bulb was burned out and I replaced it. Now the light on the dash showing the same problem with the bulb will come on at odd times when I apply the brakes. Do I have to reset the system or is it showing another problem? Other than that, the car has been fantastic! I appreciate any help on this. Thanks.

[Tuna Woods]

check the third brake light bulb. There is not a seperate warning display if the bulb goes out.

[aduarte]

Originally Posted by Tuna Woods

check the third brake light bulb. There is not a seperate warning display if the bulb goes out.

Thanks for the help, Tuna. I was also told that if I changed the bulb on one side of the car, I would need to change the bulb on the other side with the same type due to the difference in the bulb's resistance if not original BMW bulbs. Any truth to that? Anyone?

[mccurryct]

Originally Posted by aduarte

Thanks for the help, Tuna. I was also told that if I changed the bulb on one side of the car, I would need to change the bulb on the other side with the same type due to the difference in the bulb's resistance if not original BMW bulbs. Any truth to that? Anyone?

I had a similar problem on my '92 525i. I blew several LR tail light bulbs in a three-week period. I finally changed the tail light bulbs on both sides and haven't had a problem since (three months now). Also, I’ve been told that we are supposed to use a specific type of bulbs in BMWs due to the system that monitors the bulbs; I can't recall the name or type though. Recommend you ask at a foreign auto parts store versus buying cheap bulbs elsewhere.

[aduarte]

Originally Posted by mccurryct

I had a similar problem on my '92 525i. I blew several LR tail light bulbs in a three-week period. I finally changed the tail light bulbs on both sides and haven't had a problem since (three months now). Also, I’ve been told that we are supposed to use a specific type of bulbs in BMWs due to the system that monitors the bulbs; I can't recall the name or type though. Recommend you ask at a foreign auto parts store versus buying cheap bulbs elsewhere.

Thanks for the input. I will check with the dealer as to the bulbs they use for their cars. Its my first Bimmer so I am currently in the learning curve. Thanks again for your assistance. Arnold