number plate bulb

[strummer]

hi
  got a warning today number plate bulb gone,it was the right hand side one,replaced bulb but still no good...
  so replaced the whole bulb holder/boot release unit/handle with one I bought a couple of years ago to try to get the boot to open with the buttons which didnt work so didnt bother fitting it.
Now when I put the spare unit on the right side bulb now works and the left doesnt! its not bulbs I have checked voltage. I assume each unit has a fault on the opposite side.
I have run a wire from the left side of the original bulb holder to the right side bulb holder and now both are working,however I still have the warning on the dash saying the bulb is out,how do I get round this?
  thanks

[Horizon]

As there must be a break in the  circuit  to the offending bulb holder, the canbus cannot detect the resistance associated with a bulb being in place. If you get someone with a scanner 1.4.0 to turn off the number plate light check by up ticking it, the canbus will not check that system.
Or a replacement part, if its not possible to find the break in continuity.
You could always buy a scanner for about?  £30 off EBay, works best on XP but some have it working on Win7

[Steamyrotter]

Sanj did a 'most excellent' write up on here:-

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... l#msg78795

[strummer]

bought a brand new unit from bmw,left side still not working and buttons for opening boot still not working any thoughts?

[Greydog]

Broken wire in the loom somewhere? Possibly where it runs between tailgate and body?
Though if I remember correctly there is only one power feed for the number plate lights so if one works so should the other?
Is there a problem with the earth perhaps (thinking with my fingers)

[strummer]

I have now run a wire from left side to right side to restore power to both sides,so dont think it is an earth problem,it does seem to indicate a broken wire in the loom.Spoke to an auto electrician about turning off the number plate light check in the software,he said this is a big job and would rather try to trace the problem.
My laptop runs vista can you get the software for this system,alternatively is there anyone Merseyside area who has the software to turn it off?

[Steamyrotter]

Big job my arse....

Turning off number plate bulb check is a less then a 1 min job..
and that includes the time to put your socks on...

find another one if he is claiming that..

[strummer]

I have a scanner, a hand held unit that can clear faults,air bag,engine light etc but I dont think it will turn off the light checking,looking around it looks like you need ncs expert which looks pretty involved,is there an easier way of doing it?

[Steamyrotter]

BMW Scanner 1.4.0 and Navcoder will do it..

NCS Expert definitely does it and if you know what you are doing it is easy to do..
Yes there is a lot you can do with it, and the potential to cook up is large if you dont follow the correct procedures
However there are bits in there to stop you doing that.....

[strummer]

bought this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161371575742? ... 1439.l2649

dont know how easy it is going to be tho

[strummer]

had another look today and found 2 broken wires where loom passes from tailgate to body,repaired and both lights now work,no bong or check lights message.Strangely the buttons for opening the tailgate are still not working so I am going to try the old unit when I get chance to see if the new one is faulty

[strummer]

is there a link to an e53 wiring loom anywhere?

[X5Sport]

Try a search for BMW WDS on line.  Not the easiest thing to work on though.  Mine's on a DVD!

Richard

[strummer]

buttons for tailgate now working found another broken wire