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      06-28-2019, 09:31 AM   #1
Ranger 6
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LED tail light issue

I've had an advisory on the MoT for one of the LED tail lights failed (21012 X3 F25)

There isn't a 'bulb out' warning at all - from a bit of forum & google research there's a weak circuit board in the rear (inner in my case) lights which is prone to failure.

If it's a circuit board failure and not a bulb failure will that be covered by the warranty? I guess they will try and fob me off by saying it's a bulb and they're not covered.
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      07-04-2019, 08:04 AM   #2
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Well it's booked in so let's see what they say......
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      07-04-2019, 12:16 PM   #3
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iirc theres a how-to to fix that.
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      07-04-2019, 03:38 PM   #4
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My brother bought the replacement circuit boards off ebay. I understood that it was not too difficult for the 2011 F25. Dealers will not help you and would prefer to sell you a brand new light cluster @ $800 each.
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      07-04-2019, 05:08 PM   #5
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Yes, in the US, and probably the rest of the world too, BMW considers the entire light assembly to be a replaceable but non-repairable unit.
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      07-04-2019, 05:16 PM   #6
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To take it even further, I believe the circuit board failure can be repaired by resoldering a failed solder joint. That's what I'll try 1st if mine ever fails.
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      07-04-2019, 09:51 PM   #7
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I replaced the circuit boards on 3 of the 4 of mine, and have the 4th circuit board ready and waiting.
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      07-04-2019, 10:01 PM   #8
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I bought 2 of them a couple months ago directly off Amazon. Takes 5 minutes to change. I would not even waste the time to go to the dealer ...
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      07-13-2019, 02:57 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hornet_Rider View Post
I bought 2 of them a couple months ago directly off Amazon....
Link?

The garage tell me there isn't a warning light because the LEDs aren't supposed to fail......
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      07-13-2019, 09:23 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by najnad View Post
I replaced the circuit boards on 3 of the 4 of mine, and have the 4th circuit board ready and waiting.
If you still have your bad board(s), can I get one or two from you so I can see if I can fix them? I work in the Columbia area.
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      07-15-2019, 07:23 PM   #11
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Search this on Amazon

Allstate Auto Parts
4.8 out of 5 stars 30 Reviews
Rear LED light Repair REPLACEMENT Board Tail Light Led Chip For 2011 to 2015 BMW X3 F25 (valeo b003809.2 Replacement)
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      07-16-2019, 11:21 AM   #12
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Many thanks

I'm pleased to report that the dealer replaced the inoperative lights under warranty so a good result.
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      10-17-2022, 05:00 PM   #13
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Repairing Valeo b003809.2 on BMW x3

Name:  Repairing Valeo b003809.2 on BMW x3.jpg
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      06-01-2023, 11:21 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurt_x3 View Post
I did this and it worked. Thanks!!

2014 X3. US Spec.
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      06-08-2023, 09:41 AM   #15
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I just went through this process. Big headache. Bought the LED driver off eBay, noticed it looked different, I believe it’s the one you needed to solder. I went ahead and ordered the board the looks exactly the same, and it worked without any modification. The board will say f25 LED on it
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