Repair-It

The car has exhibited two issues:
- fast LH turn signal sometimes
- Lights show "failed" on the dash information panel, but are functional, but stuck on. This goes away after turning the car off and back on again.

There was a recall (and TSB) for 03+ E46s to fix an insufficient ground wire connector. Fun pics here:
https://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f9 ... ix-t49882/

Fortunately, the older ones aren't covered by this. Don't worry! They still have the issue, even through the parts are a little different.

Are pics are from the LH tail light components. The bulb housing. So....integrated? Can you guess which pin is the bad connector? If you said '4', you win! Not a great shot but they did, at least, use a thicker gauge wire for the ground connection. Just not the pin connector. I cleaned off the pin and reseated the connector several times. I didn't experience the 'fast blinker' at all today. Previously this would seem to happen every drive cycle on the first LH turn. I plan to implement the TSB/recall steps on this light. I'll just have to use a self tapping screw on the ground bar since there isn't a conveniently located blade terminal like there is on the later cars.

Stay tuned for the next episode of "German Quality"!

So that didn't fix the problem. About a month ago, I installed a jumper harness to bypass the ground connection on the LH taillight (the worst of the two). The electrical tape is hiding quick disconnect connectors in case I need to remove the assembly for some reason. It's been fine since I did this, so fixed forever?

Not fixed. Time to do the other side.

15 years later this F23 (2-series convertible) has the exact same design flaw and issues with the wiring/lighting. That is just unreal to me. German quality. This is a 2016!!

You can debate about German cars in general, but the cheap German cars make me particularly nervous. The cost cutting is insidious.

https://youtu.be/xOpFwvxQbA8