Clear BMW rear lights-brake light problem

[Lorenzo D'Martini]

Recently the lower brake light bulb on the drivers side (USA model) quit illuminating. I have swapped the bulb strip for the passenger side over with the same result, no lower bulb brake light. I purchased a new bulb strip from the local dealer experiencing the same result no lower brake light. All other bulbs illuminate correctly on the car. It's a 2002 model with the day-time running lights option. Any suggestions?

[mab01uk]

Try checking the wires/terminals for the brake light bulb are making a good connection with power both sides of the plug/socket connector on the lamp unit.
From Haynes manual circuit diagram:
LH Stop light wire Black/Green
RH Stop light wire Black/Blue
Earth/Ground = Brown

Note: It is possible to replace blown bulbs individually when they quit:-
The bulb holders for genuine BMW MINI Clear rear light units have the 3-off silvertec type bulbs soldered directly into them (they are very expensive through a dealer - £40 or so each side), and if one of the bulbs fail you have to replace the whole holder, (as only the silvertec amber indicator bulbs are easily available to purchase separately).
I recently found On-Line Auto Sport (website below) in the UK sells 'Silver Spec' red type bulbs for around £4.95 which can be used in the genuine BMW MINI Clear rear lights but using the original non-soldered in bulbholders from standard rear light units,(alternatively you can unsolder the blown bulbs).
Available in:-

Red for Fog Lights:
'Silver Spec' 12v bulb with a single 21w filament. The bulb glass has a silver outer coating but when lit, shows a red light. The locating pins in this bulb are directly opposite each other and are the same height. Used for brake lamps and fog lamps.
V1299382

Red twin filament for Brake/Tail lights:
'Silver Spec' 12v bulb with a twin 5w/21w filament. The bulb glass has a silver outer coating but when lit, shows a red light. The locating pins in this bulb are are set opposite each other but at different heights. Used for stop/tail lamps.
V1299380

Amber for Indicators (more widely available) :
'Silver Spec' 12v bulb with a single 21w filament. The bulb glass has a silver outer coating but when lit, shows an amber light. The locating pins in this bulb are directly opposite each other and are the same height. Used for indicator lamps.
V1299343
Link to website page (scroll down) :-
Lighting

[Mitchell]

Hello There,

I have recently had this problem with the brake light bulb not working, I need a replacement silvertec bulb, where can I find these ??

Any help will be appreciated,

Many Thanks

[mab01uk]

Try Mike at:
NewMINIStuff.com

or give On-line Autosport a call 01543252010 they were still selling the silvertec red bulbs mentioned above quite recently.

[Mitchell]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

Try Mike at:
NewMINIStuff.com

or give On-line Autosport a call 01543252010 they were still selling the silvertec red bulbs mentioned above quite recently.

Thank You,

I will get onto this straight away,

Much appreciated