tail and brake light problems

[svann]

I've got a '94 325i and have had a problem with the tail and brake lights. Every few days one or more of these lights will not come on. It seems to be a connection problem, because I can slightly turn the light and it will work. I've tried changing brands of bulbs, and cleaning the contacts, but it still happens every few days. I've even had to replace a broken rear light assembly and it still occurs. Anyone else have this problem?

[Wayne 962]

My 325is is doing this too, but I figured it was just corrosion on the bulbs. What do you do to get them to start working again, or do they just randomly start?

-Wayne

[Dan M C]

You could smear a little electrical grease on the metal part of the light bulbs (the one that conducts electrical current type,any hardware store will have it) this will prevent future corozion.One other thing that causes the lights not to work is a breakage in wires at the trunk lid,because it has to flex everytime you open the trunk they will break after a few years,you will have to remove the rubber cover somehow and solder a new wires,depends on how many broke (there are a few),use silver type solder not the plumber type as silver is more resistant to corozion.The wire used should be of many strands type that way will remain much more flexible (Monster Cable brand or any high quality will do),if you destroyed the rubber boot just use some flex loom and put a nylon tye at each end.The dealer will charge you a small fortune to do this,i know firsthand.
Dan