Taillight woes

[attack eagle]

I had this problem earilier today after putting a new bulb in. Removed the socket a second time and inserted it yet again and it finally clicked properly into place, the bulb illuminated, manna fell from heaven, choirs of s sang, etc etc.

[s4martin]

More than likely this is a bad connection somewhere around the bulb/holder assembly caused by overheating and/or fretting corrosion.

I just fixed the passenger side brake light on my E36 last night. The plastic bulb holder has 2 metal contacts - 1 of these had overheated and broken away. I managed to recover this one by soldering a new contact tab in place. I can't remember if the E34 has similar bulb holders but it's almost certainly a contact in that area - I haven't yet come across a BMW suffering from the more typical corroded earth contact problems.

my passenger side taillight doesnt work. its not the bulb, i checked that, and the check control doesnt throw a code. a swift kick will make it come on usually. whats my problem? bad ground?