Fix BMW E46 Tail Light Electrical Issue

Parts List:
Terminals: amzn.to/2LhQbf4
Crimp Tool: amzn.to/2xNzGnF
Heat Shrink: amzn.to/3ckrwSF
Wire Brush: amzn.to/2A9yfAJ
Pliers: amzn.to/3fAh9MH
How to fix the electrical grounding issue on a BMW E46 3 Series.
Here I have a 330ci but this fix applies for any 3 series from 2001-2005. There are small variations on tail light housing base on location and year so check your car first.
This is a common issue with these cars and the method above fixes the issue with minimal parts and tools required.
Comment below if you have done this fix or if you have any questions!

[@Geoduck.]

Well done Raymond simple but effective repair. I'll be doing this to both my tail lights today.

[@thebmwdudebrah3448]

if your E46 brake light warning stays on despite good bulbs and pins etc it's the Licence PLATE GLOBES they are also represented by the error red light on the dashboard image of the car not just the brake light and reverse etc ? found out in Bimmerpost !
the bulbs cost $2

[@PatricioGarcia1973]

Also check the third brake light socket, notoriously prone to burning from overheating.

[@jonellegaller152]

commenting cause this fixed mine, thanks bro

[@andreortiz7137]

I ha e a e46 325ci 02 and a couple months ago the wipers and windows and signals in the cluster stopped working and I tried a new module and nothing happened and the day it happened is when I closed my door and I was thinking if it was the ground wire on the drive side

[@captalks6209]

Thanks friend, i was lucky enough to only have to clean the ground connector male and female with some WD-40 electrical spray. But now I know I should buy these other things in advance if it'll happen again

[@donaldmwanza584]

Thanks mate it helped ,i don’t know why bmw used those king of wire cords they’re so weak .

[@radzuanayohwae9998]

I’m gonna try this on my e46.
Thanks maté for the info.

[@wernerbrocken534]

Thanks you have done this today on my BMW 3 E46 and works perfectly!👌👍

[@Pumajupes]

Do you think this will fix my issue of my driver side left tail light staying on even when keys are out ? It’s only the left tail light that won’t go out I have to leave it unplugged now

[@smulansson2009]

Did this today! works wonderful, i hope it stays that way :)

[@goatmutation]

Thanks a lot for this. You're the man.

[@hpat225]

Hello. Please, Can you tell me were goes the wires of these 3 lights ?

[@adamsmith2719]

There was a recall on this seemingly simple fix. Not sure hoe BMW engineers had allowed to happen in the first place. Simply put you need to double the ground wire ground terminal. This is the pre-face lift (till 2001), the face lift has the same problem - just 8 pins in double 4 pin rows. Change the damaged socket (or just the pin), cut the ground wire and attach it to the bulb holder tab. You may need to do the same on the trunk lid parking light as well. On both sides, unfortunately.
ua-cam.com/video/_J0784-iTMI/v-deo.html

[@marukthomasian6309]

Does this apply to 2000 E46 328i?

[@samuelaltamirano1304]

Excellent mate. Unfortunately same thing happened to my F56 Mini Cooper. The pin from the receptacle melted into the connector so I might attempt this tommorow. Luckily the grounding plate is exposed on yours (mine is an assembly) damn BMW. They should be responsible to fix this issue. I might have to get a bit more creative.

[@Nanokillaz]

same, I just had this happen and bought a new module and repair socket. Saw a guide to repin the connect so will have to try it. Did you find a way to fix yours easily?

[@qasimhassan4499]

Hi. Does anyone know what type of wire/cable I need?

[@UKQASIM]

My tail light and weak indicator light sometimes works and other times it doesnt. The mechanic showed me one pin is burnt on the socket and in the actual plug. Told me I need a new bulb holder and plug then he would need to cut the old plug and connect the wires to that one. Just labour would cost over 75 quid. Is he trying to rip me off?

[@mannabatth4092]

Just do what he did in video 75 is rip and its gonna burn again

[@gagemarshall7936]

my e90 320i always burns my tail light bulbs IV changed both left and right like 4 times each and it just happens every now and then . any suggestions what it could be my dudes ? it's annoying as hell 🤣

[@Tomcharva]

What about facelift

[@rhill4303]

Very helpful thanks

[@rickjames1607]

Just did this today and it worked fuck yeah

[@mohammedgreek737]

I dont have trouble with cable error still there

[@akshayalingam]

Good and Helpful Video 👍👍

[@gnarlyguap5643]

Anyone know which wire is the brake light

[@benblakemore4195]

Thanks bro

[@resdyne9590]

Appreciate it

[@aifodasse]

I have a E46 and i must say, its a great piece of shit.

[@albert-rn6wp]

Really?? bought a 330i month ago. This taillight is the first problem the cars given me. I hope it doesn’t get worse.

[@AllYouCanEatBaby1]

I wonder why everyone who has posted a video on this issue goes about the repair in the same manner. All you have to do is scrape the corrosion off the ground (brown) connector and you’re done. No need for a Frankenstein repair.