My passenger rear center tail light isn't working. The one that turns on if you pull your headlight switch all the way out. I bought a new bulb and even swapped with the bulb from the drivers side but it just doesn't work. Any other simple solution?

Also both tail light housings mounting tabs are broke on each side. Looks like this may be common due to age and they are only made out of plastic. Anyone else have this issue and what do you do if anything?

 

Check with a test light at harness connection and at socket. May have a socket not making good connection. There are ways to repair tabs with epoxys/washers etc. Also I'm sure you know about the new LED lights. I put new OEM lights in when the dealer broke my tabs as I prefer the look over LED.

 

Is there just the one option on the LED's and assume they would be pricey as well. I like the OEM ones-but would look at the LED's.

Is there a DIY link on the repair options for the tabs?

 

There is a thread here on the LEDs with different tints. If you check with a test light and have current its probably just a matter of bending out contact tab.

 

The tabs are not that hard to fix - DIY Here

If it's not the light, it would have to be the connector. Get a voltmeter and see if you are getting power to the car side of the connector. Check the ground is grounded also. If all is good, then the connector isn't making full contact with all wires.

 

Pretty sure only one side is supposed to light when you turn on the fogs. Depending upon where it was bought may change which side lights, UK and US are different I think.

 

+1 Outside light only if the car isn't running.

 

check for connection / corrosion,

 

No corrosion, but will check the manual as someone stated only the one side is intended to light up.

 

i think you've nailed it. it's highly likely the op has activated the left side which is a safety feature that the bulb alights when the fogs are on. doesn't do it on the passenger side.
i think it's actually an "autobahn" holdover?

its like a "parking" lamp. as you already know. i went thru the same confusion many years ago,.. for a minute

 

Well you are correct. Apparently only the one side is intended to go on with the fogs. Any idea when the other side lights up? There is a bulb in there on the opposite side so I would figure it does work but its not for the brakes or the tail lights. The manual seemed somewhat vague about it.

 

actually? i dont sorry. i stopped guessing once i figured out it WAS a safety feature and NOT a blown bulb. it's an honest new owner mistake

 

$5 says a PO put a bulb in where it's not needed. I'd check mine but it's not home yet This has been asked about before and I see BMW running around with a single fog on the back all the time otherwise I'd have been stumped too. If both lit everyone would think you had brakes on instead of fogs...