Broken Tail Light

Montimacabre

New member
Same thing happened to me. I just changed out my rear lighting. It is a bit complicated but if I have a problem with a taillight or turn signal that fails I have backup. I did have fabricate a bracket for the new license plate frame and there are issues with the way the stock taillight works that required running lines from the front signals to use on the rear turnsignal only lights. The brake light pulses if the turn signal is activated, but it stays constant when the brake is activated. I am not sure if the brake is activated when using regeneration braking (I have not had someone follow me to let me know if this happens still.
 

rongrimes

Active member
One thing's for sure. This thread proves not everyone buys the CE-04 because they care about aesthetics.
 

Mitleider

Member
Hey all,

I was walking to my garage door when my leg brushed my left taillight, causing it to snap. I'm not strong or heavy by any means, so I am actually shocked how fragile it is. Upon further inspection, it looks almost like the entire left light is mounted via a thick PCB instead of anything positively affixing the casing to the scooter like traditional lighting methods. Has anyone taken their rear lights apart yet and can anyone confirm this? I thought I'd ask before I spend this weekend looking into it.

Ideally the lights aren't proprietary to the point where I have to go to the dealer and get a replacement weak taillight. Turning on my scooter immediately brings up a warning that my rear lights are damaged, and my right tail light refuses to light up despite being untouched, which makes me suspect aftermarket parts won't be an option until someone reverse engineers this.
Good morning, virtually all CE-04 owner websites, with feedback from Europe, Asia and Europe, owners are reporting quality issues with rear turn signals/stop lights. My dealer replaced mine under warranty, thank you. However, given the fragility of the part, the prospect looms of this happening again does any one know how we can give feedback to BMW requesting redesign and replacement?

good idea?
 

Montimacabre

New member
This part first appeared on their sport bikes a few years back now. They may have had similar issues then, but it is still in use. All they would need to do is change the plastic stalk to rubber, that may affect the function and reliability of the electronics used in its operation. However, I don’t know how to contact BMW regarding this issue.
 

Mitleider

Member
It's a safety hazard if a turn signal is out....but it is illegal to drive without a working rear stop light. This needs to be addressed by the manufacturer I think it's fair to say.

4 BMW cycles in my garage now, 35 years ownership experience with the brand. Very loyal and appreciative
 

Montimacabre

New member
It's a safety hazard if a turn signal is out....but it is illegal to drive without a working rear stop light. This needs to be addressed by the manufacturer I think it's fair to say.

4 BMW cycles in my garage now, 35 years ownership experience with the brand. Very loyal and appreciative
I totally agree with you. When my left signal broke it stayed attached till I when over some train tracks then it fell off. When I went back for it, it was crushed flat. I had to drive home about 20 miles at night, and my only rear light that worked was the right turn signal. I was glad I had my hazard light for that 20 miles of busy traffic. It is indeed a large safety issue.

It reminded me of my experiences with older Vespas (scooters from the '60s). The electrical system was 6v, and no battery. It all had to be in balance. If one of your 4 bulbs blew then all would fail due to too much current. As they got newer they had a battery to help the consistency of the current flow.

I have less experience with BMW, this is only my second BMW. I have had good experiences with my R NineT, and this is why I went with their scooter. I find that when new technology incorporated into vehicles the build quality is lost due to unfamiliarity of the real world use of this new tech. I am sure they will figure it out. These scooters are usage spies and record error warnings as well as performance and situation data. I again agree with you about the need to have a way to convey customer concerns and suggestions.
 
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SeaE04

New member
Just joined the broken taillight club. Was just walking around the scooter and brushed it with my leg so light I didn't even feel it snap. Very disappointing given how exposed it is. Ordered new one and will carry out the 4 hour procedure documented by the Grandmaster Triangle Tom. Thank you so much for documenting it Tom.

By the way, it killed by rear brake light too even though only the right signal was sheared. Seems like others experienced this? I assume it will work again by just replacing the signal?
 

SeaE04

New member
@triangletom I just completed the rear right taillight fix following your instructions and they were a tremendous help. Thank you again for taking the time to write them. That having been said, what a pain in the ass. Someone needs to manufacture a guard for those ASAP.
 
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