Haven't been for awhile health and other reasons. Wife's 2011 Clubman melts the Tail light housing where the Brake light socket is. Had this problem on left and been fiddling with it scraping or cutting melted plastic away every time the light bulb symbol shows up on the dash now I just take the bulb and holder out and reinstall it. Today it was both sides so I massaged the right side and they work again. I have used the sure replacement bulbs are Mini's from the dealer but still the same problem. What is causing the heat and how do you stop it. $500 for a new set of Tail Light assemblies haven't checked wrecking yard but some day I will have fix them properly. Help. Lulu on has 55K on her.

Tom

 

I recall reading that poor bulb to socket contact could be at play causing a higher amount of voltage passing to the bulb. I'd first try cleaning both contact points on socket/bulbs and putting some dielectric grease on.

 

Minnie

Thanks for the suggestion, thought of it late last night and you have confirmed my thinking. Will go out and do it this morning I have a couple of little pouches of it in my toolbox.

Tom

 

Tried it an so far so good.