"middle" brake light bulbs wont turn on, e30

[Afredo]

1989 325i coupe. the "middle" brake light on both sides stopped working; replaced both bulbs, 5008's, still not working. does this mean the circuit somehow burned out on BOTH sides for the same bulb in the bulb "housings"? i feel like this is highly unlikely. help!

[MR 325]

What do you mean?

On late model E30s there are 3 brake light bulbs. One in each tailight (on the outside closest to the turn signal) and one in the center mounted 3rd brake light.

[Afredo]

What do you mean?

On late model E30s there are 3 brake light bulbs. One in each tailight (on the outside closest to the turn signal) and one in the center mounted 3rd brake light.

there are 4 bulbs in each housing. 3 appear to be the same size and the 4th smaller, type 5008 bulb. the 5008 bulb is a brake light bulb and neither side works. I need to know if there is a fix for this or if I need to replace the housings.

[MR 325]

there are 4 bulbs in each housing. 3 appear to be the same size and the 4th smaller, type 5008 bulb. the 5008 bulb is a brake light bulb and neither side works. I need to know if there is a fix for this or if I need to replace the housings.

Sure there are 4 bulbs in each housing.

1. Blinker
2. Brake light
3. Running light
4. Reverse light

There is only ONE brake light bulb in each tail light.

[Afredo]

Sure there are 4 bulbs in each housing.

1. Blinker
2. Brake light
3. Running light
4. Reverse light

There is only ONE brake light bulb in each tail light.

that's bizarre then, because when i have the brake pedal depressed, both sides light up, but the check panel still says there is a problem with the brake lights. does this include the 3rd upper brakelight as well? i didnt think to check that.

[gearheadE30]

The third light would do it. Also, I forget which does it, but either the brass or the silver base bulbs is also known to cause the check light to turn on because they have a different resistance.