Description
BMW E46 Tailgate Bulb Holder Socket Right Rear Lamp is an original rear lighting installation component, designed for mounting in the right side of the tailgate. It ensures stable seating of the bulb holder, proper light signal routing, and a secure electrical connection with the vehicle’s wiring harness. Thanks to its factory design, the bulb socket allows for maintaining correct lighting geometry and compliance with BMW manufacturer requirements.
Specifications and technical data
- SKU: 8374808
- Mark: BMW (Genuine OE)
- Condition: Used
- OEM Part Number: 8374808
- Substitutable numbers: 8374808, 63218374808
- Location on the vehicle: Rear, Right
- Category: Light Bulbs & LEDs
Purpose and Function in the Lighting System
The presented bulb holder socket is a component of the rear lighting system in the BMW E46 series, mounted in the right side of the vehicle’s tailgate. It is responsible for:
- mechanically holding the bulb holder in the tailgate lamp,
- stable connection of bulb contacts with the electrical installation,
- correct positioning of light points within the lamp’s outline,
- ensuring repeatable installation and removal of the holder during servicing.
Thanks to its design compliant with factory BMW standards, the bulb holder socket works with the original tailgate lamp, minimizing the risk of looseness, flickering light, or electrical contact issues.
Compatibility and Fit for BMW E46
The element has been designed specifically for the BMW E46 platform, which translates to precise fitting to the tailgate geometry and correct positioning relative to the lamp. Its placement on the vehicle is specified as rear – right side, which facilitates unambiguous identification during parts selection.
Original origin from the BMW group means adherence to appropriate dimensional tolerances, compatibility with the factory wiring harness, and proper cooperation with other lighting system components, such as bulb bases, connectors, or the tailgate lamp itself.
Performance Characteristics of the Component
As part of the LED Lamps and Lights category, the bulb holder socket plays a crucial role in ensuring clear vehicle light signaling. A correctly selected and installed holder influences:
- visibility of parking lights and brake lights to other road users,
- correct operation of turn signals and reverse lights (depending on lamp configuration),
- maintaining stable electrical contact under varying operating conditions,
- reducing the risk of lighting errors reported by the vehicle system.
The used condition allows for an economical replacement of a damaged or melted socket while maintaining factory design and fit. This is a practical solution for issues with intermittent lighting, burnt contacts, or mechanical damage to the tailgate lamp holder.
Professional Installation and Service Aspects
Due to the specific nature of BMW E46 rear lighting, installation by a person experienced in working with the vehicle’s electrical system is recommended. Correct seating of the socket in the tailgate lamp and proper connection to the wiring harness:
- ensures even illumination of all bulbs,
- minimizes the risk of contact overheating,
- prevents leaks within the lamp assembly,
- facilitates subsequent bulb replacement in service conditions.
By choosing an original BMW bulb holder socket, you gain certainty of compliance with factory technical documentation and predictable component behavior during long-term operation.
Related Lighting Components and Technical Knowledge
If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the rear lighting area in your BMW and need other components from the same group, such as bulb holders, lamp modules, or additional bulb bases, check the available parts in the BMW LED Lamps and Lights category.
To deepen your knowledge on selecting and replacing lighting components in BMW vehicles, including LED headlights and Xenon systems, it is worth reading the guide: See More and Better – A Complete Guide to Selecting and Replacing Used LED and Xenon Headlights. The article discusses practical aspects of working with original lighting components, which facilitates informed selection of replacement parts.






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