I agree with Bob (B.C.) except that the Bulb Failure Sensor doesn't test the Front Parking lights—just the rears. And since it tests for a current imbalance between sides, it won't react when BOTH sides are out.

Two separate fuses are involved (15 and 16), but it's not likely that both would be bad—or making poor contact. BUT those 2 fuses themselves get power from 2 separate sources, one of which is the Headlight Relay.

1) With the light switch in the 1st (parking light) position, fuse power comes from the switch itself (check your lights with switch in the PL Position)

2) With switch in Head Light position, fuse power comes from 1 of 2 contacts on the Headlight Relay (PRIME SUSPECT — Did you have headlights on when you were stopped? Did anyone notice if the FRONT Parking Lights were also out?)

If it's not the HL relay losing power to fuses 15 and 16, the individual fuse circuits are listed below — but the relay is my 1st choice as the culprit.

Fuse #15 feeds:
a) the license plate lights (thru the hinge cable Bob mentioned)
b) the LEFT tail light (thru the Bulb Failure Sensor AND the hinge)
c) the LEFT Front parking light

Fuse #16 feeds:
d) the instrument panel lights (thru the dimming rheostat)
e) the RIGHT tail light (thru Bulb Failure Sensor and hinge
f) the RIGHT front parking light

Since the car is new to you, the Rear Fogs are an unknown at this point. But they are not mandatory and should not be of concern to the police.
--
Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.

Do what "Hear to tempt..." says, it's sound advice.

Here's a little more info that might help, based on my knowledge of wiring in the 1988 240 models.

The wiring for lights and other users in the cargo doors go through the two hinges. They must flex a lot, and often break. That could account for loss of license plate lights, high level brake light, wiper, and demister.

The wiring for the fender-mounted lights goes from the front of the car to the rear in a rather large wiring harness running down the left side of the vehicle. It connects to the left tail light visible at the rear of the spare tire well. It branches to another harness going across the rear over to the right side tail light.

Your problem seems to be both door and fender, so the culprit is likely elsewhere. However, knowing where to look can help.

The bulb failure warning system compares current though pairs of bulbs and kicks on the light it there is an imbalance. The bulbs compared are front parking lights, low beam head lights, rear parking lights, and brake lights.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Also, the light bulb for the 'bulb out' warning/indicator light was probably pulled out because it was on all the time. If you were to take the dash out you may find it missing, then again IT may have burnt out from being on all the time.

Fuses
Bulbs
then check for connections and corrosion at connections.

chuck
--
'88 244 174K, '87 BMW 325e 180K (used to feed a '84 245, '84 244, '85 744)

Check the easy stuff first.

Make sure the bulbs aren't burned out.

After that, check the fuses.
--
If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as "Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!"