So the check control light on the daily e46 was coming on more and more. The bulbs though looked fine, if not a little dim.
A little research on the internet and we found a TSB from 2007 bmw na, saying that the earth to the rear lights would burn out. A little investigation and that’s what had happened.
A 11 cent connector was brought from the local car spares place, the existing earth cable cut and joined to the new connector.
Problem resolved and hopefully will stay fixed for a few years to come.