BMW Repair: brake light failure e46 bmw 323i 2000 model, bmw 323i 2000, bmw 323i

Question
the brake lights have failed yet the bulbs are fine and so is the fuse, the warning light is illuminated on the dash and the internal wiring in the boot also looks fine and the brake light on the rear shelf works still indicating the brake switch must be ok

Answer
Check the wiring at the sockets to confirm power is getting there.  A circuit tester between the socket and ground, while someone else is pressing the brake pedal, will tell you if there is actually power getting to the bulb.  If there is, then you have bad bulbs.  If there is not, then work your way back through the circuit to find where the open occurs.

Other possibility is bad grounds, but if the other rear lights work, it is very unlikely.