BMW Repair: Electrical, volt ohm meter, fuse box


Question
I recently replaced the Factory radio in my 1987 528e. I followed the wiring diagram from BMW. After installing the new radio, my right tail light is not functioning. The brake light works and so does the turn signal. The tail light is the only thing not functioning. When i checked the fuse box under the hood, I noticed the fuse was blown. I replaced the fuse 2x's, and it still keeps blowing the fuse. I checked the wires to the radio and none are exposed. Can you please help. I am a cop and can not very well drive a car with only one tail light working.

Answer
I would look at the tail lamps to make sure the contact points for the bulbs are good.I see lenses needing replacement all the time.The sockets too need to be examined for rust or corrosion.Blowing the fuse constantly says there is a short somewhere in that circuit.I think the light going out wasn't related to the radio.I would recheck the wires and where they are said to go.The wires are 22 years old,when they age they do have a tendency to corrode inside the casing.This too could be your light out problem.So a volt/ohm meter and some time checking the wires is the answer.