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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
- sharpyboy
- Member
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- Location: Cornwall
Cracked 3rd Brake Light
Hi there guys,
Just a couple of questions ref the 3rd brake light, are they known to crack? Is the cause known? Is the crack an MOT failure? Is it a good excuse to replace with a clear unit? Is it easy to remove? Has anyone got one for sale? Is this too many questions?
Thanks
Just a couple of questions ref the 3rd brake light, are they known to crack? Is the cause known? Is the crack an MOT failure? Is it a good excuse to replace with a clear unit? Is it easy to remove? Has anyone got one for sale? Is this too many questions?
Thanks
2006 Z4 2.5i gap-tech rch+ roof mod + zhp + roof motor now in boot + DLV Exhaust mod
- obewan
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
yep they crack all the time - loads of posts on here about it, including step by step guides to fix new lens
Not an MOT failure
Dead easy to replace, just don't over-tighten or purchase new (weaker) springs
Sopers of Lincoln are normally the best bet, just mention the forum for a discount
Red ones are more expensive than clear
Not an MOT failure
Dead easy to replace, just don't over-tighten or purchase new (weaker) springs
Sopers of Lincoln are normally the best bet, just mention the forum for a discount
Red ones are more expensive than clear
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Honda CB500F.
Gone but not forgotten E85 2.0 MSport
- Marlon
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
obewan covered pretty much everything - here's a YouTube 'how to' guide that I found helpful:
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
I replaced my cracked third brake lamp with a clear unit back in January and it' just started to break last month. Keep your receipts if you buy from a main dealer and buy the springs to. So when it happens again BMW can do a warranty claim and replace it for you.
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
Cut springs in the half, did that on both my cars and never had problems afterwards.
- ben g
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
I just replaced my cracked clear unit yesterday. I've been through 3 or 4 now.
This time I bought the brake light and fitting kit (3 springs and 3 nuts) from BMW'S ebay store, who are BMW Park Lane.
It came to £69, but if you have nectar points, you can convert them to ebay vouchers, which is what I did. I got £30 off this way.
If it cracks again, I'll just take it back to a dealer and they'll have to replace it, as per the warranty.
This time I bought the brake light and fitting kit (3 springs and 3 nuts) from BMW'S ebay store, who are BMW Park Lane.
It came to £69, but if you have nectar points, you can convert them to ebay vouchers, which is what I did. I got £30 off this way.
If it cracks again, I'll just take it back to a dealer and they'll have to replace it, as per the warranty.
Red Soft-top Sterling grey 3.0i - Z4M Front, Eibachs, Polybushed, Clear headlights, Triple clear spot rear lights, Shadow Chrome 107's, Sport MFSW, ZHP.
- sharpyboy
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- Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2016 12:18 pm
- Location: Cornwall
Cracked 3rd Brake Light
Good tipben g wrote:I just replaced my cracked clear unit yesterday. I've been through 3 or 4 now.
This time I bought the brake light and fitting kit (3 springs and 3 nuts) from BMW'S ebay store, who are BMW Park Lane.
It came to £69, but if you have nectar points, you can convert them to ebay vouchers, which is what I did. I got £30 off this way.
If it cracks again, I'll just take it back to a dealer and they'll have to replace it, as per the warranty.
2006 Z4 2.5i gap-tech rch+ roof mod + zhp + roof motor now in boot + DLV Exhaust mod
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
i bought a new one, as it was an indy who fitted it i don't think i'm covered by warranty.
so i fixed it with sugru. i sealed around all the edges, etc. it's not noticeable unless someone who owns one was to inspect the car. water still gets in but i don't care it;s only a small amount of condensation. my front right light has the same condensation issue.
i wouldn't bother replacing the brake light until it's no longer salvageable. very poorly made. if i do buy a new one i will reinforce it before installation
so i fixed it with sugru. i sealed around all the edges, etc. it's not noticeable unless someone who owns one was to inspect the car. water still gets in but i don't care it;s only a small amount of condensation. my front right light has the same condensation issue.
i wouldn't bother replacing the brake light until it's no longer salvageable. very poorly made. if i do buy a new one i will reinforce it before installation
- owm
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
One tip to prolong the lenses lifespan is to close the boot gently rather than slamming it down.
1977 Alfasud Sprint
1988 Mercedes Benz W126 300SE
1991 Mazda MX-5
1996 Rover Mini Cooper
2003 BMW Z4 3.0i
1988 Mercedes Benz W126 300SE
1991 Mazda MX-5
1996 Rover Mini Cooper
2003 BMW Z4 3.0i
- inkey$
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
Common issue. Also remember when refitting your new one not to overtighten the nuts.
Oh, and now's the time you can decide whether you want a red or clear rear light at the back
Oh, and now's the time you can decide whether you want a red or clear rear light at the back
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
- sharpyboy
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
Thanks I think i'll get a clear lens this time, I think they look good and I have a birthday coming up.inkey$ wrote:Common issue. Also remember when refitting your new one not to overtighten the nuts.
Oh, and now's the time you can decide whether you want a red or clear rear light at the back
2006 Z4 2.5i gap-tech rch+ roof mod + zhp + roof motor now in boot + DLV Exhaust mod
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
anyone know the part number of the new springs?
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
Replaced my red one with a clear yesterday, and the old one fell into 5 pieces when removing it.
So now the boot looks cleaner with the clear light, especially handy as it was cheaper than a new red unit!
So now the boot looks cleaner with the clear light, especially handy as it was cheaper than a new red unit!
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
what tools did you require. i've ordered the new light and springs.mjennings23 wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2017 10:29 am Replaced my red one with a clear yesterday, and the old one fell into 5 pieces when removing it.
So now the boot looks cleaner with the clear light, especially handy as it was cheaper than a new red unit!
8mm socket required or will an adjustable spanner fit?
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Cracked 3rd Brake Light
Deep socket, standard ones wouldn't get over the mounting threads that come through the nut. You may get away with a spanner but it would be a lot more fiddly, the deep socket makes it easy as anything. I just used a deep socket and an extension bar, didn't bother with a ratchet as it doesn't need to be tightened up that much.
Last edited by mjennings23 on Tue May 02, 2017 1:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.