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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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JINGLE
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by JINGLE » Wed Aug 15, 2018 10:27 pm

ben g wrote: Wed Aug 15, 2018 4:51 pm
Bing wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 1:36 pm Just to be clear in this, the issue with the BMW ones was not with the unit itself but the springs that go on the bolt, IIRC. The new ones you buy have different, less ‘powerful’ springswith them. Also, you need to make sure you don’t tighten them too much.
Sorry, but that's not 100% correct.

I recently replaced one as part of the led strip stopped working. This particular failure was nothing to do with the springs.

So yes, the entire unit is a pile of rubbish. It's not just the dodgy old springs.
I get what your saying, mine had a crack in the corner AND some of the middle LEDs failed. It’s probaly due to water ingress, affecting the connections maybe? I do agree the whole unit itself is rubbish, but from what I’ve read/seen myself I would say 99% of issues are due to springs being tight, and the units cracking/breaking/letting water in, but I could be wrong of course

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JINGLE
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by JINGLE » Wed Aug 15, 2018 10:28 pm

cmaza wrote: Wed Aug 15, 2018 1:04 pm
JINGLE wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 9:07 pm
Bing wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 1:36 pm Just to be clear in this, the issue with the BMW ones was not with the unit itself but the springs that go on the bolt, IIRC. The new ones you buy have different, less ‘powerful’ springswith them. Also, you need to make sure you don’t tighten them too much.
100% correct, the 3 springs have a new part number.

I got a new light, kept old springs and just did them “finger tight” as couldn’t justify spending about £8 on 3 springs.... a year later my brake light cracked again.... I quickly paid for the 3 new springs and got a fully working replacement as part was still covered under BMW parts warrantee and as they saw I had used the correct springs they were happy to replace (I got lucky lol)
Hey mate,

I'm replacing my 3rd brake light and have ordered one from the dealer. Do you have the part number for the new springs? Are the new springs also to be finger tight?

Regards
Cmaza
Afraid not, I managed to get a set off the for sale forum on here purely by chance off somebody who bought them and sold car before fitting them

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MalNCH
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by MalNCH » Thu Aug 16, 2018 9:36 pm

Just bought a set of new springs in readiness for the brake light, £12 FFS!
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cmaza
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by cmaza » Sun Aug 19, 2018 6:08 pm

MalNCH wrote: Thu Aug 16, 2018 9:36 pm Just bought a set of new springs in readiness for the brake light, £12 FFS!
Hey buddy. Where did you get the springs from? Got a part number?

Regards
Azam

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MalNCH
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by MalNCH » Sun Aug 19, 2018 7:21 pm

cmaza wrote: Sun Aug 19, 2018 6:08 pm
MalNCH wrote: Thu Aug 16, 2018 9:36 pm Just bought a set of new springs in readiness for the brake light, £12 FFS!
Hey buddy. Where did you get the springs from? Got a part number?

Regards
Azam
Off ebay, I've been assured they are the newer less powerful spring, part no. 63257151981, dealers local to me wanted £6.99 per spring :cry:
They have changed the price slightly, they are now £13.55 inc. postage, for 3.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine- ... 2749.l2649
2004 E85 3.0i, Titan Silver Metallic.

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Number5
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by Number5 » Mon Feb 04, 2019 9:43 pm

MalNCH wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:56 am I've taken a punt on this, mines held together with silicone so I need one anyway, thought it was worth taking a chance for £22.62.
How did you get on with the Chineese brake light when/if it arrived ?
Is it worth the punt rather than paying £60 for OEM (regardless of the springs)

Link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproof-T ... rk:10:pf:0
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by G600 » Mon Feb 04, 2019 9:50 pm

I bought one, it's only been fitted a week but it doesn't seem to be lower quality than the BMW one, not that that's saying much.
E85 3.0

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MalNCH
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by MalNCH » Mon Feb 04, 2019 11:24 pm

Number5 wrote: Mon Feb 04, 2019 9:43 pm How did you get on with the Chineese brake light when/if it arrived ?
Is it worth the punt rather than paying £60 for OEM (regardless of the springs)

Link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproof-T ... rk:10:pf:0
Well it's still in one piece, all LEDs still working, I'm pleased with it, so far well worth taking a chance.
2004 E85 3.0i, Titan Silver Metallic.

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mr.tourette
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by mr.tourette » Tue Feb 05, 2019 12:40 pm

Number5 wrote: Mon Feb 04, 2019 9:43 pm
MalNCH wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:56 am I've taken a punt on this, mines held together with silicone so I need one anyway, thought it was worth taking a chance for £22.62.
How did you get on with the Chineese brake light when/if it arrived ?
Is it worth the punt rather than paying £60 for OEM (regardless of the springs)

Link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproof-T ... rk:10:pf:0
I fitted one last year, still all working and in one piece, didnt change the springs either, just done them up hand tight then backed them off half a turn :thumbsup:
if its got tits or tyres..its trouble :D

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Number5
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Anyone tried the Chinese rear level brake lights?

Post by Number5 » Tue Feb 05, 2019 1:11 pm

Thanks Guys, I'll order one.
Alpina Roadster #307
Porsche Boxster GTS
Previous Zs
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