Rear brake light housings

birdy_z4 · Post by **birdy_z4** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 12:00 pm

Some articles have said the lights leak in and potential leaks into the boot

What’s the part number for the newer housing and how can I tell the difference, mine have rust at the bottom

Thanks

Pbondar · Post by **Pbondar** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 12:46 pm

The part number appears to have remained the same..

There have 2 major revisions at least to the rear lights..

First major change was from a 3 stud / nut fastening to a 2 stud fastening ..if you look in the boot you can see which version you have..

Second change was a major revision to the rear access ports with more extensive clips around the ports and a better insert seal.

There were minor changes with seals as well..

Units made after 1/17 will definitely be the latest revision

Looks like yours suffer from the front visible part pulling away from the rear mounting section allowing water in..

Water can get in through damaged rear boot vent seals or misdirected rubber boot trims..

birdy_z4 · Post by **birdy_z4** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:05 pm

Thanks for the response and guidance on the light units

Pbondar · Post by **Pbondar** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:45 pm

I had the 2 stud version which must have been current in august 2012 my build date…

Mine first off all leaked from the back ports then split on the seam ..

Bit of patience and judicious shopping should get them for around half list price..

You’ll need a pair as they will have faded with age..

birdy_z4 · Post by **birdy_z4** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 4:51 pm

Taken the lights off and it’s not rust but dirt these are the 2 stud model

No blanking plug in the unused one urgh

Silicone or grommet

flybobbie · Post by **flybobbie** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 9:11 pm

Even if you buy new ones you need to glue internal seals as they will only leak in again.
Here's the latest version, note the extra screws, BMW's pathetic attempt to seal with more clamping force, still using the wrong rubber in seal.

: 20201215_145700.jpg (133.04 KiB) Viewed 341 times

I stripped to glue with Evostick the rubber seals. No problems with leaks.

: 2.jpg (133.78 KiB) Viewed 336 times

Ignore chicken....

birdy_z4 · Post by **birdy_z4** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:07 pm

Love the chicken thanks for the tip may lock at silicone around the seals, do you think that will work?

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:12 pm

Pbondar wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 12:46 pm There have 2 major revisions at least to the rear lights..

We've got a more detailled list:
https://www.zroadster.com/forum/threads ... st-2519122

(Partno / prod date)
7 191 775 -06 / 07.10.2009 [3 bolts)
7 191 776 -07 / 31.03.2010
7 191 775 -08 / 21.06.2010
7 191 775 -08 / 30.03.2011
7 191 776 -08 / 19.05.2011
7 191 775 -11 / 15.02.2012 (2 bolts as of 2012)
7 191 775 -11 / 06.03.2012
7 191 775 -11 / 19.02.2013
7 191 775 -11 / 06.06.2013
7 191 776 -12 / 12.05.2015
7 191 775 -12 / 10.03.2016

Revision -12 is the only "stable" one. All items were produced by Automotive Lighting in Italy, a Magnet Marelli division.

Pbondar · Post by **Pbondar** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:17 pm

RobbiZ4 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:12 pm
Pbondar wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 12:46 pm There have 2 major revisions at least to the rear lights..
We've got a more detailled list:
https://www.zroadster.com/forum/threads ... st-2519122

(Partno / prod date)
7 191 775 -06 / 07.10.2009 [3 bolts)
7 191 776 -07 / 31.03.2010
7 191 775 -08 / 21.06.2010
7 191 775 -08 / 30.03.2011
7 191 776 -08 / 19.05.2011
7 191 775 -11 / 15.02.2012 (2 bolts as of 2012)
7 191 775 -11 / 06.03.2012
7 191 775 -11 / 19.02.2013
7 191 775 -11 / 06.06.2013
7 191 776 -12 / 12.05.2015
7 191 775 -12 / 10.03.2016

Revision -12 is the only "stable" one. All items were produced by Automative Lighting in Italy, a Magnet Marelli division.

Trust RobbiZ4 to have a definitive list…

as an aside why does realoem not show the revision list?

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:26 pm

Pbondar wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:17 pm ...as an aside why does realoem not show the revision list?

Well, the partno never changed, only the following revs on the labels.

Pbondar · Post by **Pbondar** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:43 pm

RobbiZ4 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:26 pm
Pbondar wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:17 pm ...as an aside why does realoem not show the revision list?
Well, the partno never changed, only the following revs on the labels.

Understood…just wondered how you accessed that info ?

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:40 am

Pbondar wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:43 pm Understood…just wondered how you accessed that info ?

Collected info from dozens of replaced rear light clusters. That is, what a forum stands for.

A picture of Automotive Lighting (AL) in Tolmezzo (IT), I've passed by some weeks ago. Our rear light clusters were produced in Italy.

: 20210619_065057_cpr.jpg (125.88 KiB) Viewed 297 times

flybobbie · Post by **flybobbie** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 8:08 am

birdy_z4 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:07 pm Love the chicken thanks for the tip may lock at silicone around the seals, do you think that will work?

Silicone doesn't work been down that route years ago.
Just use Evostick glue, i used the spray can just for convenience.

Don't know why the manufacturer just didn't glue these parts together instead of fancy seal that doesn't work.
BMW must have these piled up under warranty exchanges.

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