Aftermarket 3rd brake light poor fit.

[steve_naive]

I'd heard aftermarket lights were on par with the expensive OEM versions, so nabbed one off ebay:



Am I doing it wrong? Had to really tighten the nuts down to get the rubber seal to snug in, and even then it was questionable.
I'd bought the newer, softer springs from BMW to avoid the whole issue of pressure cracking. So this is a big no-no!

Anybody know of an aftermarket version that actually fits?

Edit: should point out that it's the rubber seal that's the issue. Too squared off for purpose. The seal on the one I already had in is bevelled, maybe I could reuse it?

[noiseboy72]

I found that heating the assembly over a blow torch allowed me to bend it to the correct shape. I didn't notice the seal being the issue, more the overly shallow radius.

[steve_naive]

I found that heating the assembly over a blow torch allowed me to bend it to the correct shape. I didn't notice the seal being the issue, more the overly shallow radius.

Ooh. Is that with an aftermarket piece?

I don't own a blow torch, maybe a hot hairdryer! How do you assure an consistent radius when heating?

[noiseboy72]

After market clear type.

I'm sure a hair dryer or hot air gun would work just as well. I just kept test fitting it until it was slightly over bent and then fitted the nuts.

Looking at it 12 months later, it's relaxed back a little, but is only a mm or 2 proud.

[steve_naive]

Sending mine back. Bought a genuine one for 50 quid.

[oldgitdave]

Yeah, I had a nightmare with a non oem one, not the only one either:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=116958&p=1678206#p1678206

[steve_naive]

Yeah, I had a nightmare with a non oem one, not the only one either:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=116958&p=1678206#p1678206

How did I miss that one??

My connecter actually worked but the fit was rubbish. Literally only changed it to be watertight.

Also got my genuine one from prentice portadown BMW. Thought I'd be paying 80 quid.

[oldgitdave]

Yeah, I had a nightmare with a non oem one, not the only one either:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=116958&p=1678206#p1678206

How did I miss that one??

My connecter actually worked but the fit was rubbish. Literally only changed it to be watertight.

Also got my genuine one from prentice portadown BMW. Thought I'd be paying 80 quid.

Me too. I was pleasantly surprised at the price from them . I also found that that, as well as the fit, the seal is much better quality than the non OEM. Let's hope they last eh? .

[steve_naive]

Yeah, I had a nightmare with a non oem one, not the only one either:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=116958&p=1678206#p1678206

How did I miss that one??

My connecter actually worked but the fit was rubbish. Literally only changed it to be watertight.

Also got my genuine one from prentice portadown BMW. Thought I'd be paying 80 quid.

Me too. I was pleasantly surprised at the price from them . I also found that that, as well as the fit, the seal is much better quality than the non OEM. Let's hope they last eh? .

I bought those softer springs and plan on being very gentle when closing the boot.

[oldgitdave]

How did I miss that one??

My connecter actually worked but the fit was rubbish. Literally only changed it to be watertight.

Also got my genuine one from prentice portadown BMW. Thought I'd be paying 80 quid.

Me too. I was pleasantly surprised at the price from them . I also found that that, as well as the fit, the seal is much better quality than the non OEM. Let's hope they last eh? .

I bought those softer springs and plan on being very gentle when closing the boot.

Me too . After reading on here I bought new springs & nuts. Just got to train wifey not to slam the boot .

[AndyBeech]

With the OEM one it might not initially be flush but after fitting it'll settle into position. This is what I found with mine anyway. Also thought it was a problem but mine now sits flush like it should.

[Mr roadster]

Hi guys my third brake light disintegrated. Went to bmw dealership Stockton on tees Cleveland £97.00 so what did you guys pay.
I’ve ordered a spurious one hope it fits because I certainly don’t want to pay £97.00 incl vat

[saj77]

Hi guys my third brake light disintegrated. Went to bmw dealership Stockton on tees Cleveland £97.00 so what did you guys pay.
I’ve ordered a spurious one hope it fits because I certainly don’t want to pay £97.00 incl vat

For a clear one...
Item 122739985899 on eBay. £54:40. BMW Coventry

[oldgitdave]

Hi guys my third brake light disintegrated. Went to bmw dealership Stockton on tees Cleveland £97.00 so what did you guys pay.
I’ve ordered a spurious one hope it fits because I certainly don’t want to pay £97.00 incl vat

For a clear one...
Item 122739985899 on eBay. £54:40. BMW Coventry

I bought this one:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-BMW- ... 3717079258
A tad more than that but still reasonable .

[Mr roadster]

Thanks oldgitdave that’s a hell of a difference in price I thought all bmw dealers charged the same obviously not thanks again. I will ring them.i will keep spurious one for spare.