California
I have not found any information online, yet, about how to remove and replace the third brake light in a Z4 Coupe. The stock light LEDs are failing. I've purchased a replacement third brake light part. The light part is identical to that used on BMW 650i, by the way. Approaching this task, I located two Phillips head (cross) screws and two Torx-20 screws that seem to be holding the plastic trim pieces onto the underside of the hatch. I can find no other screws nor anything else accessible for removal. I am tempted to use a plastic trim tool to remove the trim pieces so I can get access to the mounting bolts and nuts for the third brake light. Any pertinent comments or suggestions would be most appreciated. I removed the emergency trunk release handle.
Replacing the third brake light for a coupe
- Thread starter fixmacs
- Start date
I caveat this with 'we don't have the emergency boot release in Europe, so I don't know how that works', but to remove the plastic trim, it's those 4 screws that you have found, and then it just unclips.
It looks like you need to start nearest the headlining/cabin, as that trim piece is on top of the others, but you might just be able to do the sides and snake them past the top trim - it's been a while since I did it, and I don't remember exactly. The clips are stiff/strong, but that's all that holds it in, apart from the 4 screws which you found already.
Whilst you have it all apart, it might be worth giving your BMW badge mechanism a quick spray with some lubricant, too: https://z4-forum.com/threads/repair-e86-coupe-boot-badge-roundel-not-opening-releasing-boot.150937/
It looks like you need to start nearest the headlining/cabin, as that trim piece is on top of the others, but you might just be able to do the sides and snake them past the top trim - it's been a while since I did it, and I don't remember exactly. The clips are stiff/strong, but that's all that holds it in, apart from the 4 screws which you found already.
Whilst you have it all apart, it might be worth giving your BMW badge mechanism a quick spray with some lubricant, too: https://z4-forum.com/threads/repair-e86-coupe-boot-badge-roundel-not-opening-releasing-boot.150937/
North West Surrey
Wow, what a fantastic forum. Thanks so much for your informative comments. Here is where we are: The replacement brake light that i purchased online, that claims to fit the 650i, and which I expected to fit the 2007 E86 Z4 Coupe, is shorter than the stock light. The light I purchased is similar in construction but a couple of inches/cm shorter. I will return the incorrect light and go off in search of the correct replacement part. Also, as noted above, the trim panels are indeed snapped into place tightly. Unfortunately, again, while removing the left trim panel, the left rear window defroster wire snapped the solder connection to the window. I will report back after addressing these two repair tasks.
Attachments
I wonder if you could unclip the lens from those units and swap them over? The clips and mounting bolts look to be the same location. Looks like just black plastic clips from the photos (but maybe there is sealant too?)
