Rear indicator LED

[ClumUK]

I feel like I probably already know the answer, but I have to ask for advice anyway just in case...

Yesterday as I was driving I got an indicator error thrown up on the dash and drivers side was flashing rapidly. I thought ok it's just a blown bulb so pulled over to check and spotted the rear indicator LED strip had 3 sements unlit and was dimmer overall

I assume this is a complete unit replacement job? Oddly after I drove off again the indicator speed went back to normal and I haven't seen the error thrown again, but upon re-checking I can see the fault is still there. I know we've had a lot of rain recently but I can't see any sign of water damage, any chance I can salvage this?

Cheers

 

[Anonymous]

Hi its the water in the tail light syndrome..for most humans that's the end I'm afraid. :thumbsdown:

There are at least two versions of the tail light unit.

I've not had an issue but because you have you need to find out where the water is getting in and make sure with a new unit history doesn't repeat itself..

Others will advise on the replacement options..

 

[tintoverano]

Hi its the water in the tail light syndrome..for most humans that's the end I'm afraid. :thumbsdown:

I had this too from water ingress, but after drying out it still works just fine - it was after buying the car, at the dealer she was kept outside, not anymore

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[ClumUK]

Hi its the water in the tail light syndrome..for most humans that's the end I'm afraid. :thumbsdown:

Agreed.

In 2017 I've analyzed the source of this problem. It's indeed water, that leads to a short between pairs of LEDs in the tail light. If one or more LED's got killed due to an overvoltage, the rest will be dimmed down. Hardly to repair, as you have to open the cluster with a dremel:
https://translate.google.de/translate?sl=de&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zroadster.com%2Fforum%2Fthreads%2Fled-blinker-in-rueckleuchte-reparabel.118100%2Fpost-2617070


If you buy a used tail light, keep an eye on version "-12", which is the latest design. It requires a different black seal and you have to put a small round seal on the 3rd hole in the midle of the body, as the newer ones are fastened by only 2 nuts.

Thanks for the info, what a terrible design by BMW!

Can't find any -12 clusters available so I'll get a new one, has anyone got experience with the Magneti Marelli lamps?

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

I believe Magneti Marelli is the OEM supplier for this part.

I ordered one last year, exact same fault. Light unit was simple enough to fit, and looks the same. Job took about one hour. Best get a trim removal tool and some replacement trim fastener pieces.

I sold my damaged light on ebay for around £40 which made a decent contribution to the new part.

Eurocarparts have discounts on these lights from time to time.

 

[RobbiZ4]

I believe Magneti Marelli is the OEM supplier for this part.

Magnet Marelli is the only OEM manufacturer worldwide for these tail lamps.

 

[ClumUK]

I believe Magneti Marelli is the OEM supplier for this part.

Magnet Marelli is the only OEM manufacturer worldwide for these tail lamps.

Ah good, I always try to go with OEM if it's reasonable so I'll get one ordered today then!

I have a colleague at work who loves to tinker with electronics so I'll let him loose on my old one

 

[ClumUK]

Ah good, I always try to go with OEM if it's reasonable so I'll get one ordered today then!

I have a colleague at work who loves to tinker with electronics so I'll let him loose on my old one

<rant>
Well I won't be fixing my car this weekend. Ordered from Euro Car Parts at lunchtime on Monday and paid for DHL premium delivery; got my tracking number this morning and it won't arrive until next Monday!
</rant>

 

[ClumUK]

It requires a different black seal and you have to put a small round seal on the 3rd hole in the midle of the body, as the newer ones are fastened by only 2 nuts.

Do you know if there's a part number for the round seal for 3rd hole, or what you would reccommend to use instead?

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[flybobbie]

I just put a piece of tape over the hole.

 

[acm]

Hi,

See https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e89-z4-sdrive35i-roa/repair-manuals/63-lights/63-21-rear-light-cluster/8IKQGVVR

"Seal opening for attachment point (2) with adhesive film (sourcing reference: BMW Parts Department 7 162 569)"

Think I was charged 80p from BMW parts department.

Update:
Found the invoice, 73p + VAT so 88p incl VAT
BMW Part no. B07.14.7.162.569 - not listed for the Z4, but it matches see https://shop.bmw.co.uk/bmw-uk/en_GB/q/07147162569/1/

Cheers!
Andy

 

[RobbiZ4]

 

[ClumUK]

Thanks for the info guys, great stuff. I rang my local parts department at Cotswold BMW earlier in the week and after a bit of searching with the partial part number they were able to find what I was trying to describe.

In the end I didn't order it as I wanted to do the replacement this weekend, which I did today as it wasn't raining for once! Installation was a bit of a faff unsticking the old seal which had glued itself to the bodywork and I had a bit of trouble seating the new seal correctly. But it's done now, I used gorilla tape to cover the 3rd hole (both sides) and I won't be at risk of getting pulled over or causing an accident anymore.