So Easy Even I managed it...Center Brake Light

[buzyg]

Should have done this a year ago. Still better late than never. Finaly treated the Zed to a much needed new center brake light.

Just an 8mm socket & spanner, plus a Philps screw driver required. Two small panel's off in next to know time.



Three obvious access holes to get to the 8mm nuts.



The lead feeds over a little plate.



Then the old unit pulls out.



And then simply feed the connection through, pop in the new unit a lightly tighten up the three nuts.



Job done.

 

[firebobby]

Your skills amaze me Mr G :wink:
Did you use the newer type springs ?

 

[buzyg]

Your skills amaze me Mr G :wink:
Did you use the newer type springs ?

Nope used the original fittings. Have done them up a couple of threads less than was. Let's hope they don't crack the new unit or fall off :lol: Time will tell. :wink:

 

[bz4kev]

Did mine for the 3rd time again in my ownership on Tuesday pretty simple hardest part was pulling the broken one out replaced my BMW one with a Chinese copy one at £23 and am very happy with it even if it doesn't last as long as the BMW oem one I could buy 3 for 1 but to be honest looks as good quality as the oem as even that is not great.Nice write up for new owners as I am sure they will definitely need it

 

[Tinker15]

Very interesting until I realised this isn’t for an E89 at all!

 

[Nictrix]

You should get it moved to the E85 section

 

[buzyg]

You should get it moved to the E85 section

Mist that. Thought it was. :roll: Sure the mods can sort it.

 

[Chris_D]

As a precaution I put some insulating tape over the top face of my replacement 3rd light to block those holes as I suspected it was a source of water-ingress due to the rubber seal not being fantastic. I noticed some of the leds were out as well as the cracked plastic in the original.
I made a thread about it somewhere.
Just a thought.... :wink:

 

[Smartbear]

As a precaution I put some insulating tape over the top face of my replacement 3rd light to block those holes as I suspected it was a source of water-ingress due to the rubber seal not being fantastic. I noticed some of the leds were out as well as the cracked plastic in the original.
I made a thread about it somewhere.
Just a thought.... :wink:

Those holes are for essential cooling, has your car burst into flames yet? :lol:
Rob

 

[Chris_D]

Those holes are for essential cooling, has your car burst into flames yet? :lol:
Rob

Essential cooling? Come off it! lol
Have you seen the size of the actual LED's? You'd be lucky to get a warm finger on a summer's day even if you held one when it was lit!
Plus, the brakelights aren't on long enough for any conceivable risk of overheating. I don't hold the brake either.
And it's been over a year since my repair, so I think I'll be sleeping soundly.....
:wink: :roll:

 

[Smartbear]

Smartbear wrote: ↑Wed Apr 03, 2019 10:05 pm
Those holes are for essential cooling, has your car burst into flames yet?
Rob
Essential cooling? Come off it! lol
Have you seen the size of the actual LED's? You'd be lucky to get a warm finger on a summer's day even if you held one when it was lit!
Plus, the brakelights aren't on long enough for any conceivable risk of overheating. I don't hold the brake either.
And it's been over a year since my repair, so I think I'll be sleeping soundly.....

I was pulling your leg Chris :wink:
Rob

 

[srhutch]

Very interesting until I realised this isn’t for an E89 at all!

Sorted :wink:

 

[Chris_D]

Smartbear wrote: ↑Wed Apr 03, 2019 10:05 pm
Those holes are for essential cooling, has your car burst into flames yet?
Rob
Essential cooling? Come off it! lol
Have you seen the size of the actual LED's? You'd be lucky to get a warm finger on a summer's day even if you held one when it was lit!
Plus, the brakelights aren't on long enough for any conceivable risk of overheating. I don't hold the brake either.
And it's been over a year since my repair, so I think I'll be sleeping soundly.....

I was pulling your leg Chris :wink:
Rob

I'll get you Butlerrrrrr! Meheeeeee
:lol:

 

[sw4nny]

Did mine for the 3rd time again in my ownership on Tuesday pretty simple hardest part was pulling the broken one out replaced my BMW one with a Chinese copy one at £23 and am very happy with it even if it doesn't last as long as the BMW oem one I could buy 3 for 1 but to be honest looks as good quality as the oem as even that is not great.Nice write up for new owners as I am sure they will definitely need it

Could you possibly post a link for the £23 one for future reference as I too am not impressed with the BMW quality?

 

[Maxthedane]

I’d also appreciate a link to a replacement. One end has come off mine so if a replacement’s that easy I’ll get on with it. Thanks

 

[buzyg]

I’d also appreciate a link to a replacement. One end has come off mine so if a replacement’s that easy I’ll get on with it. Thanks

I bought mine here...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Third-Brake-Rear-Tail-Light-Stop-Lamp-White-Z4-E85-63256930246/122739985899?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=1&asc=57478&meid=e859a0fa68084530b8cfb24c732b7c5a&pid=100005&rk=5&rkt=12&mehot=pp&sd=253717079258&itm=122739985899&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&redirect=mobile
Lots of cheap imports online. But I do prefer OEM. :wink:

 

[bz4kev]

Hi guys it was a Ebay purchase and I made offers and got it down to £23.50 with delivery

 

[bz4kev]

 

[Maxthedane]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

 

[road warrior]

i paid 26 quid.. i wuzz robbed !

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-03-08-BMW-E85-Z4-CLEAR-Third-High-Mount-Brake-Rear-Stop-Light-White-Color-UK/192833051909?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649