Tail light gone

[Zeddicus]

Hi All,
I have been driving with lights on more than usual with the Z and just realized yesterday that the left tail light is not working anymore (there was no bulb defective sign showing on the cluster though, just happen to see it by checking all lights around the car).

When looking for bulb reference on realoem, I see that there are 4 different bulbs. My first guess was number 08 longlife 21W is the one illuminating in question, the other being used for brake, reverse and turn signal.
However when I went to confirm this with the owner's manual, I read that the tail light is LED and requires the car to go to the dealer...

Has anyone experience with replacing this light and happen to have the part reference to order?

 

[Scooba_Steve]

The very top tail light is LED. There is no bulb to replace.
I don't think anyone has successfully replaced them, though it should be possible if you're handy with a soldering iron. You would have to find the right SMDs though.

 

[dhobbs]

If I’m right, item 5 i(in the top picture)s the fog light. I only have one on the right hand side light (RHD).

The tail light is LED as you say. Do all the other lights work?

I would doubt the system would know the LED is duff as they are such low current compared to normal bulbs.
Have you checked to see if the connector is plugged in properly? Any broken wires?
If they have more than one LED then I would doubt they would all go together so I would be looking for the power or the ground.

 

[Zeddicus]

Thanks for your inputs!
Well that was I was afraid of. Checking online the P/N for the tail light assy, some websites offers genuine OEM parts for €300. I believe this is going to be anyway cheaper than going to BMW for that.
Would someone know if the replacement is something doable for non-mechanic or will it requires advanced skills (which I don't have :lol: )?

 

[Smartbear]

Thanks for your inputs!
Well that was I was afraid of. Checking online the P/N for the tail light assy, some websites offers genuine OEM parts for €300. I believe this is going to be anyway cheaper than going to BMW for that.
Would someone know if the replacement is something doable for non-mechanic or will it requires advanced skills (which I don't have :lol: )?

As already suggested, I’d be checking the wiring for damage/corrosion before spending that sort of money
Rob

 

[Zeddicus]

Just a quick update to report that the fault did not reproduce over the last 3 weeks and seems to have happened only once as I usually walk around the car to manually open my garage door each time... 8)
I'll definitely check the connection and general condition of the light from the boot if this reoccurs, but touching wood at the moment.

 

[Silverzedtom]

Taking the light assembly out is easy, it’s a couple of nuts and connectors - a genuine five minute job.

Was it wet outside when you found the fault? I’d suggest checking the connections and spraying them with some contact cleaner. As the back of the car gets soaked and the seal around the cluster is known to go Its most likely a bad connection.