Third Brake Light Wanted - I Still haven't got one!!

gannet said:
Think I just got new springs when I got mine.

No interior trim to remove, just fiddly access because of where it is...

Were there washers already on the fittings?
 
Motto said:
gannet said:
Think I just got new springs when I got mine.

No interior trim to remove, just fiddly access because of where it is...

Cool - that's good to know cause I always seem to have a piece of interior trim left over when I do things like this! :lol:

There was some water in my boot when I first got the car (on the weekend there) - it was in the tray in front of the battery only (closest to the rear bumper) - do you think it was possible that the damaged rear light could have caused this (with your experience of remving it)? It would make sense that it was because I imagine any hole in the light would lead directly to the boot (I have the entire corner piece missing - identicle to the diagram on the link above).?

I would need to go back an look at the old light to refresh my memory :oops:
 
Motto said:
gannet said:
Think I just got new springs when I got mine.

No interior trim to remove, just fiddly access because of where it is...

Were there washers already on the fittings?

as in the picture below and item 2 no washer but the hex nut has it attached...

154.png
 
Cheers - what do you guys think though, do you reckon it is possible to let water in (say after washing) if there is a piece missing like in the diagram?
 
pvr said:
Possible, but most water inlet is through seals though.
Yeh - I was just thinking that the car had been washed a couple of times before I picked it up (more than likely with a pressure washer too) and this looks like the exact spot water would get forced in to...
 
Motto i doubt very much if the water came in through the 3rd light 'crack'.I've still not heard of a reasonable explanation of how water gets in the boot. I've taken my 3rd brake light out as it has a crack in the lense, not too bothered really and doesn't let water into the boot.Removal only takes a few minutes!
 
*AL* said:
Motto i doubt very much if the water came in through the 3rd light 'crack'.I've still not heard of a reasonable explanation of how water gets in the boot. I've taken my 3rd brake light out as it has a crack in the lense, not too bothered really and doesn't let water into the boot.Removal only takes a few minutes!

But there's a hole leading directly in to the boot lid compartment, the water must go somewhere - going to test this weekend, might even see if BMW will pay to fix it as it's a known design fault.....yeh I hear you...fat chance! :roll:
 
Motto said:
*AL* said:
Motto i doubt very much if the water came in through the 3rd light 'crack'.I've still not heard of a reasonable explanation of how water gets in the boot. I've taken my 3rd brake light out as it has a crack in the lense, not too bothered really and doesn't let water into the boot.Removal only takes a few minutes!

But there's a hole leading directly in to the boot lid compartment, the water must go somewhere - going to test this weekend, might even see if BMW will pay to fix it as it's a known design fault.....yeh I hear you...fat chance! :roll:

Good luck - but my dealer refused to even admit a fault - even though I had a copy of the TIS document with :(
 
Motto said:
*AL* said:
Motto i doubt very much if the water came in through the 3rd light 'crack'.I've still not heard of a reasonable explanation of how water gets in the boot. I've taken my 3rd brake light out as it has a crack in the lense, not too bothered really and doesn't let water into the boot.Removal only takes a few minutes!

But there's a hole leading directly in to the boot lid compartment, the water must go somewhere - going to test this weekend, might even see if BMW will pay to fix it as it's a known design fault.....yeh I hear you...fat chance! :roll:


If you test it yourself an old way of doing it is to dust talc around the seals and places you think it could get in. Messy if your not careful and chuck it around like the 3 women in my house, but it works perfectly to highlight any water ingress points. I suggest pour water on with a low pressure hose, watering can, etc. Dry off the outer panels first to remove drips, then have a look inside. Just vacuum up later.
 
gmaster said:
You chuck the three women in your house around?? :poke:

I'd like to think so, but sadly they chuck me around, make me buy them lots of things, carry their purchases and drive them around...

Still I've not cleaned a house, washed or ironed, cooked a dinner, etc. in a decade am allowed to play with cars and Jeeps all I want...
 
cj10jeeper said:
Motto said:
*AL* said:
Motto i doubt very much if the water came in through the 3rd light 'crack'.I've still not heard of a reasonable explanation of how water gets in the boot. I've taken my 3rd brake light out as it has a crack in the lense, not too bothered really and doesn't let water into the boot.Removal only takes a few minutes!

But there's a hole leading directly in to the boot lid compartment, the water must go somewhere - going to test this weekend, might even see if BMW will pay to fix it as it's a known design fault.....yeh I hear you...fat chance! :roll:


If you test it yourself an old way of doing it is to dust talc around the seals and places you think it could get in. Messy if your not careful and chuck it around like the 3 women in my house, but it works perfectly to highlight any water ingress points. I suggest pour water on with a low pressure hose, watering can, etc. Dry off the outer panels first to remove drips, then have a look inside. Just vacuum up later.

Good idea will give that a go if my initial test doesn't work, might even douse myself in talc while I'm at it! :D Sorry no need I know.. :oops:
 
You may get some unwanted attention when you buy some talc in Boots ... :cry:
 
Motto said:
pvr said:
You may get some unwanted attention when you buy some talc in Boots ... :cry:

Maybe but it'll be worth it....I'll be smoother than a baby's bum! :lol:


Then try buying baby oil supposedly to keep a cast iron fireplace looking pristine...

So here ends this thread :rofl:
 
Been raining here for a day and night non stop - checked the boot and rest of the car for water (was sh*tting it after all the trouble with leaks in the TT roadster I had) but it was bone dry everywhere! :D

That pretty much convinces me that the water in the boot was caused by pressure washer through the hole in the third level brake light. Now have the new clear one which I'll attempt to fit shortly.
 
Just thought I'd send a pic to show where the water was ending up - it was basically lying in the 'trough' under where the red cable runs horizontal on the pic below.

Also - can anyone tell from this pic if there is an amp here or what clues as to what stereo/upgrade there might be?


P1010021.JPG
 
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