Cracked 3rd Brake Light

sharpyboy · Post by **sharpyboy** » Thu Oct 06, 2016 2:05 pm

Hi there guys,

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Just a couple of questions ref the 3rd brake light, are they known to crack? Is the cause known? Is the crack an MOT failure? Is it a good excuse to replace with a clear unit? Is it easy to remove? Has anyone got one for sale? Is this too many questions?

Thanks

obewan · Post by **obewan** » Thu Oct 06, 2016 2:22 pm

yep they crack all the time - loads of posts on here about it, including step by step guides to fix new lens
Not an MOT failure
Dead easy to replace, just don't over-tighten or purchase new (weaker) springs
Sopers of Lincoln are normally the best bet, just mention the forum for a discount
Red ones are more expensive than clear

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Thu Oct 06, 2016 3:29 pm

obewan covered pretty much everything - here's a YouTube 'how to' guide that I found helpful:

Doddsy · Post by **Doddsy** » Thu Oct 06, 2016 4:18 pm

I replaced my cracked third brake lamp with a clear unit back in January and it' just started to break last month. Keep your receipts if you buy from a main dealer and buy the springs to. So when it happens again BMW can do a warranty claim and replace it for you.

Marius · Post by **Marius** » Fri Oct 07, 2016 8:20 am

Cut springs in the half, did that on both my cars and never had problems afterwards.

ben g · Post by **ben g** » Fri Oct 07, 2016 4:21 pm

I just replaced my cracked clear unit yesterday. I've been through 3 or 4 now.

This time I bought the brake light and fitting kit (3 springs and 3 nuts) from BMW'S ebay store, who are BMW Park Lane.

It came to £69, but if you have nectar points, you can convert them to ebay vouchers, which is what I did. I got £30 off this way.

If it cracks again, I'll just take it back to a dealer and they'll have to replace it, as per the warranty.

sharpyboy · Post by **sharpyboy** » Fri Oct 07, 2016 9:29 pm

ben g wrote:I just replaced my cracked clear unit yesterday. I've been through 3 or 4 now.

This time I bought the brake light and fitting kit (3 springs and 3 nuts) from BMW'S ebay store, who are BMW Park Lane.

It came to £69, but if you have nectar points, you can convert them to ebay vouchers, which is what I did. I got £30 off this way.

If it cracks again, I'll just take it back to a dealer and they'll have to replace it, as per the warranty.

Good tip

SonnyA85 · Post by **SonnyA85** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 10:15 am

i bought a new one, as it was an indy who fitted it i don't think i'm covered by warranty.

so i fixed it with sugru. i sealed around all the edges, etc. it's not noticeable unless someone who owns one was to inspect the car. water still gets in but i don't care it;s only a small amount of condensation. my front right light has the same condensation issue.

i wouldn't bother replacing the brake light until it's no longer salvageable. very poorly made. if i do buy a new one i will reinforce it before installation

owm · Post by **owm** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 11:08 am

One tip to prolong the lenses lifespan is to close the boot gently rather than slamming it down.

inkey$ · Post by **inkey$** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 4:32 pm

Common issue. Also remember when refitting your new one not to overtighten the nuts.
Oh, and now's the time you can decide whether you want a red or clear rear light at the back

sharpyboy · Post by **sharpyboy** » Mon Oct 10, 2016 5:45 pm

inkey$ wrote:Common issue. Also remember when refitting your new one not to overtighten the nuts.
Oh, and now's the time you can decide whether you want a red or clear rear light at the back

Thanks I think i'll get a clear lens this time, I think they look good and I have a birthday coming up.

SonnyA85 · Post by **SonnyA85** » Tue May 02, 2017 9:58 am

anyone know the part number of the new springs?

mjennings23 · Post by **mjennings23** » Tue May 02, 2017 10:29 am

Replaced my red one with a clear yesterday, and the old one fell into 5 pieces when removing it.

So now the boot looks cleaner with the clear light, especially handy as it was cheaper than a new red unit!

SonnyA85 · Post by **SonnyA85** » Tue May 02, 2017 12:51 pm

mjennings23 wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2017 10:29 am Replaced my red one with a clear yesterday, and the old one fell into 5 pieces when removing it.

So now the boot looks cleaner with the clear light, especially handy as it was cheaper than a new red unit!

what tools did you require. i've ordered the new light and springs.

8mm socket required or will an adjustable spanner fit?

mjennings23 · Post by **mjennings23** » Tue May 02, 2017 1:48 pm

Deep socket, standard ones wouldn't get over the mounting threads that come through the nut. You may get away with a spanner but it would be a lot more fiddly, the deep socket makes it easy as anything. I just used a deep socket and an extension bar, didn't bother with a ratchet as it doesn't need to be tightened up that much.

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