E86 tail light blown

E86montego · Post by **E86montego** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 2:24 pm

Hi all,

Slightly urgent problem since I only seem to drive in the dark lately.

The rear LED light has blown on the drivers side (circled in the picture below, and you can see the one that is functioning on the passenger side for reference.)

BMW say that I need a whole new rear light cluster for the sum of approx £300. Which is a joke, considering it's only a couple of LEDs that have broken.

Has anybody come across this issue before? If so, what did you do to solve it?

Thank you!

Swiftly · Post by **Swiftly** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 3:14 pm

They are just ordinary bulbs unless I am missing something. I had a bulb go out on mine recently
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=63_0954

biojo · Post by **biojo** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 5:12 pm

yeah normal bulbs,

I think hes mistaken the plastic just reflects light to lines like some LED cars do

E86montego · Post by **E86montego** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 5:18 pm

Thanks guys, do either of you know how to replace these? I'm a total loose end. They said at the dealer these weren't changeable.

Ducklakeview · Post by **Ducklakeview** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 5:38 pm

E86montego wrote:Thanks guys, do either of you know how to replace these? I'm a total loose end. They said at the dealer these weren't changeable.

On the E85, there is a twist off cover inside the boot - Same on E86?

Mike

MACK · Post by **MACK** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 6:03 pm

Bit worrying, a dealer told you that. Its clear as day on RealOEM that is just ordinary bulbs etc. There's only a couple bolts holding the whole cluster on, so you could even whip it out if your struggling.

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 6:08 pm

They're LED light pipes. RealOEM shows 4 bulbs - 1 each for indicator, brake, reverse and fog.

I have no idea if it's possible having never split a tail light. The fact that all three have gone makes me think it's something other than just the LED that has blown as I can't imagine them using a single one split for each pipe.

If you're handy with soldering (probably SMDs) then split the lamp and have a go, but I don't expect it would be an easy job.

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 6:21 pm

If you don't believe me swap all the bulbs over from side to side - the fault will not follow.

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