Boot lid break light

[kolin]

Hi, does anyone know if the 7 black Bulb holders are still avaliable from BMW as mine have corroded beyond repair.
If not, does anyone here know of an aftermarket rear break light that is avaliable.
Thanks in Advance
Colin. Uk

 

[Tracy Dee]

Looked at mine today they are just the same maybe the reason why no 3rd brake light?

 

[kolin]

Looked at mine today they are just the same maybe the reason why no 3rd brake light?

Almost definatly Tracy, The rubber gasket around the light cover doesn't seal very well and let's in water which drains onto the electrics.
I have been looking online and I can't find any on any of the BMW spares sites, even in the US, I think that there may be solution in fitting an aftermarket light cluster.

 

[mid life crisis]

Have a search on here, I'm sure @TaffZee did a write up on an led conversion he did

 

[kolin]

Thanks I'll have a look.

 

[Low Rider]

I have a working 3rd break light to suit the facelift Z3s

 

[mktommo]

Hi, does anyone know if the 7 black Bulb holders are still avaliable from BMW as mine have corroded beyond repair.
If not, does anyone here know of an aftermarket rear break light that is avaliable.
Thanks in Advance
Colin. Uk

Colin - yes they do. I had a quote from BMW in Milton Keynes. The holder is £93, the gasket £3 (which almost certainly is the reason water's got in and blown it) and if you need it a lens its £25. All were on next day delivery......

 

[kolin]

My Z3 is a 1998 pre facelift model but will call BMW tomorrow.

 

[kolin]

I have a working 3rd break light to suit the facelift Z3sView attachment 19224

 

[mktommo]

My Z3 is a 1998 pre facelift model but will call BMW tomorrow.

Mine too! As a tip Soper of Lincoln (BMW dealership) have a page on here somewhere and they offer 20% discount to forum members with free postage for 'small items'. I have part numbers somewhere if its helpful?

 

[kolin]

Thank you, my Z3 is a 1998 pre facelift model and the stop light fitting you have looks different.

 

[kolin]

That would be great if you could, but don't go out of your way,
I will check them out.

 

[pgunter]

Have a word with @spurs fan in a coupe to see if he has an from any of the vehicles he has dismantled.

 

[kolin]

Have a word with @spurs fan in a coupe to see if he has an from any of the vehicles he has dismantled.

 

[kolin]

Thank you i will.

 

[kolin]

Thank you i will.

 

[kolin]

I noticed a friend of mine had recently fitted Daytime running lights to his vehicle,
I asked him if he would be able to fit LED lights to my third brake light as I only had one working bulb out of the original 7,
The rubber gasket was in good condition but as the bulb holders were so corroded it was decided that clear silicone would be needed to seal the red plastic lens cover and original gasket, a strip of 20 Led bulbs has now replaced the original 7.
The job was done for £55, well worth it.

 

[Tracy Dee]

Sounds good did the led strip have the right connector to fit original wire and connection?
Did you stick the led strip to the bulb bar ? obviously removing old bulb holders.

Look a good little business opportunity if anyone can make them up to simply stick and plug in.
At the right price I would buy one.

 

[Tracy Dee]

Whilst on the subject of non working 3rd brake light my car has been left out in normal rain and been fine however over the last 3 days we have had some of the heaviest rain I have ever seen in my life.
I found a wet puddle in the boot after these flash floods directly under the 3 rd brake light I can only assume it's come in from the light as previously said rusted bulbs and holders.
The boot rubber looks fine so I have ordered a new 3 rd brake light gasket and hope that's the culprit
Will get it fitted when it arrives only leaves the light to be sorted if anyone has ideas on this would be great to get it working.
Tracy.

 

[TaffZee]

Here You Go Easy Fix.https://zroadster.org/threads/third-brake-light-mod.3065/