Third Brake Light

[PeterJ]

every week, I learn something new about my Z3...what has it been this week? Well, as some of you may recall (to mixed comments!) that I purchased a complete set of non OEM lights for my Z3 for fitting after the re-paint...but this is not entirely true...There is a 'Red Rectangular' thing that runs across the back of the trunk which I always though was a reflector...but after a closer look it had wires (melted!) attached to it...so after just over two years of ownership, i have discovered that the Z3 has a 3rd brake light...strange, coz I have never noticed one working on other Z3's, but there again, have not been looking. A bit of searching on forums have revealed that the Z3 3rd brake light is notorious for leaking water & burning out...does anyone know of a good supplier of the 3rd brake light (non OEM may be better)? Cheers & Merry Christmas too you all!

 

[Aceman]

The only ones I have seen are oem ones from breakers or dealers of course and being in HK it probably will be difficult for you to get one other than new. Make sure you get a new seal though when you do get one or it will only burn out again.

Merry Christmas you too, it has been manic in our household today with two young kids running around on the ceiling !

 

[GazHyde]

It seems appropriate to post the wiki article on replacing the third brake light seal, although I know it won't be you doing it Peter

http://zroadster.org/wiki/bmw-z3/ma...-brake-light-gasket-replacement-pre-facelift/

 

[PeterJ]

thanks guys...I think that unless I come across one easily, I will leave it as a 'reflector'! ...it seems many Z3's drive around with the 3rd brake light not working, so if I go to the expense of getting one, from what I have heard, chance is it will just leak again, so whats the point...

 

[Titan]

. chance is it will just leak again, so whats the point...

Just a thought but what about the MoT?
I'm not sure what the regulations are about having a non-functioning "extra" brake light.
I would have thought that as it's OEM it should be working. Does anyone know the definitive answer?


Sent from m'iPhone using TappetTorque

 

[billz]

To my knowledge this still has not be clarified by Vosa
bill

 

[Aceman]

Peter out of curiosity what is the road worthiness test called over there in HK, is it a derivative from the British MOT following British Governance of the past or have they adopted the Chinese system if they have one that is. ? :-s

 

[Timmyhk]

hey peter,

im from HK too with a Z3 and have just gotten the same problem. my brake lights work but its leaking water so i need to get a replacement.
let me know if you find one. im checkign with bmw hk but they are such a freaking rip off!

 

[Aceman]

Welcome to the forum Timmyhk if you get chance pop some pics up of your zed in the introductions section we all like a good picture of a zed. :-bd

 

[miller1098]

Hi my 3 brake light was leaking, the seal was only £3 And fitting was simple once we had figured it out now my boot is as dry as a very dry thing

 

[JerryDavis]

I took out all my bulbs and replaced them with LED's - now its perfect!

 

[GazHyde]

I took out all my bulbs and replaced them with LED's - now its perfect!

What did you replace them with? Be interesting to have some more information, or pictures..

 

[billz]

I put the chrome third break light on mine. Still trying to find led daytime running lights that are leds and clear and FIT, simular to the Audi