3rd Brake Light - Any News on a Permanent Fix?

[Bimmer-Bob]

Well, it finally happened. After 16 months of ownership, the infamous cracked 3rd brake light issue caught up with me. I had hoped that the defect had been corrected by my build date (Feb 2010), as I've known guys with earlier builds who've had the problem much earlier in their respective vehicle's lives.

Anyway, it's not too big of a deal, I guess. I'm headed to the dealer this week or next for service anyway and will just add this to the list. But is this something that they can actually permanently fix? Or are we doomed to be replacing these things every year or two for as long as we own our cars? (Eventually at our own expense, I might add...)

[Pavetron]

Just got my second replacement and they told me this one was spring loaded to absorb the shock that cracks them. Could be BS

[dcho]

just got my 2nd replacement last week. my SA was kind enough to admit that we're screwed until a permanent solution comes out.

[pinmagic]

There's a very simple solution to cracked 3rd brake lights - get a convertible!

[Bimmer-Bob]

^Doesn't the 'vert have the same issue? Isn't the 3rd brake light in the same exact place?

[gap]

May 2008 135i.
Replaced cracked center brake light 3 times 2/25/09, 9/4/09, 11/15/10.
They are lasting a little longer each time. Seems to me that this should fall under the same type extended warranty as the fuel pump.

[DriveHard]

PROD DATE 7/2010 on a 2011

Mine was replaced last month.... even the new and improved design aint so great..

[KingOfJericho]

My replacement lens has lasted me well over a year and a half with no signs of cracking again where the first one cracked and fell out within a couple of weeks of ownership. FWIW, if the dealers don't install the new lens using the TSB instructions, it will keep happening.

[DriveHard]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

My replacement lens has lasted me well over a year and a half with no signs of cracking again where the first one cracked and fell out within a couple of weeks of ownership. FWIW, if the dealers don't install the new lens using the TSB instructions, it will keep happening.

+1

here is what they are suppose to do ... see attachment

[Sylon]

Had my car for 15 months now, on my second 3rd brake light. Mine broke during my car's first winter. I have a feeling we'll see more of these when the temperature drops.


However, I see these threads pop up about once a month usually.

[sparkyblue]

I had my third brake light replaced only once, and it's lasted me approximately 6 months thus far, I also have a big 12" Subwoofer in the trunk as well. I have a feeling if it hasn't failed already, I don't think it will anytime soon.

[dicker]

Mine had the trunk cut when the first one broke after about 4 months. No problems since.

[pinmagic]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

^Doesn't the 'vert have the same issue? Isn't the 3rd brake light in the same exact place?

I'm told it's a different design, and hasn't had the same problem.

Are you (non-vert) guys using the interior hand-grip to close the trunk, or are you pressing down on the top of the trunk? That could be contributing to the problem.

[KingOfJericho]

I have always used the handles.

[Bimmer-Bob]

I (almost) always use the interior handles.

[ptack]

Have had light #3 on for over a year now. Just checked it and no cracks so they figured it out. I use the trunk every day.

[Lubo]

Originally Posted by ptack

Have had light #3 on for over a year now. Just checked it and no cracks so they figured it out. I use the trunk every day.

Knock on wood. My car is coming on 3 years, 10/08 build date still on original light with Auto-X, track days and nearly 30K miles on the clock. Trunk gets used on daily basis and I do not use inside handle all the time

[Lexington]

I'm still on the original as well (3 years). Hope they will extend the warranty given the known problem.

[AW128i]

Mine was cracked when I picked up my car last November (CPO car) and it was replaced the same month. No problems since and I use my trunk every day and have put almost 20,000 miles on it since November.

[dtwyim]

For those of you that have it replaced, was it just a crack that you can see? I know there are ones that actually split open and fall off.

Mine has a crack that runs along the top edge from the middle towards the right. You can definitely see it but not feel it.

Just wondering if it is worth it to bring it in. I rarely use the trunk btw and do use the inside grab handle to close it.

Thanks.

[DriveHard]

Originally Posted by dtwyim

For those of you that have it replaced, was it just a crack that you can see? I know there are ones that actually split open and fall off.

Mine has a crack that runs along the top edge from the middle towards the right. You can definitely see it but not feel it.

Just wondering if it is worth it to bring it in. I rarely use the trunk btw and do use the inside grab handle to close it.

Thanks.

I would bring it in simply due to chance of water leak IMHO

[Pavetron]

Originally Posted by pinmagic

There's a very simple solution to cracked 3rd brake lights - get a convertible!

Mine is a vert and it has cracked twice.