Replacing the third brake light.

SGM <3 · 01-22-2014, 09:49 PM

Hello all, as many of you others have encountered; my third brake light recently shattered. Considering my car is out of warranty now, I was wondering if anyone knew much about this replacement from ECS Tuning:

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E88-135...ting/ES207352/

Or links to better ones would be appreciated, since I really don't want to go through my local dealership since their awful at customer service.

Cheers!

vivanapoli806 · 01-23-2014, 12:19 AM

It says it's the oem bmw one. Ecs has great parts but find there shipping is usually high. Try giving that part number to one of the bmw vendors on here I'm sure they can give u a good price on it

PA135i · 01-25-2014, 10:30 AM

Mine has been replaced 3 times. My suggestion is to see what it costs to have it replaced by the dealer, because they will replace it again at no charge if it is within 24 months. All of mine have been free because of this.
Good luck

SGM <3 · 01-29-2014, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PA135i

Mine has been replaced 3 times. My suggestion is to see what it costs to have it replaced by the dealer, because they will replace it again at no charge if it is within 24 months. All of mine have been free because of this.
Good luck

Thanks, got an OEM one through my local shop for $85. Installed it myself, noticed some weird differences on the new part even though it's the correct one. Mainly a large chunk of extra plastic in the middle, which I imagine was to fix the whole cracking issue. Either way it didn't fit with it so it was adjusted accordingly.

Thanks for the heads up, but car is up for sale so I'm not too bothered.

Dackelone · 01-29-2014, 08:16 PM

New part is redesigned. Also buy all new hardware! Especially those springs.

DIY third LED brake light replacement...
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...php?p=14133252

e36addict · 01-30-2014, 09:43 AM

That's a good DIY ^ but per the BMW TSB, you're supposed to grind the tab off the trunklid and make a new slot on the bottom for the new light. Not supposed to shave the tab off of the light itself.

___whoosh___ · 01-30-2014, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e36addict

That's a good DIY ^ but per the BMW TSB, you're supposed to grind the tab off the trunklid and make a new slot on the bottom for the new light. Not supposed to shave the tab off of the light itself.

I used a dremel with small sanding drum to remove the tab on the trunck and light itself
The DIY is the correct way IMO

e36addict · 01-31-2014, 03:43 PM

The DIY is the way that it breaks again

01-22-2014, 09:49 PM	#1
SGM <3 Internet Famous 5 Rep 232 Posts Drives: '09 SGM 135i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Kirkland, WA. iTrader: (0)	Replacing the third brake light. Hello all, as many of you others have encountered; my third brake light recently shattered. Considering my car is out of warranty now, I was wondering if anyone knew much about this replacement from ECS Tuning: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E88-135...ting/ES207352/ Or links to better ones would be appreciated, since I really don't want to go through my local dealership since their awful at customer service. Cheers!
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01-23-2014, 12:19 AM	#2
vivanapoli806 Captain 88 Rep 824 Posts Drives: 2012 535i Xdrive Msport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (2)	It says it's the oem bmw one. Ecs has great parts but find there shipping is usually high. Try giving that part number to one of the bmw vendors on here I'm sure they can give u a good price on it
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01-25-2014, 10:30 AM	#3
PA135i Brigadier General 968 Rep 3,323 Posts Drives: 08 135i 08 CR-V Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Mine has been replaced 3 times. My suggestion is to see what it costs to have it replaced by the dealer, because they will replace it again at no charge if it is within 24 months. All of mine have been free because of this. Good luck __________________ Sparkling Graphite Metallic / 6MT / Terracotta Boston Leather / Sport Package / Comfort Access system / Gray Poplar wood trim / Heated front seats / iPod and USB adapter / HD radio / Premium hi-fi system / OE Tuning / VRSF Intercooler & charge pipe / BMW Performance short shift kit / BMW M Performance Handbrake Handle / BMW Stainless steel pedals / V1 hardwired / rear sun shades *Pennsylvania 20 electoral votes*
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01-29-2014, 08:16 PM	#5
Dackelone European Editor 10589 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	New part is redesigned. Also buy all new hardware! Especially those springs. DIY third LED brake light replacement... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...php?p=14133252 __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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01-30-2014, 09:43 AM	#6
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	That's a good DIY ^ but per the BMW TSB, you're supposed to grind the tab off the trunklid and make a new slot on the bottom for the new light. Not supposed to shave the tab off of the light itself. __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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01-31-2014, 03:43 PM	#8
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	The DIY is the way that it breaks again __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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