You gave me confidence to replace the brake light myself! I chose the clear color. Realized that the connector thingy was never connected or it was disconnected before I bought it. Thanks for referencing the 8mm size socket.l, too! Enjoy your ride!
Same here. You can hold the springs nicely in place while applying the bolts. That said, these third brake lights sure are a design error on BMW's part. Whether you buy them OEM or not, there is quite some tension on the light, which eventually causes it to crack. That is why I've decided to buy them non-OEM as this second replacement won't be the last I reckon.
I don't think I ever gave a thanks for this video, last fall I noticed by brake light on my '03 was popping out, tried a low tech tape job, didn't work, looked grungy, so I went got the same clear lens, followed your instructions and install went (almost) w/o a hitch... I like the different look.
There's a panel on the left hand side with a sort of handle indent that can also be removed much like the emergency boot release panel on the right. That way a long socket isn't necessary and a normal small 8mm spanner can fit inside. Also, the springs allow tension on the nut such that tightening these bolts beyond much more than that of one's fingers is overkill.
That' "handle indent" is the trunk pull-down handle. It's on every BMW that I've owned. Only on the driver side on the E85 but two pull-down handles on my a 335is, an F82 M4, and an F80 M3. It's to allow you to pull down the trunk lid quickly to latch the trunk without putting your hands on the paint. On my Z4 M Roadster it's riveted in place, I wouldn't remove it.
Great advice. The left panel on my 2003 Z4 is attached by 2 small screws and came off (and went back on) in a matter of seconds. It made it much, much easier to re-install the nuts to the new brake light because I could see the bolts, springs and nuts.
Nice video. I am about the replace the 3rd brake light on my silver 04’ Z4. I got the red lens version from ECS. I also note that this was replaced once before under prior ownership at a BMW dealer. How did you juggle the nut and spring to align them without dropping the nut into the inside trunk panel?
I did this today also had OEM clear light. Doesn't look that good on my black z4 but looks better than a broken red one. The center screw was spinning in place for some reason so I had to break the whole thing to get access to the bolt so the nut doesn't spin in place. It took me 3 hours to do this whole operation.
Thanks for the vid. Thought I was doing something wrong as my 8mm nuts wouldn't loosen. Discovered that the bolts were turning inside the light housing. I had to use some vice grips to hold the bolt so I could loosen the nuts.
I have a Z4 30i 2011 and my brake light was out for a few days and I kept getting the symbol on my dashboard now the symbol on my dashboard went off well I was driving and the brake light came back on again does this mean that the wire is faulty or that the bulb is going bad?
Great step by step video, I'll be doing the same this week. I will use silicone lubricant (Dow #7, (not the gel) to waterproof the lens to the body. It won't wash away and will last forever.
Omg bro you have pretty much done everything on the z4 love it, quick question do you know if bmw e46 brake calipers will fit on the z4 ? I read a post about brake upgrades its said all front caliper from e46 are interchangeable bolt on the z4 just need the bigger rotors and wheels .
I have a 2005 Platinum Z4 which came from the factory with clear. My lens just decided to come loose (and it's all cracked) so I'm replacing it with a clear. I think the clear looks better on the platinum/silver cars
Just an FYI - there was a recall on some Z4 3rd brake light. The lens was cracking due to the springs being too strong. Over time they would pull the lens inward and cause it to crack.
I'm just contemplating buying my third brake light in four years. I certainly didn't overtighten the nuts when I fitted it but the design is fundamentally flawed whereby the pressure applied when tightening the nuts is also trying to pull the clear lens away from the fitting. These things fall apart for a pastime.
@@manolitorpm5719 Hi Manolitor. I just had a look and it appears that I did buy a white light from Sytner BMW in Coventry. There are various sites on ebay which sell them. I'm not sure what happened to it as i have a red light now which is lasting quite well. I think it is worth spending a lot of time making sure that it sits well in the recess before putting any nuts on the back and then just do up finger tight. I seem to recall that the white light is an MOT failure and I bought yet another one. Cheers Kev
I just did my third brake light a day ago bc it was cracked no problems. Started the car today and got a bulb out indicator. Replaced with oem part from euro parts. Anyone have this issue?
To me the clear just looks like the red lens is somehow broken I replaced mine with a red lens BMW should have done a much better job I've never seen anything like this happen on any other car
Helpful video but please refrain from using the term redneck as it is a racist derogatory stereotype just like calling a black person the n word I'm sure there is one for Asian people such as myself too.
![Diggy Graves - Red Vineyard [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8Ro085T0mnQ/mqdefault.jpg)
You gave me confidence to replace the brake light myself! I chose the clear color. Realized that the connector thingy was never connected or it was disconnected before I bought it. Thanks for referencing the 8mm size socket.l, too! Enjoy your ride!
This video was really helpful. I bought my Z4 break light from partsgeek, installed following these instructions, good to go 👍
Thank you for posting this video. I was able to replace my 3rd tail light by following your well done instructions.
I just installed my light..found that it made it easier to see the bolts with the two black panels off..thanks for the video!!
Same here. You can hold the springs nicely in place while applying the bolts.
That said, these third brake lights sure are a design error on BMW's part. Whether you buy them OEM or not, there is quite some tension on the light, which eventually causes it to crack. That is why I've decided to buy them non-OEM as this second replacement won't be the last I reckon.
@@philcracken LOL. A LOT easier to replace than the 3rd light on my 95 Corvette. ;-)
Used this vid to help install my clear third light. Thanks a lot! Very helpful!
I've been looking for a video to replace this light for a while. Thanks for posting it!
I don't think I ever gave a thanks for this video, last fall I noticed by brake light on my '03 was popping out, tried a low tech tape job, didn't work, looked grungy, so I went got the same clear lens, followed your instructions and install went (almost) w/o a hitch... I like the different look.
Thanks for the video, I just replaced my light today. Looks great now.
Thanks. We have an 06 Z4M Roadster and it sure helps to see your how to videos
Awesome video, I did it like a pro thanks to this video. Saved me a hundred bucks! Thx a Million.
Thanks a lot bro. Appreciate the very good and clear instructional video. I just got a red replacement lense for my 2005.
There's a panel on the left hand side with a sort of handle indent that can also be removed much like the emergency boot release panel on the right. That way a long socket isn't necessary and a normal small 8mm spanner can fit inside. Also, the springs allow tension on the nut such that tightening these bolts beyond much more than that of one's fingers is overkill.
That' "handle indent" is the trunk pull-down handle. It's on every BMW that I've owned. Only on the driver side on the E85 but two pull-down handles on my a 335is, an F82 M4, and an F80 M3. It's to allow you to pull down the trunk lid quickly to latch the trunk without putting your hands on the paint. On my Z4 M Roadster it's riveted in place, I wouldn't remove it.
Great advice. The left panel on my 2003 Z4 is attached by 2 small screws and came off (and went back on) in a matter of seconds. It made it much, much easier to re-install the nuts to the new brake light because I could see the bolts, springs and nuts.
Doing my 645 third light this w-end. Video is great. Clear looks wicked!
About to do this one mine and found this very useful thanks 👍
I agree that the clear looks better on a silver car. I have the clear tail lights too. Looks nice. Thanks for the video.
Installing mine now.. I wish I knew about the clear before I ordered mine because that looks great.
Thanks for the video! My third light was replaced six months ago and it already cracked. Lesson learned: do it yourself!
Nice video. I am about the replace the 3rd brake light on my silver 04’ Z4. I got the red lens version from ECS. I also note that this was replaced once before under prior ownership at a BMW dealer. How did you juggle the nut and spring to align them without dropping the nut into the inside trunk panel?
I did this today also had OEM clear light. Doesn't look that good on my black z4 but looks better than a broken red one.
The center screw was spinning in place for some reason so I had to break the whole thing to get access to the bolt so the nut doesn't spin in place. It took me 3 hours to do this whole operation.
Thanks for the vid. Thought I was doing something wrong as my 8mm nuts wouldn't loosen. Discovered that the bolts were turning inside the light housing. I had to use some vice grips to hold the bolt so I could loosen the nuts.
Love the clear one. I have a 2007 model and I am considering getting one. Thank you for the awesome and informative video!
I'll be on my 3rd light. I'll do it myself this time. thanks for the vid.
Clear looks great on the silver car. Mine is Black so I'm going to fit a red one. Just arrived in the post. Gonna fit it now!
You have great videos thanks much for your quality. Keep it going.
Replaced mine with the clear version on my Titan silver Zed and it looks a lot better
Question, confirming the third brake like from ECS whether clear or red does come with LED lights?
I have a Z4 30i 2011 and my brake light was out for a few days and I kept getting the symbol on my dashboard now the symbol on my dashboard went off well I was driving and the brake light came back on again does this mean that the wire is faulty or that the bulb is going bad?
Great step by step video, I'll be doing the same this week. I will use silicone lubricant (Dow #7, (not the gel) to waterproof the lens to the body. It won't wash away and will last forever.
excellent, i'm waiting for a clear light for my Z4 nice and easy job.
I can’t find the connector I unplugged from the old one for the new photos?
excellent video , i have a 2005Z4 and gonna order the clear lens ....thankq
Use some dialect grease when plugging in the new connector. Bugger didn't want to go in until I did this.
Omg bro you have pretty much done everything on the z4 love it, quick question do you know if bmw e46 brake calipers will fit on the z4 ? I read a post about brake upgrades its said all front caliper from e46 are interchangeable bolt on the z4 just need the bigger rotors and wheels .
I have a 2005 Platinum Z4 which came from the factory with clear. My lens just decided to come loose (and it's all cracked) so I'm replacing it with a clear. I think the clear looks better on the platinum/silver cars
Hello, where did you find the long socket extension ?
I did this a few months back: to tighten the nuts do not use the ratchet; the extension and bare hands work perfectly.
Excellent video! Thanks a lot.
Just an FYI - there was a recall on some Z4 3rd brake light. The lens was cracking due to the springs being too strong. Over time they would pull the lens inward and cause it to crack.
there is an advantage of checking the forum, otherwise you'll go back to square one without the new springs
Wow bro where you located in NY ? I'm from staten island
I used to live in NY ......Do you have any problems with the White vs Red and the cops.......
No, it doesn't shine white it shines red. Otherwise cops haven't even noticed.
I prefer the clear style actually. Looks more subtle and streamline.
Big improvement
I'm just contemplating buying my third brake light in four years. I certainly didn't overtighten the nuts when I fitted it but the design is fundamentally flawed whereby the pressure applied when tightening the nuts is also trying to pull the clear lens away from the fitting. These things fall apart for a pastime.
Agreed. I didn't have a problem after a few years but it's a flawed design. I think I remember it starting to show stress cracks when I sold it.
Hello, your video is very useful, I have to change mine, do you know if only the tulip is traded? Where did you buy the white?
@@manolitorpm5719 Hi Manolitor. I just had a look and it appears that I did buy a white light from Sytner BMW in Coventry. There are various sites on ebay which sell them. I'm not sure what happened to it as i have a red light now which is lasting quite well.
I think it is worth spending a lot of time making sure that it sits well in the recess before putting any nuts on the back and then just do up finger tight. I seem to recall that the white light is an MOT failure and I bought yet another one. Cheers Kev
Ok, thank you
Great video thanks
car looks great how much did the brake light cost?
I think around $75
zed4me thats sick thanks man
NMEofdaST8
Thank you !
I like the t-shirt. Where did you get it?
Ken Johnson I made them for my channel. You can get them on my shop in the video description!
Ken Johnson
Ken Johnson
Guys don't slam your boot, it will crack the lens. Also, make sure you order the newer, softer springs that BMW made for this problem.
Clear
i went with red aftermarket gun metal grey
I just did my third brake light a day ago bc it was cracked no problems. Started the car today and got a bulb out indicator. Replaced with oem part from euro parts. Anyone have this issue?
does the third brake light work? it shouldn't trigger any bulb out warnings even with aftermarket parts.
zed4me yes it works, no bulbs out elsewhere either. It's got to be related to the recent replacement.
When does the light turn on? For example, my headlight bulb had intermittent issues and the bulb out warning only showed up when they weren't on
To me the clear just looks like the red lens is somehow broken I replaced mine with a red lens BMW should have done a much better job I've never seen anything like this happen on any other car
clear case looks better than red.
sangarm jason ر
Helpful video but please refrain from using the term redneck as it is a racist derogatory stereotype just like calling a black person the n word I'm sure there is one for Asian people such as myself too.
Why insult Trump supporters tho?
Mine is broken in almost the exact same pattern. Thanks!! I like how the clear lens looks.
Where did you get that wind screen between the seats?
Have a video on it, built it myself