Has anybody split the tailgate lights?

[wu11ie]

Hi all,

As above, has anybody split or does anybody know how to split the tailgate lights?

Mine are a bit grubby inside and out so I was going to take them off, polish them up and hopefully clean the inside of them.

I took them off and they're flexing a little bit but I didn't want to force and break them.

Any advice would be appreciated

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[bcredliner]

By splitting them I assume you mean breaking the seal and opening them.

Suggest you add year and engine size to your signature. It will help with this and many other questions you might have in the future.

Sometime in 2002, I think it was August, BMW changed how the lights are sealed. Prior to that date the light housing could be opened with heat. Some baked then in the oven, some used a heat gun, isn't easy but it can be done. I used a heat gun. After that date the housing seal is much different. Heat does nothing. They can be opened but it is a very long tedious job to get it done. I have opened the later type and I won't ever do it again. I had one of each version when I opened them.

On the upside, you can add angel eyes and modify the lights while you are in there.

[wu11ie]

Sorry, I never even thought about the year, I assumed all E53's were the same, but it's a 2001 4.4i.

Replacements are quite expensive for what they are so I might have a go.

The fronts already have the angel eyes but that was somebody else' problem lol

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[wpoll]

You could try removing the bulbs (lamps) and use an artists paint brush with warm soapy water to scrub the inside clean via the bulb port. Rinse with warm water and leave them somewhere warm for a few hours to dry out

I need to do this too - mine are full of dust!