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  #1  
Old 04-13-2014, 03:02 PM
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middle brake light "half" broken

Hello everybody,

long time no speech but now I have a new problem. The middle brake light, the "LED one" seems to have stopped working - half. That means only half of it is still lit ......

Since I did not see any openings with screws I would have some questions about repairing it on my own if that is possible. I have seen some used ones in eBay for ~ EUR 200.-
  • How do I unmount the brake light?
  • Is it an optin to repair the brake light by my own?
  • Any special difficulties ahead with my wish to do the retair at home?
Thank you in advance

Helmuth
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  #2  
Old 04-14-2014, 12:07 AM
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I don't think u can fix it u would have to get a whole new one
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Old 04-14-2014, 09:52 AM
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Where are the Gurus who bake their headlights?
Is that really true? I am nearly sure that there is only one wire broken or corroded inside.

BR, Helmuth
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Old 04-14-2014, 10:00 AM
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I seem to remember somebody changing out the light to get a "clear" look instead of the red lens. It was quite a while ago and the memory is a little foggy now.
I have to agree if the light can be opened it can be fixed.
Post pics when you do it!
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Old 04-14-2014, 11:13 AM
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Well you'd have to check the contacts on the board of the LED's, I'm actually more inclined to think its a bad connection at the connector.

If I recall correctly the painted piece on top of the trunk spoiler pops off with clips, and you can unplug and remove the 3rd brake light once you have the top trim piece off.

I have a white 3rd brake light on my car, which I believe was standard with Sport package. However, in 2006 and on the 4.8iS (correct me if I'm wrong) the 3rd brake light is red.

Either way they are ridiculously overpriced at about $250 from the dealer. I'd get one off a junked X5 before spending price on a new product.
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Old 04-14-2014, 05:40 PM
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The LEDs on mine are red
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Old 04-16-2014, 07:16 PM
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To remove the third brake light you first need to remove the spoiler cover (5 torx screws).
This video covers it.
BMW X5 third brake light removal Audio Rear Spoiler Antenna e53 bimmer merchant - YouTube

On the off-chance that the light is ok but there is damaged wiring at the tailgate hinge (as in my case recently) - see this post.
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Last edited by BrianX54.4is; 04-16-2014 at 07:42 PM.
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Old 04-16-2014, 10:30 PM
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Helmuth, long time no see... is your cruise control functioning?
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Old 04-16-2014, 10:40 PM
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also, the middle/third brake light operates off only two wires - ground (pin 1 of the third light connector) and signal from LCM pin 10 off connector X38 coming to the second pin (pin 2) of the third brake light connector...

so, there is no separate signal from LCM to the left half, or right half of the LEDs - just one pair connection... therefore, it is safe to establish, that the internal board that houses the LEDs is damaged or fried... since the item is replaced as a single unit, i think it would be prudent to find one from a junk yard, and meantime try to repair the one that is defective... just an opinion...
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Old 04-16-2014, 11:15 PM
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Headlights guru is here .. Lol
Check out this link my friend

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...idding-me.html
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