Need help to remove the Reverse/backup Lamp
 

Hi folks. I havent been driving my x3 for a bout 2 weeks (sit in the garage due to wife just gave birth) Today i took her (x3) for a wash. and i was drying her. and i notice a cockcroach stuck inside where my reverse lamp or backup lamp.... i could get it out. even i try with stick to pick on it....


Does anyone has any picture or diagram how to remove the boot panel?
I been looking for repair menual. seem like not many around...


Cheers

Hi Fellow Aussie
Just installed a camera over the weekend in the X5 so had it all apart.
I assume the X3 would be the same.
With the tail gate down the large centre bit just levers out from the end nearset the back.
Once you have this out you can get to the reverse light globes etc.
I would try a vacuum cleaner.
If that dosnt work then you need to unscrew the top of the tail gate. Remove the two reflectors and next to these are two little covers. Once you have these off you will need to remove the 6 screws. This cover then pops off.
Now its back to the larger panel and undo the 2.6million other screws well maybe not that many but it is around 20.
A electric screw driver is a good investment at this point.
You should now have all the panels off the tailgate with only the spring loaded flap left.
The lights are held in place buy 3 little bolts, unscrew these and it will come out carefull not to let it drop.
Hope this helps. should take around 20 mins to do.
Cheers

To replace and get to the backup lamp you have to remove the inner cover on the tailgate. Start with the cover on top and on the sides. These are only to pry off with some force. Then you remove the two screws in the handles and start prying off the large cover. Be careful to remove the cable to the light. The bottom two clips are a real pain to get off, and very easy to break. Nothing expensive and you can get new of any carparts dealer i think ;)

Now you can get to the backup lights....

I could not post pictures without having them on a web page... Had pictures from the BMW TIS.

Anyway, phobic is right *but* you should detach the white/red light (near the locking mechanism) which is fitted to the lid liner first and there is also a plastic part with expender plugs clearly visible also near the lock. I broke some tabs on the lamp housing by forgetting it.

The lid sat really hard on mine. It is attached with 9 plastic plugs, a few broke when removing the liner so I had bought some before I got to detach the liner.