Trunk Tail Light Wear?
 

Maybe a strange question...but I'm in the market for my first X5 and noticed something on a few that I've looked at.

The portion of the tail light located on the body is very clear and in good shape...but the portion attached to the tailgate looks worn with scratches/small cracks in the plastic.

The first time I saw this was in a used car lot, so I assumed it had the trunk replaced at some point. The second time was on a clean 4.8is with supposedly no accident history.

Is this common or just a coincidence?

Yes it is common. I don't know why, but it happens. My 4.4 does that and so does my 4.8. And most of the ones I see, have the same. Nothing of concern, it can be buffed out.

My understanding is that it CANNOT be buffed out - my truck is actually at the body shop and they called me in to look at it. The cracks permeate the plastic all the way through and so they can't be buffed out. Now, is mine just an isolated case or are all of them that severe?

Now that is true. Some are micro cracks that find their way throughout the lens. Those have to be replaced. But on mine and most of what I've seen, it is oxidation and can be buffed out.

Thanks for the responses! Figured it was a material issue after seeing it on two vehicles, but thought I should make sure. Looking forward to my first X5.....'04 4.8is that I'll be picking up this week!

I'm moving from an E46 M3, so it'll take some adjustment, but I figured the 4.8is was the best transition from M to SUV!

The 4.8is is unofficially an M car.