Rear light KO

[alxy]

Just got a warning light that one of my rear right light bulbs have conked. It's the one on the highest red part (as in the red-white-red for the facelift model). Not being a major issue, I don't want to drive to a mechanic just to fix this. Thought to try and do it myself.So, anyone have any pointers for me? Starting with where I can get the bulb. Available at any normal light shop? Or must get at Bavarian Auto?Thanks!

 

[jarance]

changing the bulb is a relatively easy DIY.

Normally, if I am not sure with the bulb, I will remove the faulty bulb and take it to any auto spare part shop.
Usually can find an equivalent. just make sure that the wattage is the same and the holder is the same and you should be OK. try to go for branded bulb. They might cost a bit more but they last longer.

 

[jasonnn]

I had this problem previously and the rear lights keep screwing up.
Then I sent it to m-speed and they repaired it for me. :top:

 

[Mouse]

bro, DIY very easy only, the bulb cost around RM 3/piece, just like jarance mention, remove the bulb and bring to the shop, its a 12w bulb, u can buy in ENOUS, CG motor and others accessories shop

 

[zeedo]

Just unscrew the cover that holds the bulb holder(E46FL), and it does cost only RM3 for the 12V 21W bulb

 

[alxy]

Just did it today. Yeah, as easy as you guys said. No problems now. Thanks!

 

[perryyip73]

Should ask Jarance take video and show u how to DIY. kakakakakkak charged RM per video.

 

[alxy]

Easy once you've done it. Only real difficulty was initial part after you unscrew the lock. At first, I wasn't sure if there were any more hidden locks and didn't want to pull too hard otherwise break something. But once you do it the first time and know there are no more locks, you get the confidence to pull hard and take out the whole thing. After that, bulbs are simple turn to pull out and turn the other way to put on.

 

[jarance]

Was curious to know what alxy problem, did an inspection of my rear light. Found some water seep into the rear light.

To access to the light, just remove the 4 clip and the hard cover will "drop down"

There are 4 clips to remove.

 

[jarance]

Once the hard cover is down, you should be able to access the bulb holder. There is a flap that need to be push down before the holder will comes out from the housing.

Inspect the bulb and found corrosion on the bulbs

clean up the rust with a fine sand paper and fixed it back.

The other side housing was not too bad.

A closer look at the bulb

 

[solo]

Once the hard cover is down, you should be able to access the bulb holder. There is a flap that need to be push down before the holder will comes out from the housing.

Inspect the bulb and found corrosion on the bulbs

Same white corrosion on my rear fog bulbs also. Btw,

1) Don't forget to open the tool kit. I will make the hard board cover open more so you have more room to work.

2) The flap or latch holding the reverse and fog bulbs need a hard push so exert some force until there is a loud crack. Don't worry you did not break it, which is what I thought happened to mine when my Dad and I first opened it. The whole holder should drop out then.

Salut

 

[jarance]

Solo, better check whether there the seal on the top of the light housing is harden and have a gap. Mine have this problem and I re-seal it back.

When I open the boot, water seem to come down before I seal the gap.

 

[Daiichi]

Solo, better check whether there the seal on the top of the light housing is harden and have a gap. Mine have this problem and I re-seal it back.

When I open the boot, water seem to come down before I seal the gap.

Jarance, most E46s rear light (bootlid portion) has the leak issue due to insufficient heat seal bonding between the clear lens and housing. I have the same problem but i seal it up when i notice it.

 

[Daiichi]

changing the bulb is a relatively easy DIY.

Normally, if I am not sure with the bulb, I will remove the faulty bulb and take it to any auto spare part shop.
Usually can find an equivalent. just make sure that the wattage is the same and the holder is the same and you should be OK. try to go for branded bulb. They might cost a bit more but they last longer.

The rear bulb code is 1156 or 7506. :top:

 

[solo]

Solo, better check whether there the seal on the top of the light housing is harden and have a gap. Mine have this problem and I re-seal it back.

When I open the boot, water seem to come down before I seal the gap.

Good idea. Thanks for the reminder. Any special product you use to seal it?

Salut

 

[jarance]

Solo, just used any silicon sealant will do {preferable black colour)

 

[alxy]

Bro jarance's pictures show if problem is for the reverse light part (i.e. the part that goes up with the boot). My problem was for the indicator light part (i.e. the bigger part). So it's just one simple latch (circular turn). If you have the pre-FL edition, then latch is like a pull to release version.

Yup, my problem was corroded bulbs too. But not on the contacts. They had actually corroded to the extent that the bulb housing came out of the metal holder.

 

[jarance]

Bro jarance's pictures show if problem is for the reverse light part (i.e. the part that goes up with the boot). My problem was for the indicator light part (i.e. the bigger part). So it's just one simple latch (circular turn). If you have the pre-FL edition, then latch is like a pull to release version.

Yup, my problem was corroded bulbs too. But not on the contacts. They had actually corroded to the extent that the bulb housing came out of the metal holder.

yes, the other light is even easier to do. :top:

btw, do you have some picture of the corrode bulb.

 

[alxy]

Sorry bro. Threw them away already! FYI, I didn't buy the replacement bulbs as I remembered I had kept my pre-FL lights when I upgraded them. So I just took the bulbs from there. That's also how I know the pre-FL latch is a pull to release type

 

[Daiichi]

Solo, just used any silicon sealant will do {preferable black colour)

type a) For E46 facelift sedan models and coupe pre-facelift, the lens for the boot section at top portion is clear.
type b) For E46 pre-facelift sedan and Facelift coupe(with LEDs), the lens for the top portion is red lining with clear window for reverse.

Hence, if you use black silicone to seal the top portion, you may see some black silicone thru the clear lens(type a version). I suggest it's better to use the clear type of silicone to seal the lens.

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