Fixing X5 E70 tailgate brake lights

[mnh]

Has anyone else had the apparently common issue of the tailgate brake light seals failing? Mine had stopped working and on inspection were full of water. It also gives you a soaking every time you open the boot as the water drips out of the tailgate lock! I have bought the replacement self adhesive foam seals and have got as far as removing all the black silicon type gunk from the light fittings and the body work. I have cleaned up the light fittings and dried them out thoroughly. However, there is some corrosion evident on the metal connectors. It's not on the plug connections themselves but in one specific location on the metal 'board' between the plug connection and the bulb fitting. The bulb and socket is in perfect condition.

I gently brushed the corroded section and have managed to get one of the lights to flicker when I tested them but the other one is completely dead.

Any advice much appreciated. Would be nice to avoid having to get new ones at £120 each!

[mnh]

[mnh]

[mnh]

[mnh]

what are they charging if you don't mind me asking? I have just ordered replacement lights from BMW (no one else seems to be able to get hold of them) for £149 each side.....

we've had our Dec 2007 X5 since May 2008 and had very little go wrong with it so i'm not hugely annoyed by it but it is amazing that something as simple as a seal can fail on such a quality brand

[mnh]

this vid might be of interest to you in case the dealer tries to pull the wool over your eyes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGZ3GxH0Fs0