e39 centre brake light housing

[cris9964]

Hello...

I've just bought a very nice 99 my 528. The condition is a testament to the old gent that had it for 10 year before me...but, the letting the car down is the central rear light housing that has warped, letting white light out of brake housing.

I would like to replace it, but it looks like a rear seat out job..... not wishing to destroy the fittings of the lovely interior, could fellow PH's help with either replacement instructions or a workaround you have seen.

Ive just found an amber bulb with tape around it in there (making the bulb red, but it was not very effective.

Thanks as always

Chris

[Quinten]

Tis (pun intended ) may help: http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/e39/

[Pickled Piper]

I don't thin.k there is anyway to do this without removing the parcel shelf and this means removing the rear seat. From memory , remove seat cushion, seat back, rear pillar trims, then slide out the rear shelf. It can sound daunting, but go steady, dn't get grubby hands on the trim.

Good luck.

pp

[cris9964]

Thanks all...

[Cemesis]

I'm in Hampshire (near Aldershot) and have just finished breaking an M5. The centre rear brake light will end up going in the bin as it seems worthless so if its of use to you let me know.

[cris9964]

Cemesis said:

I'm in Hampshire (near Aldershot) and have just finished breaking an M5. The centre rear brake light will end up going in the bin as it seems worthless so if its of use to you let me know.

Thats really kind of you...but I came up with an easy solution today. I bought a red brake bulb with the correct wattage, and then ground down one of the spurs on the side so that it would fit into the housing (the red ones have an offset spur to stop doing this). Red light now eminates from any slight gaps completely masking the issue.... much easier...

Thanks again

[thanderton]

Cemesis said:

I'm in Hampshire (near Aldershot) and have just finished breaking an M5. The centre rear brake light will end up going in the bin as it seems worthless so if its of use to you let me know.

hi do you still have it because i just bought a 530d yesterday and the actual holder that the bulb plugs into has been a bit melted and i can't find one on ebay. i can paypal you the money straight away. if you have it just give me a ring or text on 07872066794 cheers
john

[_Deano]

Isn't there just one bolt holding it all in place?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=DT62&a...