Tailgate eye level brakelights.

[ss2115]

Hi. How do you change the globes in the thin eye level brake light strip thats up under the window deflector of the 1993 E34 525i's tailgate window.

The Bently manual doesn't cover it at all.

[ScottyWM]

Here you go: http://www.bmwe34.net/Wiki/tiki-index.php?page=Back+Light

I've done this, it isn't too hard if you are okay with a soldering iron. The worse thing is that there are 24 separate bulbs that cost about $3 each even at BMA. I replaced all of mine when I did the job, as I didn't want to have to do it a second time.

[ss2115]

Here you go: http://www.bmwe34.net/Wiki/tiki-index.php?page=Back+Light

I've done this, it isn't too hard if you are okay with a soldering iron. The worse thing is that there are 24 separate bulbs that cost about $3 each even at BMA. I replaced all of mine when I did the job, as I didn't want to have to do it a second time.

Thanks ScottyWM.
No problem with the soldering iron, but was having difficulty finding how to remove the lamp in the first place. It appears mines be glued in with silastic now that you've informed me what to look for.

Has anyone considered changing the filiment globes out for high output red LED's?

[Bo525i]

Has anyone considered changing the filiment globes out for high output red LED's?

I did that, http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39571&highlight=led+brakelight ;)

[ss2115]

Hi. You mention that you wired it to the lower globe to avoid a globe failure warning.
I understand that the ECU detects the change in resistance and/or the current draw to determine if all globes are working, so by moving the eye level display to the bottom corner shouldn't have made any difference as the plug that went to the eye level display is now empty and the ECU should see it as a blown globe.

Have I missed something? Could you explain it please as I'm thinking to go LED's myself and if your way is easier, then I'm all for it.

The "usual" way to trick the ECU is to install a resistor across the empty plug - did you do this?
(Same with HID lights by the way - resistor across the terminals in parallel with the HID igniter usually will avoid the globe out warning.)

[Bo525i]

What I did was, I stripped the third brake light wires and attached them to the rear right brakelight wires so that the bulb there can take care of the resistance needed.. See pic below!

But if you have the factory setup, resistors will probably do better!