Replace Individual LEDs in Tail Lights

[sev]

Hi. I wonder if it’s ok to revive this thread? I think I figured out how to and with what to replace the blinker yellow LEDs.

yes of course.

[Marknoir]

Hi. I wonder if it’s ok to revive this thread? I think I figured out how to and with what to replace the blinker yellow LEDs.

[sev]

Argggh my left tail light's blinker assembly died and its pristine. Is there no way to repair the blinker portion? I dont want to have to order a new one.

[cobra]

Bumping an old thread - Any luck with the turn signal LED’s?

Yes and no...

I bought a spare LED tail light from eBay to tool around with. I have several observations...

- Don't try removing the clear lens cover if yours is already attached well. It will be difficult to reattach and make it look perfect. I cut open the back side instead to access the circuit board. That said, if your seal is already broken, might as well pop it off the rest of the way.
- My LEDs all work fine - something is wrong in the circuit board that causes them to not light up. It seems like an overly complex design to turn on a few LEDs so I haven't been able to troubleshoot it.
- The brightness of the LEDs or driver circuitry varies from year to year so getting a used light unit and swapping it is a gamble.

These lights are super cheaply made and delicate.

My recommendation is just cough up the $ and buy a new one if yours breaks.

[AWE46M3]

Also - did anyone actually post about how to remove and re-attach the outer cover rather than cutting open the whole housing?

Bumping an old thread - Any luck with the turn signal LED’s?

[heinzboehmer]

Also - did anyone actually post about how to remove and re-attach the outer cover rather than cutting open the whole housing?

I accidentally ripped off the lens on one of my taillights, so took them both apart and reglued them: https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...081#post191081 Heat gun, razor blade and patience was all that was needed.

I didn't try taking the entire thing apart though, but I'm pretty sure it would have disassembled pretty easily if I had removed the screws. Just be careful with the chrome, as it's super easy to damage.

[cobra]

Also - did anyone actually post about how to remove and re-attach the outer cover rather than cutting open the whole housing?

[cobra]

I am testing a replacement tail light in my car and noticed the outer LEDs are brighter on the right side than the left side.

Is there much variance from year to year?

[cobra]

Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for the DIY.

My turn signal is not working. All the red LEDs work fine, but when I use my turn signal the brake light flashes instead and it blinks fast. Has anyone figured out where to get the amber turn signal LEDs?

[Andy2424]

What do you think?

https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B06XC4BZ47/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

is in German, it is also available from Amazon us

[SteelGreyM]

how was the result?

Turned out great thanks to heinz’s guide. All the lights work properly.

Still haven’t resealed the taillights and life got in the way and the M3 got pushed to the bottom of the priorities list.

Looking for a recommendation if anyone has it.

[Andy2424]

how was the result?

[heinzboehmer]

Sorry don't have any recommendations for sealing up the taillights. However, since you have them apart from the front, it might be worth to take a couple pics of how everything fits together in case anyone else attempts to do it this way in the future.

[SteelGreyM]

Monday afternoon bump. As of now I have sanded away the old glue. I saw permatex has a clear RTV silicone adhesive. Might try that stuff first if nobody has a recommendation.

[SteelGreyM]

Wow about 6 hours later and both lights are done :/

What’s everyone’s preferred method of sealing the taillights again. Mine were already leaking from the front so I just took them apart from there.
Pic for reference