Replace Individual LEDs in Tail Lights

[heinzboehmer]

You can test them with a multimeter. Three of the legs are ground and the other is positive.

When installing, find the three corresponding pads connected to the same trace on the circuit board. Those are the grounds.

[SteelGreyM]

You can test them with a multimeter. Three of the legs are ground and the other is positive.

When installing, find the three corresponding pads connected to the same trace on the circuit board. Those are the grounds.

Hey,

I’m an electrical idiot. How would I go about testing with a multi meter? Do I need power to use it?

[heinzboehmer]

Hey,

I’m an electrical idiot. How would I go about testing with a multi meter? Do I need power to use it?

Like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfgT3xhpRHM

[SteelGreyM]

Like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfgT3xhpRHM

Great video thank you. In his video the LEDs had 2 pads. One positive and one ground. These have 4 pads. Do I just test each pad until I find the positive one? Will the led still light up on me like that when only 1 ground is connected from the multimeter?

[heinzboehmer]

Great video thank you. In his video the LEDs had 2 pads. One positive and one ground. These have 4 pads. Do I just test each pad until I find the positive one? Will the led still light up on me like that when only 1 ground is connected from the multimeter?

Yup the three grounds are all electrically connected, so it'll still light up even if your probe is only on one of them. Just mess around with all the positive combinations of the two probes on the four pads until you find the ones that work.

[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

[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.

[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.

[Andy2424]

how was the result?

[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]

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

[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?

[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]

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

[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.