Best product for resealing taillights

[SteelGreyM]

So I have made this comment on a couple threads. But haven’t received and answer so I’m going to try asking in it’s own post.

I took my taillights apart to replace some LEDs using Heinz’s guide (thank you again for that).
Since my taillights were already leaking from the outside seal I decided to just rip them off. Seems the factory used some sort of superglue type product. I did my best to lightly sand it clean.

Now I just need to reseal them however I don’t know which product to use. If anyone has experience or recommendations please send it my way. Thank you

[Arith2]

I used grey RTV on a tail light and a few years later it still isn't leaking. Pretty much pick a color that blends and use it reasonably. You can smush it, remove it and clean the excess, then seal it up. There's no secret to it. Super glue would also work but dries way too quickly in most cases. I liked the RTV because I could clean the extra off.

[Lukem3]

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/tail-light-seal-priced-each/63218383898/?gclid=CjwKCAjw07qDBhBxEiwA6pPbHvMolVj1tYWU7cHP0ObStrBf_ARom5mzlBDC9rhQADgMdFjlLHp07xoCUfQQAvD_BwE

Edit: sorry i misread the post. Thats the outside gasket. What arith said, or even any water resistant silicone will work.
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[SteelGreyM]

Thanks guys I’ll give it a shot. RTV first as it probably not a pain to clean up

[Tbonem3]

Are you guys putting sealant onto tail lights, then putting taillights in, then wiping excess? or with tailights in, putting sealant in from behind? I think my passenger side is leaking after a wash.

[SteelGreyM]

Are you guys putting sealant onto tail lights, then putting taillights in, then wiping excess? or with tailights in, putting sealant in from behind? I think my passenger side is leaking after a wash.

My taillights are completely apart. The lenses are off. Im going to run a thin bead then lightly clamp for an hour or so

[Tbonem3]

Hmm is this a seal where water is getting into tail light or least condensation? My issue seems to be water getting behind light, into trunk. Probably different issues i guess.

[SteelGreyM]

Hmm is this a seal where water is getting into tail light or least condensation? My issue seems to be water getting behind light, into trunk. Probably different issues i guess.

Ah you will need the link that someone posted earlier then. The foam piece

[Tbonem3]

Ok, thanks, thought that was the gasket for the inner lights (that go into boot lid), not the larger, outer lens.

[SteelGreyM]

Ok, thanks, thought that was the gasket for the inner lights (that go into boot lid), not the larger, outer lens.

Now you are confusing me

Your issue is that water is getting into your taillight? Or that water is getting into the trunk? Or both?

[Tbonem3]

Trunk, but there are 2 lens, inner and outer, I guess both have exterior gaskets. I just thought the one linked earlier was the inner lens, not outer that's all. Our issues are different, apologies for sidetracking.

[SteelGreyM]

Trunk, but there are 2 lens, inner and outer, I guess both have exterior gaskets. I just thought the one linked earlier was the inner lens, not outer that's all. Our issues are different, apologies for sidetracking.

No worries. By outer lens you mean the plastic red/clear part that’s visible when the taillight is bolted onto the car?

There’s no gasket for that. Looks like I’ll be using the RTV

[Tbonem3]

Outer like firther out towards side. Inner being the little one that goes into trunk lid.

[Arith2]

When I got my car water got in a crack in the top and caused the LEDs to act weird. I didn't seal it in time but I used the red RTV on that and it didn't leak again. This was external and I kind of smushed it in. I had a tail light on a mini cooper that was pushed apart from being bumped during previous ownership. I separated the entire lens, cleaned in and a year later it still isn't leaking. I hate the car so it sits through the weather while the M3 stays in the garage.