Guide to removing license plate lights
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,799
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From: Khalifonia.
4 wheeled car.
Guide to removing license plate lights
Well, while I may not have a pictorial, I'll tell you how it's done. I couldn't really find a definite answer to it while searching, but I eventually figured it out.
For those of you who are wanting to replace the license plate lights to the new LED lights, which are often a one piece replacement that includes the entire lens housing, you will need to know a few things.
First, the entire trunk lid inner covers have to go. I started by using a Torx 20 bit to remove the bottom of the trunk lid cover. It's where the trunk meets the latch. They are 4 torx screws and two plastic Phillips head screws/push pin types on the extremities.
This basically pulls right out and there are two connectors on each sides for the trunk's red lights. They unplug right out.
Then, remove the plastic covers that go over each of the hinges. Squeeze then gently and they will allow you to remove the two latches that wrap around the hinge. Then on the outside, there is a push pin thing. Use a flat head screwdriver, pull the pin off, and then pull the pin receptacle. Then it comes right out.
After this, unscrew the two Torx 20 screws that hold the umbrella holder, if you have one.
Now you can take the carpeted cover off by pulling it toward you when the trunk lid is open. It's only held by pins/clips. Yank on them and they'll come out. Make sure you pull straight up the opposite way they seated. You'll figure it out.
Ok I don't think I missed anything, so at this point the trunk is pretty bare and you can access the light bulbs. But to do a full lens replacement, you will have to go a bit farther.
Looking inside the trunk lid, behind where the handle to open it is located, there will be an additional two Torx 20 screws to remove. This will loosen up the plastic trim that sits right below the long chrome trim piece on the trunk.
There are then three plastic push pins to pop out from inside the trunk. I used a pair of needle nose pliers to loosen those and push them from inside. Then basically, I yanked on the black trim.
It is not attached to the chrome piece, BUT, it snugs behind it. It's a bit scary, but it's doable.
You may pop out a couple of metal tabs that prevent the chrome trim from moving, so just slide those back on if they come off.
Anyway, with the plastic trim off, you can now take out the lens out. To remove the bulb connector, you have to twist it one way or the other, until it releases it. It's a wedge type bulb.
The replacement LED units are built in one piece with not separate bulbs, so the connector just slides in, but does not twist on.
Put it all back, and enjoy! No photos of the end product, nor the process, sorry!
I'll be doing a backup camera soon enough, so I'll try and get pics then!
And before I get asked, I bought the LED lights on eBay from this seller. He shipped from San Diego and it came fast! I recommend it!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221053414630
http://stores.ebay.com/BMW-LEDs?_trksid=p4340.l2563
For those of you who are wanting to replace the license plate lights to the new LED lights, which are often a one piece replacement that includes the entire lens housing, you will need to know a few things.
First, the entire trunk lid inner covers have to go. I started by using a Torx 20 bit to remove the bottom of the trunk lid cover. It's where the trunk meets the latch. They are 4 torx screws and two plastic Phillips head screws/push pin types on the extremities.
This basically pulls right out and there are two connectors on each sides for the trunk's red lights. They unplug right out.
Then, remove the plastic covers that go over each of the hinges. Squeeze then gently and they will allow you to remove the two latches that wrap around the hinge. Then on the outside, there is a push pin thing. Use a flat head screwdriver, pull the pin off, and then pull the pin receptacle. Then it comes right out.
After this, unscrew the two Torx 20 screws that hold the umbrella holder, if you have one.
Now you can take the carpeted cover off by pulling it toward you when the trunk lid is open. It's only held by pins/clips. Yank on them and they'll come out. Make sure you pull straight up the opposite way they seated. You'll figure it out.
Ok I don't think I missed anything, so at this point the trunk is pretty bare and you can access the light bulbs. But to do a full lens replacement, you will have to go a bit farther.
Looking inside the trunk lid, behind where the handle to open it is located, there will be an additional two Torx 20 screws to remove. This will loosen up the plastic trim that sits right below the long chrome trim piece on the trunk.
There are then three plastic push pins to pop out from inside the trunk. I used a pair of needle nose pliers to loosen those and push them from inside. Then basically, I yanked on the black trim.
It is not attached to the chrome piece, BUT, it snugs behind it. It's a bit scary, but it's doable.
You may pop out a couple of metal tabs that prevent the chrome trim from moving, so just slide those back on if they come off.
Anyway, with the plastic trim off, you can now take out the lens out. To remove the bulb connector, you have to twist it one way or the other, until it releases it. It's a wedge type bulb.
The replacement LED units are built in one piece with not separate bulbs, so the connector just slides in, but does not twist on.
Put it all back, and enjoy! No photos of the end product, nor the process, sorry!
I'll be doing a backup camera soon enough, so I'll try and get pics then!
And before I get asked, I bought the LED lights on eBay from this seller. He shipped from San Diego and it came fast! I recommend it!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221053414630
http://stores.ebay.com/BMW-LEDs?_trksid=p4340.l2563
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,799
Likes: 1
From: Khalifonia.
4 wheeled car.
i'll snap some pics when I get a chance. It's pretty bright. **** hold on, BRB....
edit: iphone 4 photo. Not the greatest. Honestly, it's a very nice white with a slight hint of blue like on my Lexus. It is bright, but looks fine to me!
edit: iphone 4 photo. Not the greatest. Honestly, it's a very nice white with a slight hint of blue like on my Lexus. It is bright, but looks fine to me!
Last edited by The Godfather; Jul 25, 2012 at 03:16 AM.
