Depo LCI inner taillight keeps popping out

halcyon_waves · 11-22-2019, 12:55 AM

I recently installed the Depo LCI taillights on my F30 and boy do they look good. The only problem was the inner lights were a pain in the ass to install and it seems like it's poorly held to the car (I blame BMW on this one). Anyhow, after a month one of them popped out and it was fairly easy to pop back in but it came out again, and I was wondering if anyone else is having the same issue. It seems like the foam that prevents water damage is really thick on the Depo lights when compared to OEM, so it was rather difficult to get it fully pressed down. Here's a pic for reference:

thompsac25 · 11-22-2019, 09:08 AM

Are you sure that you have it in there properly? One side has a tab on it that slides behind some metal on the trunk, that is crucial when installing. The other side has the little plastic piece that gets screwed down. Judging by your picture, the tab didnt slide in properly behind the metal. Takes a little bit of force to get it in there but that would be my guess. Make sure the tab isnt cracked either...

thompsac25 · 11-22-2019, 09:10 AM

Fast forward to about 11 minutes into my video. I kind of explain how it needs to be seated on the trunk...

JavN · 11-22-2019, 09:18 AM

I've been having the same issue, left side too, just haven't really bothered to take that trunk liner off to readjust it yet. Hopefully that fixes it whenever I get a chance to do it.

IK6SPEED · 11-22-2019, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarheelsauce

I recently installed the Depo LCI taillights on my F30 and boy do they look good. The only problem was the inner lights were a pain in the ass to install and it seems like it's poorly held to the car (I blame BMW on this one). Anyhow, after a month one of them popped out and it was fairly easy to pop back in but it came out again, and I was wondering if anyone else is having the same issue. It seems like the foam that prevents water damage is really thick on the Depo lights when compared to OEM, so it was rather difficult to get it fully pressed down. Here's a pic for reference:

So you blame BMW for poor fitting aftermarkets, lol.

Amazing.

halcyon_waves · 11-22-2019, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thompsac25

Fast forward to about 11 minutes into my video. I kind of explain how it needs to be seated on the trunk...

I actually used your video to help with the install, as it was recommended by USR. I spent a good amount of time making sure it was properly seated. That being said, I think the problem may also be that I didn't use a deep 8mm socket and perhaps I could've screwed in tighter, even though at the time I felt like it was as tight as it could go. Will be purchasing one over the weekend and try to adjust. Thanks again for the helpful video.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

So you blame BMW for poor fitting aftermarkets, lol.

Amazing.

No, the fit is spot on and as I mentioned the foam is thicker than OEM, but might also be because the OEM has been sitting in there since 2012 and is now extremely compressed. The problem is that the way these lights are seated was poorly designed and could've used a better mechanism to achieve a more secure fit. But of course, that's just an opinion.

IK6SPEED · 11-22-2019, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarheelsauce

Quote:

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

So you blame BMW for poor fitting aftermarkets, lol.

Amazing.

No, the fit is spot on and as I mentioned the foam is thicker than OEM, but might also be because the OEM has been sitting in there since 2012 and is now extremely compressed. The problem is that the way these lights are seated was poorly designed and could've used a better mechanism to achieve a more secure fit. But of course, that's just an opinion.

The OEM lights fit fine. No car is designed to make non-OEM aftermarket parts fit easily.

It's the job of the aftermarket part to be designed correctly, not the other way around.

thompsac25 · 11-22-2019, 09:09 PM

Nice man! Hope the video helped! I bet it’ll be a simple fix after you pop off the interior trim pieces. Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarheelsauce

I actually used your video to help with the install, as it was recommended by USR. I spent a good amount of time making sure it was properly seated. That being said, I think the problem may also be that I didn't use a deep 8mm socket and perhaps I could've screwed in tighter, even though at the time I felt like it was as tight as it could go. Will be purchasing one over the weekend and try to adjust. Thanks again for the helpful video.

No, the fit is spot on and as I mentioned the foam is thicker than OEM, but might also be because the OEM has been sitting in there since 2012 and is now extremely compressed. The problem is that the way these lights are seated was poorly designed and could've used a better mechanism to achieve a more secure fit. But of course, that's just an opinion.

IAmATeaf · 11-23-2019, 03:12 AM

Haven’t people with original lights also posted to say they’ve popped? Dealer replaced them in some cases so must be a design/fitment issue?

halcyon_waves · 11-23-2019, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thompsac25

Nice man! Hope the video helped! I bet it’ll be a simple fix after you pop off the interior trim pieces. Good luck!

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAmATeaf

Haven’t people with original lights also posted to say they’ve popped? Dealer replaced them in some cases so must be a design/fitment issue?

I didn't know this to be an issue, but judging by the design I'm not surprised. After taking out the OEM tail lights I was quite baffled by how they even managed to stay in.

Niart906 · 11-23-2019, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAmATeaf

Haven’t people with original lights also posted to say they’ve popped? Dealer replaced them in some cases so must be a design/fitment issue?

My non LCI OEM taillights did that. The dealer replaced my inner lights for free, there was a service bulletin out for it IIRC.

Palantir · 11-23-2019, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niart906

My non LCI OEM taillights did that. The dealer replaced my inner lights for free, there was a service bulletin out for it IIRC.

Ditto, both sides. Original part was superseded by another with much stronger tabs/design. And "yes", there is a TSB for the inner light.

sammyroots · 01-12-2020, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarheelsauce

I recently installed the Depo LCI taillights on my F30 and boy do they look good. The only problem was the inner lights were a pain in the ass to install and it seems like it's poorly held to the car (I blame BMW on this one). Anyhow, after a month one of them popped out and it was fairly easy to pop back in but it came out again, and I was wondering if anyone else is having the same issue. It seems like the foam that prevents water damage is really thick on the Depo lights when compared to OEM, so it was rather difficult to get it fully pressed down. Here's a pic for reference:

having the same issue and very frustrated about it. did you find a solution? ive tightened everything and triple checked fitment . it keeps popping. any suggestions? I was about to resort to 3M or extra strength Velcro. idk im desperate at this point. out.

also off/on topic, I purchased all the led upgraded bulbs for my depo head and tail lights from USR , the reverse light, front amber turn signals are flickering/flashing when I turn on the car. I haven't coded yet so that could possibly be the solution and fix. anything helps.

upsidedownfunnel · 01-14-2020, 03:07 AM

You really have to check the alignment and the lines during installation. I bought OEM LCI tails and even they required a lot of muscling and checking to make sure they're lined up properly.

halcyon_waves · 01-03-2024, 01:35 PM

Reviving this thread to see if anyone has any tips/hacks for keeping the inner tail lights from popping out as mine still does this once in a while. And before anyone comments: yes, I am 10000% positive they are seated correctly. This has been a known issue even with stock tail lights. Take apart one of these things and you'll realize that the design is questionable, to say the least.

11-22-2019, 12:55 AM	#1
halcyon_waves Private First Class 49 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 335i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Depo LCI inner taillight keeps popping out I recently installed the Depo LCI taillights on my F30 and boy do they look good. The only problem was the inner lights were a pain in the ass to install and it seems like it's poorly held to the car (I blame BMW on this one). Anyhow, after a month one of them popped out and it was fairly easy to pop back in but it came out again, and I was wondering if anyone else is having the same issue. It seems like the foam that prevents water damage is really thick on the Depo lights when compared to OEM, so it was rather difficult to get it fully pressed down. Here's a pic for reference: Attached Images
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11-22-2019, 09:08 AM	#2
thompsac25 Stance to make her dance 705 Rep 1,995 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 M3 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (33)	Are you sure that you have it in there properly? One side has a tab on it that slides behind some metal on the trunk, that is crucial when installing. The other side has the little plastic piece that gets screwed down. Judging by your picture, the tab didnt slide in properly behind the metal. Takes a little bit of force to get it in there but that would be my guess. Make sure the tab isnt cracked either... __________________ *INSTAGRAM: thompsac_m3* YouTube: ACCELERATED MOTION 2022 G80 M3 6MT, FEMTO, BM3, KW, AWE, MAD, lots of carbon
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11-22-2019, 09:10 AM	#3
thompsac25 Stance to make her dance 705 Rep 1,995 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 M3 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (33)	Fast forward to about 11 minutes into my video. I kind of explain how it needs to be seated on the trunk... __________________ *INSTAGRAM: thompsac_m3* YouTube: ACCELERATED MOTION 2022 G80 M3 6MT, FEMTO, BM3, KW, AWE, MAD, lots of carbon
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11-22-2019, 09:18 AM	#4
JavN Enlisted Member 60 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 Comp/Xdrive Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: NYC/FL iTrader: (0)	I've been having the same issue, left side too, just haven't really bothered to take that trunk liner off to readjust it yet. Hopefully that fixes it whenever I get a chance to do it.
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11-23-2019, 03:12 AM	#9
IAmATeaf Captain 238 Rep 878 Posts Drives: 2015 F30 335i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 335i [0.00]	Haven’t people with original lights also posted to say they’ve popped? Dealer replaced them in some cases so must be a design/fitment issue?
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01-14-2020, 03:07 AM	#14
upsidedownfunnel Colonel 1996 Rep 2,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: SoCal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 BMW 335i [0.00]	You really have to check the alignment and the lines during installation. I bought OEM LCI tails and even they required a lot of muscling and checking to make sure they're lined up properly.
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01-03-2024, 01:35 PM	#15
halcyon_waves Private First Class 49 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 335i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Reviving this thread to see if anyone has any tips/hacks for keeping the inner tail lights from popping out as mine still does this once in a while. And before anyone comments: yes, I am 10000% positive they are seated correctly. This has been a known issue even with stock tail lights. Take apart one of these things and you'll realize that the design is questionable, to say the least.
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