Is the inner tail light LED replaceable on F33?

Mike Atkisson · 10-10-2022, 11:04 AM

I recently purchased a 2014 435i Convertible and just noticed the other day the Left inner tail light (on the trunk lid) does not light the 3 "tubes".

Is the LED chip replaceable or do I need to find the complete inner light assy to fix this? Odd thing is the is no bulb out warning for this piece so I never though to check to see if all the lights were functioning.

Billfitz · 10-10-2022, 01:25 PM

Look on realoem.com to see if the LED is listed as a separate part.

Mike Atkisson · 10-11-2022, 05:51 PM

It does not appear to be a separate piece from BMW. Just wondering if anyone found a solution other than replacing the inner light assy.

Billfitz · 10-11-2022, 10:33 PM

If mine went I'd figure out a way to fix it, but I'm an electrical technician. It probably requires disassembling the lamp. I wouldn't have a problem doing that either, but I've got so many tools in my garage that there's hardly any room left for the car.

DThr33 · 11-03-2022, 05:37 AM

as far as i know the LED itself isn't replaceable. the tail lights also can't be taken apart as easily as headlights, the lenses are ultrasonically welded to the housings so you'll have to cut the lens where it meets the housing, then replace the LED on the board (if it's the LED itself that's burnt out), and reseal the lens

Billfitz · 11-03-2022, 11:59 AM

Removing the lenses is easy, if you have the right tool. This is the right tool:

https://www.amazon.com/Central-Purch.../dp/B072MY649R

It's a tool that you very seldom need, but when you do need one they'll do cutting jobs that nothing else will.

Mike Atkisson · 11-03-2022, 06:44 PM

I am looking at just buying a used tail light and moving on. Just wish an inop bulb didn't cost so much to replace.

10-10-2022, 11:04 AM	#1
Mike Atkisson Private First Class 21 Rep 174 Posts Drives: BMW 540ix Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Tucson, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 435i [0.00]	Is the inner tail light LED replaceable on F33? I recently purchased a 2014 435i Convertible and just noticed the other day the Left inner tail light (on the trunk lid) does not light the 3 "tubes". Is the LED chip replaceable or do I need to find the complete inner light assy to fix this? Odd thing is the is no bulb out warning for this piece so I never though to check to see if all the lights were functioning.
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10-10-2022, 01:25 PM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,082 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Look on realoem.com to see if the LED is listed as a separate part.
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10-11-2022, 05:51 PM	#3
Mike Atkisson Private First Class 21 Rep 174 Posts Drives: BMW 540ix Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Tucson, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 435i [0.00]	It does not appear to be a separate piece from BMW. Just wondering if anyone found a solution other than replacing the inner light assy.
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10-11-2022, 10:33 PM	#4
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,082 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If mine went I'd figure out a way to fix it, but I'm an electrical technician. It probably requires disassembling the lamp. I wouldn't have a problem doing that either, but I've got so many tools in my garage that there's hardly any room left for the car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2022, 05:37 AM	#5
DThr33 Captain 636 Rep 968 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: May 2016 Location: London iTrader: (0)	as far as i know the LED itself isn't replaceable. the tail lights also can't be taken apart as easily as headlights, the lenses are ultrasonically welded to the housings so you'll have to cut the lens where it meets the housing, then replace the LED on the board (if it's the LED itself that's burnt out), and reseal the lens
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2022, 11:59 AM	#6
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,082 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Removing the lenses is easy, if you have the right tool. This is the right tool: https://www.amazon.com/Central-Purch.../dp/B072MY649R It's a tool that you very seldom need, but when you do need one they'll do cutting jobs that nothing else will.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2022, 06:44 PM	#7
Mike Atkisson Private First Class 21 Rep 174 Posts Drives: BMW 540ix Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Tucson, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 435i [0.00]	I am looking at just buying a used tail light and moving on. Just wish an inop bulb didn't cost so much to replace.
	Appreciate 0 Quote