Third brake light cover

[///F80M3]

Can someone confirm that the third brake light cover has 5 plastic fasteners?

I have some kind of rattle back there and when I pulled the cover off it looks like I'm missing a fastener. I'm guessing my tint guy broke it and didn't tell me. I only have 4 fasteners and I think there should be one in the center slot.

[milk242]

yes there should be 5, most likely the blue one broke

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by milk242

yes there should be 5, most likely the blue one broke

that's what I thought, thanks for confirming. I have the bottom piece of the blue clip but I wasn't sure what it was.

Only problem now is I cant find the part anywhere

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by milk242

yes there should be 5, most likely the blue one broke

Is it possible if u can take a pic of the blue clip so I can see what it looks like?

[milk242]

Originally Posted by ///F80M3

Is it possible if u can take a pic of the blue clip so I can see what it looks like?

Don't have a picture, but here is one from ECS. BMW doesn't sell the clip by itself, only as a set for the whole 3rd brake light.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...s/63257312498/

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by milk242

Don't have a picture, but here is one from ECS. BMW doesn't sell the clip by itself, only as a set for the whole 3rd brake light.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...s/63257312498/

Omg, I spent hours trying to find that specific one.

Thanks a lot!!

[shawshank772]

Ok, dumb question. Why was it removed? Was it to wire something, or is there some sort of replacement?

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by shawshank772

Ok, dumb question. Why was it removed? Was it to wire something, or is there some sort of replacement?

My tint guy removed it so he can tint the glass under it. I have a slight rattle from the cover so I took it off and discovered a broken clip.

[shawshank772]

Ahhh ok. sounds like a thorough job.

Originally Posted by ///F80M3

My tint guy removed it so he can tint the glass under it. I have a slight rattle from the cover so I took it off and discovered a broken clip.

[RowanBuds]

Originally Posted by ///F80M3

Can someone confirm that the third brake light cover has 5 plastic fasteners?

I have some kind of rattle back there and when I pulled the cover off it looks like I'm missing a fastener. I'm guessing my tint guy broke it and didn't tell me. I only have 4 fasteners and I think there should be one in the center slot.

Hmm. I had my car tinted too and right after I noticed a rattle when I had the radio above halfway. Thought it odd, but mentioned it at my next service appointment. BMW had my car almost a week - new rear deck installed, the whole 9.

I pick the car up and the next time I drove it the rattle was WORSE! I'm thinking I may have the same problem you did - any quick diy on removing the cover to verify if 4 or 5 clips are there?

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by RowanBuds

Hmm. I had my car tinted too and right after I noticed a rattle when I had the radio above halfway. Thought it odd, but mentioned it at my next service appointment. BMW had my car almost a week - new rear deck installed, the whole 9.

I pick the car up and the next time I drove it the rattle was WORSE! I'm thinking I may have the same problem you did - any quick diy on removing the cover to verify if 4 or 5 clips are there?

Use a plastic trim tool and it pops right off. Since I had a broken clip there was enough room to stick my finger through and pull it off.

I tried everything to find the rattle but cant pinpoint where it's coming from. I already put felt tape on the clip mounts but the rattle is still there. Once I put the new clip I will update this thread.

[RowanBuds]

Originally Posted by ///F80M3

Use a plastic trim tool and it pops right off. Since I had a broken clip there was enough room to stick my finger through and pull it off.

I tried everything to find the rattle but cant pinpoint where it's coming from. I already put felt tape on the clip mounts but the rattle is still there. Once I put the new clip I will update this thread.

YES My rattle is coming from the 3rd light cover too! Glad it's found - now to see if I can pick up that pack of clips from my local parts dept tomorrow morning. Any chance you can post a photo of the backside of that trim panel so I can locate the clip locations easily?

Really, I owe you one for posting this thread. Mine came RIGHT after getting the car tinted and that's what put it all together for me.

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by RowanBuds

YES My rattle is coming from the 3rd light cover too! Glad it's found - now to see if I can pick up that pack of clips from my local parts dept tomorrow morning. Any chance you can post a photo of the backside of that trim panel so I can locate the clip locations easily?

Really, I owe you one for posting this thread. Mine came RIGHT after getting the car tinted and that's what put it all together for me.

Not my pic but this is what it looks like. The blue center clip was broken just like this pic.

[RowanBuds]

Originally Posted by ///F80M3

Not my pic but this what it looks like. The blue center clip was broken just like this pic.

Thanks!

[RowanBuds]

Originally Posted by ///F80M3

Not my pic but this is what it looks like. The blue center clip was broken just like this pic.

Survey Says: You've solved my problem!

Picked up pack of clips at parts department today, replaced broken blue one. No more rattle!

I owe you a beer.

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by RowanBuds

Survey Says: You've solved my problem!

Picked up pack of clips at parts department today, replaced broken blue one. No more rattle!

I owe you a beer.

I ordered online since I hate going to my local dealer so I should get my clips this week.


Thanks for confirming the rattle is gone, It was driving me nuts.

[milk242]

Yep, broke that clip when I removed it to wire my dash cam and allow the tint guy to get back there. Realoem is a life saver, that's how I found the part number the first time.

[///F80M3]

Originally Posted by milk242

Yep, broke that clip when I removed it to wire my dash cam and allow the tint guy to get back there. Realoem is a life saver, that's how I found the part number the first time.

I'm guessing the blue clip is not reusable and needs to be replaced once the cover is removed.

Thanks again

[milk242]

Possibly. When I talked to my tint guy who was also a BMW enthusiast, before I even mentioned the the clip I broke off when I took my cover off, he asked if it was the blue clip lol.

[///F80M3]

I can also confirm now that the rattle is gone.

[TN_3]

Originally Posted by ///F80M3

I'm guessing the blue clip is not reusable and needs to be replaced once the cover is removed.

Thanks again

Add me to the list of people whose tint guy broke his clip off. Just had my tint done and was driving around a corner when I heard a plastic rattle noise across the back windshield area. The blue part of the clip that had broken off was in between the window and the trunk cover. Luckily I was able to fish it out but had to order the parts kit to replace the clip.

[TN_3]

Originally Posted by RowanBuds

Survey Says: You've solved my problem!

Picked up pack of clips at parts department today, replaced broken blue one. No more rattle!

I owe you a beer.

Any tips to getting the whole housing off? Just pull straight down?