DBG Z3 Coupe LED third brake light Retrofits

For any Coupe owner the dreaded dead light or two in the third brake light is inevitable. BMW in their infinite wisdom decided for whatever reason that it would be a great idea to make these lights a direct solder connected incandescent bulb on a circuit board which makes individual bulb replacement expensive (for what the little bulbs are at ~$8 each as this is written). And if you fix the 1-23 that are out at the time you decide to fix it, it will be the 24^th bulbs day to die the day after you did all the rest.

Anyone savvy with a soldering iron and comfortable with 12V work is capable of doing the work, but most just don’t care to take it on themselves.

For the last 8 years I’ve been offering an LED retrofit option through a core exchange system to offer the community an LED alternative that is plug and play with 24 new LEDs and integrated resistor to have the lights operate correctly on the 12V circuit. As of August of 2023 I’ve provided almost 60 units back into the community and continue to offer these exchanges.

If you’re plagued by the dead bulb or two and want to get it sorted, please reach out to me. The details for the process are below.

Two Options:
Option A)
You get on the list (detailed below)
I receive payment+core deposit
You receive PnP replacement
You ship me your original light
I refund your core deposit
You enjoy your new LED light

Option B)
You remove your original light (or have a spare) and send it to me.
I receive payment (no core deposit required)
I rework it with LEDs(2 week estimated turn around from the day you ship to the day you get it back)*
I ship it back to you.
You enjoy your new LED light

How to get on the list-It’s super simple:
Open the hatch
Remove 3x rubber plugs at hinge area
Remove 3x 10mm nuts
Close hatch gently
Lift wing and unplug (1x plug)
Push light from back out of roof spoiler (3x metal spring clips)

An awesome video Mark Rand made up of his experience and steps to do the removal/install:

Then shoot some photos for me. Just general condition of the light to ensure nothing is broken/missing. You do NOT need to disassemble it as I’d prefer to do this myself to try and keep the original screws in good condition as they easily strip. Areas of particular interest are: The condition of the exposed lens, the 3 metal clips are not loose in relation to the plastic housing and the screws are tight, the light plug is in good condition and there is no cracking (typically around the thinner sections of the rear plastic)

Once you receive the new LED light you can swap them out and send me back your old light.

Costs:

Standard LED light:
Option A
$215 shipped both ways via UPS*
Core deposit: $300 that is fully refundable
You can order through PayPal check out by:

Option A: Clicking this LINK , or scanning the QR code.

Or using the contact form below

Option B
$200 shipped*
(You cover shipping to me, $300 insured via UPS highly suggested)
You can order through PayPal check out by:

Option B: Clicking this LINK , or scanning the QR code.

Or using the contact form below

Note: For those shipping their personal light to me USPS sells a Ready-Post box that is 24x2x2 that is perfect for these lights and is ~$5.

*Shipping is the main48 US, others please contact me for international or AK/HI shipping

Optional:
Accelerometer based flashing modules: +$xx with default programing (not currently available as of Oct 2021)
Programmable flasher: +$45 (flash rate, # of flashes, repeat are programmable by me prior to shipping)

Photos: