Difficult to replace the third brake light?

[strokeoluck]

I just noticed that the third (middle) brake light on my 2007 Z4 MR is clear. WTH?! It was this way when I purchased it, and I guess it's not a huge deal. But, a) I also noticed it has a small vertical crack in the middle of the light; and b) I think I'd like it to be red, as I believe that's the OEM color.

Is there much to replacing the light? I'm assuming it's done by accessing the light from inside the trunk but I haven't looked at it carefully yet. Thanks.

[dreamingat30fps]

It's clear on my 2006 pretty sure it comes standard as clear. I personally like it. However the cracking is a common issue, mine was cracked before I bought it had dealer fix it, however it's starting to crack again already.

DIY:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=623996

[Nate4641]

It is clear on mine too. I like the way it looks on my blue car though.

[MarkMcL]

strokeoluck, when i got my '06 MR my third brake light was clear (and cracked). I think OE is clear for my car. My car is IR so I ordered red and I like the way it flows. Any other color maybe not so much. Cracking seems to be a common issue from what I've read. Wrong spring rate from the factory. Oh, and if you've only wrenched a bit, this is easy.

[psygnosis]

My 2004 came with red, it cracked, I ordered a clear and the new springs, it also cracked. If I replace it I'll get red this time because I like the way it looks better.

I thought that they all went clear in 2005 or 2006 but I've seen some with red still so I don't know.

[strokeoluck]

Interesting, thanks guys. The pics I saw online mostly showed a red third brake light so I just assumed OEM color was red. (Guess I can't believe everything I read online!)

[StickMon]

Just to add to the "me too", mine was all cracked around the edges, but in the last 2 weeks developed a diagonal crack almost all the way across and then a vertical crack clean down the middle.
The only irregular service reported on the CarFax for my car was "replace 3rd brake light".
I guess they're a "consumable item".

[AmmarYasirA]

Cracks in the 3rd brake light are common and all Z4MR's have clear ones. It's different for non-M's

Mine was and still is cracked. Pretty sure it'll crack again if I fix it. And mine still works. So I don't really care lol.

Hope that helps

[elerner61]

Just make sure you've got a deep socket to tackle this. The standard 2X height socket won't cut it.

[mfanatic325]

My gf informed me that a few of the LEDs in my third brake light are out. She noticed when following me the other day in another car.

Anyone know if the springs can be reused? Or are they one-time use?

Edit: WTF...I just looked on Tischer's site with the specific part number for my coupe: 63257171815 and it's like $98 before shipping/handling

Edit2: ECS Tuning has it for $89 + $13 shipping = $102 total. Will purchase it from ECS most likely

Edit3: Dammit, they don't sell the 40N springs (63256900698KT) individually. I'm forced to purchase a pack of 10, and I think I only need 5. Anyone want to split for the other 5?