How to replace brake light bulb for BMW 3 Series (E46)

Model years: 1998 - 2006
Brake light is a luminous signal situated at the rear light cluster of the car, that comes on in red each time driver steps on the brake pedal. Put another way, it is a notification the driver is about to slow down the vehicle or come to a standstill. Ensuring that both brake lights are working is an essential subject , otherwise ear-end collisions can occur. In the event of brake lights deterioration, the driver at the back is less acute to speed changes of the car in front and the cars might be involved in the accident. If you became aware of the fact, that no red beam comes from any of brake lights, make a push and replace the bulb. Before getting ready to fix dead brake light, be certain you buy an appropriate bulb.

The life-time of a bulb is limited. Sooner or later, it will burn out and will have to be replaced. Bulbs, made of high quality materials, tend to last longer. It's recommended to use well known brand replacement bulbs.

If bulb burns out right after installation, your vehicle might have a problem inside electrical system - have it checked by auto electrician.


BMW 3 Series brake light bulb list:
Body type Position Bulb specs Buy
Coupe
Brakelight
(1999-2004)
Type: Twin Filament Bulb (P21/4W)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/21/4W
Amazon.com:
$7.49pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£6.75pair
Brakelight
(2004-2006)
Type: LED
Convertible
Brakelight
(2000-2004)
Type: Twin Filament Bulb (P21/4W)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/21/4W
Amazon.com:
$7.49pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£6.75pair
Brakelight
(2004-2006)
Type: LED
Sedan/saloon
Brakelight
(1998-2001)
Type: Twin Filament Bulb (P21/4W)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/21/4W
Amazon.com:
$7.49pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£6.75pair
Brakelight
(2001-2006)
Type: Single Filament Bulb (P21W)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W
Amazon.com:
$7.46pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£5.94pair
Touring
Brakelight
Type: Twin Filament Bulb (P21/4W)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/21/4W
Amazon.com:
$7.49pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£6.75pair
Compact
Brakelight
Type: Twin Filament Bulb (P21/4W)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/21/4W
Amazon.com:
$7.49pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£6.75pair

How to replace brake light bulb:
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove rear lights cluster cover.
3. Pull out the lights assembly.
4. Locate brake light bulb.
5. Remove old bulb.
6. Insert the replacement bulb.
7. Apply rear lights cluster back.
8. Apply rear lights cluster cover.
9. Test if brake lights work.
Brake light bulb replacement instructions for:
3 Series (1990 - 1998)3 Series (2005 - 2011)3 Series (2011 - present)