How to replace brake light bulb for BMW 3 Series (F30, F31, F34)
Model years: 2011 - present
Brake light is a lamp section fitted at the rear-end of the car, that produces red light every time driver applies brakes. In other words, it is the sign, that the driver is going to reduce the speed or stop completely. Brake light bulb proper functioning is a critical concern , otherwise ear-end collisions can occur. If car's brake lights are faulty, the reaction time of driver in the back increases and the vehicles might collide. If you have spotted, that no red beam comes from any of brake lights, exchange the bulb with the new one with no hesitation. Prior to repairing broken brake light, make sure you acquire a proper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan/saloon | Brakelight | Type: Single Filament Bulb (P21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $7.46pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.94pair |
| Brakelight | Type: Halogen (H21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $6.99pack of 1 Amazon.co.uk: £4.23pack of 1 | |
| Touring | Brakelight | Type: Single Filament Bulb (P21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $7.46pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.94pair |
| Brakelight | Type: Halogen (H21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $6.99pack of 1 Amazon.co.uk: £4.23pack of 1 | |
| Five-door hatchback | Brakelight | Type: Halogen (H21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $6.99pack of 1 Amazon.co.uk: £4.23pack of 1 |
How to replace brake light bulb:
1.
To access outer brake light bulb, rear light assembly has to be removed.
2.
Lift the trunk lid, loosen screw (1) and remove the cover:
3.
After the cover has been removed, loosen two nuts (1) and (2):
4.
Now detach rear light assembly from the body by pulling it out:
5.
Unplug the wiring from the bulb holder.
6.
Separate bulb holder from light assembly by releasing four retainers marked as "1":
7.
Remove brake light bulb from its holder and replace it with a new one.
8.
To access inner brake light bulb, trunk lid trim panel has to be removed.
9.
Lift the trunk lid, loosen screws (1)-(8) and remove the trim:
10.
Loosen retainers (marked "1") and remove bulb holder:
11.
Replace defective brake light bulb with the new one.
Brake light bulb replacement instructions for:
3 Series (1990 - 1998)3 Series (1998 - 2006)3 Series (2005 - 2011)