63 21 055 Replacing a socket housing for left or right rear light

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove luggage compartment trim on side panel. See TRUNK TRIM PANEL ON LEFT SIDE PANEL or TRUNK TRIM PANEL ON RIGHT SIDE PANEL .

Build date up to 03/07: 

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Unlock locking clip (2) in direction of arrow and remove socket housing for rear light (3) from rear light (4).

Fig 1: Identifying Socket Housing, Locking Clip And Plug Connection

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Build date after 03/07: 

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Turn lock (2) in counterclockwise direction.

Remove socket housing for rear light (3) from rear light (4).

Replacement: 

Remount the BULBS .

Fig 2: Identifying Socket Housing, Lock And Plug Connection

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Installation note: 

For vehicle versions as of 03/07, the previous socket housing is replaced by the socket housing with additional ground cable in case of damage (erosion, charring). See the following operations: 

Build date after 03/07: 

Check the socket on the socket housing (1) and socket housing (2) for damage (erosion, charring).

Replace the damaged socket housing (1) with new part (part number 7 361 881 or 7 361 882).

Replace the damaged socket housing (2) and tab connector contact with new part (part number 7 505 477 and part number 7 502 933).

Note the pin assignment and unpin the tab connector contact from the socket housing (2) with special tool 61 0 321 (release tool from kit).

See notes for OPENING PLUG HOUSINGS AND REMOVING CONTACTS OF DIFFERENT PLUG SYSTEMS .

Replace the discolored tab connector contacts (see BMW Electronic Parts Catalogue) and pin in the new socket housing (2) according to the noted pin assignment.

See CRIMPING OF STOP and special tool for the wiring harness repair.

Fig 3: Identifying Socket Housings

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Build date after 03/07: 

Close plug connection on socket housing.

On left rear light:

Route the additional ground cable (1) along the present rear light wiring harness (2) and secure it with insulating tape.

On right rear light:

Route the additional ground cable (1) along the present rear light wiring harness (2) and secure it with insulating tape. Also secure the rear light wiring harness (2) to the main wiring harness with cable straps.

Fig 4: Routing Additional Ground Cable Along Present Rear Light Wiring Harness

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Build date after 03/07: 

Insert the additional ground cable (1) on a free pin in the comb connector (2).

Installation note: 

Ensure correct locking of additional ground cable (1) in the comb connector (2).

Fig 5: Inserting Additional Ground Cable In Free Pin Of Comb Connector

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