63 21 240 Removing and installing (replacing) left rear light (on tailgate)

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Remove service cap (1) from tailgate trim panel (2) in direction of arrow.

Installation note:

Ensure that service cap (1) is correctly seated on tailgate trim panel (2).

Fig 1: Removing Service Cap From Tailgate Trim Panel

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Installation note:

Latch mechanism (1) and guides (2) on service cap (3) must not be missing or damaged.

Fig 2: Identifying Latch Mechanism And Guides On Service Cap

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Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Release nut from threaded bolt (2) and remove retaining bracket (3).

Tightening torque 61 21 1AZ .

Press on threaded bolt (2) to release rear light from tailgate.

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection And Retaining Bracket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage, rear light is partially bonded from version 07/2012. Disassembly can therefore be difficult!

Feed out rear light (1) in direction of arrow toward the rear.

Fig 4: Feeding Out Rear Light

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Installation note:

Attach retaining bracket with nut; when doing so, only screw on the nut to the point where the threaded bolt and nut are flush.

Following parts on rear light (1) must not be missing or damaged:

(2) Guides
(3) Threaded bolt/nut/retaining bracket
(4) Retaining tab
(5) Seal

The guides (2) must be fed into the appropriate recesses in the tailgate.

Fig 5: Identifying Rear Light Related Parts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

First insert rear light (1) with the retaining tab in the appropriate recess of tailgate (2).

Align rear light (1) until guides align with the associated recesses of the tailgate (2).

Fig 6: Aligning Rear Light Until Guides Of Tailgate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do no push or strike rear light (1) with force to install it in the tailgate (2)!
If properly aligned, rear light (1) slides effortlessly into its end position.

Installation note:

Carefully press rear light (1) towards center of vehicle until guides are fed into the associated recesses of the tailgate (2).

Fig 7: Pressing Rear Light

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Make sure rear light (1) is correctly seated in tailgate (2).

Make sure retaining bracket is fitted correctly on tailgate (2).

Make sure plug connections are correctly seated.

Tighten nut on retaining bracket.

Tightening torque 61 21 1AZ .

Replacement:

If necessary, remount BULBS
Note BULB TYPE