Today, after washing and waxing Maggie, my 06 CR/W MCS, I noticed some obvious heat discoloration marks on the rear trunk lift. It appears that this damage is coming from the rear license lights under the lift point. I tried taking some snaps of this, however, they don't show well enough. The marks appear to be swirls in the paint but are directly over each of the lights on the lift. Has anyone else seen this on their cars? In the States, would any dealership be difficult in repairing/fixing this? I'm overseas, so I'm not looking forward to dealing with this.

Cheers!

 

After making a quick run this morning, I'd noticed that the lights were so hot that they were able to keep the moisture off of the lift above the lights as can be seen in these photos.

When I took Maggie down to the dealership, the SA told me that this was normal!! After a bit of a discussion, including wiping the crud off of the lift with a rag (!!), he told me to bring it back if it gets worse!! Again, Americans are from Mars, Europeans are from Venus...

I'd gotten some responses over at Coupe Talk but was wondering if anyone else has seen this and how their SA dealt with it?

 

This is not typical. I am guessing that the lamps are mounted closer to the surface than normal, or they are a higher wattage than prescribed and burning too hot. Either way, if you open the assembly you might be able to pry the lamp mount away from the surface.

This is definitely a dealer issue if your car is still under warranty.

As to the aesthetic issue, if you have a heavy wax coat, you may be fortunate to have only discolored the wax. A good paint polish will remove the affected wax. Looking at the picture, though, it looks like it affected the clearcoat. Again a dealer issue, if the car is under warranty.

 

I'm having the same issue. Should I pry the lamp away...change the bulbs? What did you do Poppa Bear?

 

That's cauuse it is. Something I always keep an eye on (esp. since I do mainly night driving so they're on a lot) As long as you're caring for the paint right the paint shouldn't and hasn't been affected; just moisture and dirt patterns. All the more reason for regular detailing and photos of the clean paint in that area ot confirm there is no fading over time.

 

During the Odenwald Tour last weekend, I met someone with an 03 CR/W R50. As it had been raining, his car had the same hot spots on the lift hatch that Maggie, my R53, had. He'd never noticed these marks before I pointed them out to him, however, he was adamant that his car did not show any paint distortion/discoloration at these two spots. Since he's the only owner of his car, I'm no longer worried about any real problems with this issue. Wonderful relief. I'll keep ya'll posted if the situation changes.

Cheers!!

 

My dad had the same problem on his Dark Silver the boot latch was discolored and faded, we didnt know what from, so he took it to the dealer and they repainted it. I havent had that problem cause i have a chrome boot latch

 

Not sure if the look would bother you or not, but you could always get LED replacement bulbs that should burn cooler

 

A problem with LED replacement bulbs is that they can burn out from overvoltage. Bulbs that are on constantly while the engine is running (like license plate bulbs) are subject to voltage and current spikes from the alternator that reduce LED life. Some people report having to replace LED bulbs every few months while others don't have a problem. I think it comes down to variation between individual cars. Properly designed LED bulbs should have built-in voltage regulators, but it is rarely done.

 

The hot spot happens on my car too. Its noticeable in winter where it melts the snow. No paint discoloration. I have Xenon interior and license plate bulbs from Bimmian. I dont know about operating temp, but the old OEM bulbs did this too. I recomend the xenon interior and plate bulbs, they are very high class and make the car look more expensive. They do not entirely match the headlight xenons but they are not yellow thats for sure.

 

The heat of the lights actually cracked my boot handle on my 2003 MCS. I replaced it with a used chrome one. Time will tell but I hope that problem is behind me.

 

Sometimes confirmation comes at the expense of others. CleanSC found out that it is possible for the rear plate lights to cause damage on this thread. True, his bulbs weren't stock, as mine are, but this confirms my belief that it is possible for there to be damage on the boot lift. As long as I stay stock, Maggie should be fine.

Cheers!!