yeah, so i've ordered one through my dealer (should have gone through classicMINI), and i really don't want to pay for the rat bastards to install it, but i've read somewhere that with an MC with a spoiler you have to break the old one to get it out. which doesn't make sense to me, because it seems like it would be the same fit getting it back in.

but anyway, anyone with experience changing out the third brake light on an MC with a spoiler, please get back to me... i'll have to let them know when it comes in this week if they're going to do the install.

thanks in advance

ryan w

ps checkered flag MINI service dept is the WORST!

 

>>yeah, so i've ordered one through my dealer (should have gone through classicMINI), and i really don't want to pay for the rat bastards to install it, but i've read somewhere that with an MC with a spoiler you have to break the old one to get it out. which doesn't make sense to me, because it seems like it would be the same fit getting it back in.
>>
>>but anyway, anyone with experience changing out the third brake light on an MC with a spoiler, please get back to me... i'll have to let them know when it comes in this week if they're going to do the install.
Yes wags,
This has been done.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...amp;topic=8449
From that thread courtesy luvdamini:
I did some research and it appears that the consensus on the install is to 1) tape the underside of your spoiler to protect the paint (i was also thinking some white lithium grease wouldnt hurt to get the bugger to slide out a bit more). 2) Loosen the two or three bolts thru the decklid that appear to hold the spoiler on. You will have to remove the 3 black plastic caps to access the 10mm bolts - use a long throat socket. 3) use the palm of your hands (or an assistant's) to deflect the spoiler just enough to get the brake light to pass - about 1mm. 4) repeat for new clear unit. Patience is the key - i have read that it may take 2 hours to do this mod.
My thoughts are that the flexiblitity of the spoiler will increase slightly if it is warm, so i plan to leave my car in the sun before attempting. I will be doing this over the weekend - i will let you know how it goes. Good luck.
Then...
DONE!
I was successful in changing the 3rd brake light using the method proposed in my previous post. So here is a veteran's tips and tricks: you really need two pairs of strong hands to do this. One guy will need to lift with both hands on the spoiler by placing the but of the palms at roughly the 1/3rd points of the opening for the light. The other guy will then need to rotate the light out of the opening. Piece of cake! Once we were committed to really pushing hard the mod took about 10 to 20 min. A good tip is to protect the spoiler with tape and use the lithium grease for removal and install. Don't be shy, just muscle it in! Good luck.

Enjoy and good luck

_________________
ALOHA

 

thanks for compiling that tid bit of info.. i'll give it a try as soon as i get the part in. I looked back over some paperwork from my 10k service when i inquired about the clear brake light. they had given me an estimate for the install which was 125! but i don't know if that price was including the price of the light intself which is something like 80-90 i think.

anyway, even if it's 35 bucks for installation, it's a rip off

- wags

 

I'm not sure at all what the deal is with people saying the third brake light is hard to install/remove.
I unscrewed the old one, pulled it right off, no problem, then installed the new one.
Took me about 5 minutes to replace all 3 lights with the clear ones.

The difference seems to be the spoiler that my MCS has compared with MC spoilers.

However, please note that without the red reflectors, your care IS illegal. I finally got pulled over for not having the red reflectors on the back. I took the reflectors that came with the light kit and stuck them on the window. The dealer will cut holes in your bumper and install the recessed reflectors...no way I was letting my bumper be disfigured, but that's up to you.

You can see some pics of my car here:
http://www.urdaddy.com/2003_mini_cooper_s.htm