I'm having difficulty figuring out how to replace the tiny rear bottom clear bulb on an '06 Cooper (R50).
Can someone tell me what the trick is ? With my history I tend to break things so I'm looking for tips.
Thanks!

Are you talking about the rear fog light or the two back up lights?

I mean the two back up lights, in the fenders.

Look at this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight-bulb.html
The taillight bulbs are all on the same panel and you would do the same thing to access the backup bulb. The backup bulb is type 921.

Look at my post #6 in that thread. It is possible to change the bulb with no tools and without removing the taillight.

THANK YOU so much for the link. I did some searching before making this post,but obviously hadn't stumbled upon this guide. I'll probably do it by removing the assembly so I can get a better look at how it's all assembled. From looking at the photos I cannot understand why they made it so complicated. I think car manufacturers think proactively about 'how do we build less DIY-ability into this car ?' so they can improve their service income.

so I got the nut undone, used the tabs to get the rear assembly out of the car, took off the back, and the reverse bulb filaments are fine, put it all back together and now it works..... wonderful

went to pep boys and bought two more of the reverse bulbs just in case, now I have 2 reverse and 4 of the larger rear bulbs as spares in the car

thanks for all the help ! (even though I didn't have to change a thing)