I wanted to get a quick tip how to remove the tail lights from my 2003 MCS. I found a guy who will trade his factory clear lights for my stock ones. I took the hatch cover off to get to where the bulbs are and I didn't see anything that would let me remove the tail lights. I will look again with a flash light but I wanted to see if anyone could give me a quick tip.

Thanks

 

05+ comes off with a 10mm nut and 3 clips

im not sure if it's exactly the same to the 02-04's

 

So just one nut holding it in +the clips? How hard is it to get the clips off with out breaking them? I am doing a trade and the guy I am getting them from isn't knowledgeble what so ever about the Mini. So I want to make sure I dont mess mine or his up.

 

they shouldnt break, they're metal clips

they do require a bit of pressure to squeeze in. 2 towards the outside of the car, 1 towards the inside of the car. you may need to push the lights out since they could be pretty well sealed to the car because they havent been removed over time. it's just a foam seal that shouldnt break/tear either

 

Yes, one nut and three tabs on all years. Just remove the plug from the back of the housing, remove the nut, and then push out. The tabs vary, I've seen some just slide out, and others to a little more wiggle. Don't worry about breaking the tabs, I'm pretty sure they are metal. Oh and its a long threaded bar that the nut is attached to. So you need a wrench and some patience to get it started, then you can use a socket.

 

Awesome guys! Thanks for the quick tip!

I am excited I get to trade out my lights for some factory clears.

 

just to add a pic...

these are from '03 mcs.

removing it was easy, it's reinstalling it that was a bit difficult; had to push hard (even pressure) to get the two clips to secure.

 

Thanks for the pic. That will help alot when I take them off.

 

helps if you have a large suction cup and pull it out after you remove
the nut.

i used a large suction cup bracket i use for PDR. worked like a charm.

 

Are these Ebay tailights a good idea?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-03...em170188666804

 

im not sure if those are top notch quality or not but they look like the euro spec tails and they're dirt cheap. might as well try it, if you think they suck im sure you could put them back up on ebay for the same price

 

true true!

 

What is the worse that can happen with the tails? Would they leak or not fit right?

 

yeah, leaks or fitment. leaks are doubtful but easy to fix with some RTV. fitment, well, you're pretty much gonna be screwed

 

I got a similar set (@ $24 delivered, I couldn't resist!). The only thing I see is that they're lacking the 'weatherstripping' around the outside of the light. It's on my list to pick up at Home Dept. I like the look.

If you're not in a rush, keep an eye out - $25 for shipping is usurious!

 

Wow, that's an unbelievable price, even with shipping. The OEM ones are listed in the accessories catalog for $250.

 

that's the ones i recently bought, if you look at the pic from an earlier post, that's what one looks like from the backside. the only thing i added were rubber bumpers around the sides, the stock ones had bumpers to keep it off the paint.

i almost bought the $100 ones from an online vendor, and the OEM price was out of the question.

yea $30 shipping is a rip.

 

i've got the same tail lights! they're beautiful! but like what everyone else says... it lacks proper sealing/weatherstripping. i just used some black silicone sealant around the edges and was good to go. finish them off with some steath turn signal bulbs and you're set.

oh yea and the fit was perfect.