Hi-

My rear brake light went out in my 2005 mini cooper. The instructions are pretty clear about how to remove the bulb assembly but when removing it the bottom back-up light bulb popped off and is now floating around in the light housing. I can't seem to reach it. I am frustrated that the instructions don't mention anything about dealing with this bulb.

Has anyone had this problem and have any suggestions? Is it possible to pop the light housing out? I can't find instructions on that.

Thanks

C

 

The tail light assembly comes out pretty easily. Remove the nuts holding it in (four I believe). Then fish the back up light bulb out. Reinstall the housing then put the bulbs back in.

Hope this helps...

 

Thanks. I just looked and there are no nuts inside or out. There are two clips that I've been trying to move but when I pinch them it doesn't allow me to move the panel. Any other ideas?

 

My 06 has the four bolts that I've mentioned. Wonder if there is a difference between 05 & 06.

The bolts were on the inside. Try using a mirror to help you see the back of the light assembly.

 

I have an 06, and the taillight is attached with a single nut. Once the nut is removed, the taillight housing can be pushed out the back, while squeezing a couple of clips along the outside (vertical) edge of the housing. The various manuals (BMW TIS, Haynes, Bentley) describe this procedure as the same for all years of 1st gen MINI.

 

That's the trouble with being an old fart. Your forget all kinds of stuff. It's been 5 years since I had those lights out, so in that time I've added 3 extra nuts. Sorry for the confusion I've caused. I'm going to take my nap now.

 

Thank you for all your help. I managed to find the magic nut that releases the tail light. I was looking past it and the thing jumped out in front of me and made me feel a bit silly for not noticing it earlier. Removing that I was able to remove the light assembly, fish out the bulb and it's holder and replace everything. I couldn't for the life of me, figure out how to get the back up bulb light and it's clear white collar to stay together so that I can pop the light back into the bulb assembly so I left that off. If anyone has instructions on that I'd be grateful.

Thanks again!