Some $#$% punched out the clear platic that covers the drivers side tail light this weekend... Fortunatly, I was able to pick up a replacement set from a fellow MINI owner that replaced theirs.Its been raining and I found out that one of the lights burned out too

Anyway, can you give me a quick how to on swapping it out? I'm fairly adept at doing auto type work and have all the tools. I am assuming that I take off the plastic trim in the boot, remove the connectors to the lights, and just unscrew the housing and pull it out, right? Approximately, where are the screws and/or how many are there and in what areas? Is there anything special I should be aware of?

Can you foresee anything bad happening if water gets in this area due to the rain - or do you think its just localized to area inside the light housing (which isn't a problem since its being replaced)?

Thanks,
Erik

 

When I installed my clear lights, I recall removing the plastic cover in the boot for each side, removing two small nuts off of long skinny bots connected to the light housing, pulling out the lights and unhooking the wires.

 

You should replace the lens because water which gets inside the housing will end up inside the car.

Open the compartment on that side.

Remove the one nut with the wrench in the toolkit that came with the car (it's 10mm).

Reach inside the compartment and feel along the outer edge of the lens (farthest from inside the boot) for two tabs locking the side opposite the side with the nut. Pull these twoards you and push the lens assembly out.

With the lens out, release the tab holding the bulb holder to it and remove the holder.

Snap the holder into the new lens.

Reverse the order for reassembly making sure that the two outside edge tabs lock into position. This can take a bit of effort especially with the new lens, since you have to compress the rubber seal.

Important part: When replacing the nut, tighten it only to the point to where the inside edge of the lens is flush with the body. DONT overtighten. This is almost like a kind of 'adjustment'

Replace the compartment cover, and you are done. MINI even provided the tool needed!

 

if you can't find that wrench you can use a deepsocket 10mm :smile:
but other then that your right on the money. And make sure the tabs snap back in place, when installing the taillights.