I have searched far and wide and even in this forum. I have clear tail lights on my 02 mini. I noticed my brake light is out and I wanted to replace it only to find that they are soldered into a bracket. Where can i purchase a new bracket of bulbs? Im new to the Mini community and would appreciate the help. thanks
Mirko

 

Are you sure it's soldered? Mine just pop out with a bit of a twist.

 

yes im sure. I searched and saw that other people mentioned soldered tail light bulbs but i havent seen where I can buy replacements

 

I'm 99% sure there was no 'clear tail light' option on a 2002 there4 I suspect these are some E-Bay specials . . . the lights certainly DO twist out of a factory housing (reference Haynes chapter 12.8).

Are all the bulbs soldered in? Did someone do something wierd because the bulb was loose???? If not a full bead of solder all the way around, but something like a spot weld, you could possibly cut it away with a Dremel . . . or remove the solder if you have the tool/skill (this is doable) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQFpYN2FPN0

 

I was afraid that they were aftermarket. Seems to be spot soldered on either side of the bulb. May try and cut it away. The bulb plate says "Valeo" but I cant find any information on that company regarding mini tail lights.

 

Well, there's that remaining 1%...

MINI did make 2002-2004 OEM clear taillights, sold as a dealer accessory. They are probably still available.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...35&hg=63&fg=95
http://www.motoringfile.com/howto/white_lights.pdf
http://parts.miniofsouthatlanta.com/...120145835.html

You must replace the entire 3 bulb holder panel. I think the bulbs are soldered in to prevent people from replacing with clear bulbs (won't light up red).

 

How about a picture?

 

They are probably OEM. Buy replacements from any MINI dealer (they probably have to order it, which will take a few days).

RealOEM.com BMW R53 Cooper S White lights retrofit kit
Part number 63216919915 (item #2) list price $57



Here's an online source: http://www.penskeparts.com/DiagramsM...ts=63216919915
Some NAM vendors also sell OEM parts.

 

Interesting. My OEM tails say Valeo too, I assume MINI sourced them from Valeo. That seems like a terrible way to keep a bulb in.

 

It is the same bulb holder panel as in the standard taillights, but the bulbs are purposely soldered to prevent replacement. In a clear taillight, the bulb needs to light up red, but MINI is afraid you might replace with a white bulb. So they make the bulb non-replaceable and force you to buy the entire panel that has a red bulb preinstalled.

You can also buy the blank panel for the standard taillight and fit bulbs of your own choice.

 

if you're talking about the center brake light, there is no replacing the bulb. You will need to buy a whole assembly. Check ebay - it should be like $20. You may be able to find one on NAM as well.

 

THANKS GUYS! Looks like this is what I have... I will order the parts soon. Sorry ive been MIA (just bought a new house and moved in) I do have some pictures of the bulbs.

 

The part number 63216919915 is confirmed in the 3rd photo (second line at the upper right, where it says MINI 63.21-6919915).

 

Thanks again. I really appreciate your help! I ordered the part from Penske.

 

Why dont you just de solder it or dremel away the solder and put in another bulb

 

I can sell you two used circuit boards =D

 

I second what drzod and others have said, Dremel or file the solder blob down and all you'll need is a new bulb. I have several sets of tails and holders and they are all the same except for the solder blobs. If you have any experience w/ soldering you can always de-solder them as well.