Back in early Summer, I thought I had a burned out backup light bulb on the passenger side, but then inspected and found that the bulb was fine. The crumbling socket was the culprit - it had crumbled/cracked/disintegrated to the point it will no longer secure a bulb. So I'm wondering after some fruitless searching - Can replacement pre-wired sockets be had?
And then, this past weekend I noticed that now the brake lamp is also out, on the same side. Hoping someone has wisdom or experience with addressing my issue(s) with these electrical bits "of a certain age".
Still love the car, although I'm a tad disappointed with this seeming lack of durability.
My 16 year old British sports car has been garage kept since new, 150,000 miles ago.
Feedback welcome and appreciated.

 

Any auto parts store will have replacement sockets with wires, so with some filing & glue, you can probably substitute the new for the old.
But, for originality, I believe you can also get the complete circuit board panel from your friendly MINI $$$ealer.
The plastic used in many places on the MINI is appallingly low quality & crumbles into dust after a few years.

 

Would recommend junk yard, evilbay, or maybe a part-out right here on NAM for a replacement - might as well buy the pair. Only a matter of time before the other side goes.

Believe this is yet another manifestation of German government-mandated recycled plastic, which is used throughout these cars and BMWs. The hot-cold / heat-cool cycles seen in every day use as well as in your midwestern climate (especially winters) eventually takes its toll on any plastic, making it brittle, but for some reason (like it's basically crap) it's particularly hard on the recycled stuff.

 

the backplane that holds all 3 bulbs should be available for $30

 

Thanks all; for inspiration (the DIY idea has merit, and I should have already called my salvage yard or at least checked inventory online); for the tech info (rear light diagram - i had no idea how that hard-to-reach spot was put together); and also the 411 on the plastic (I kind of suspected, and I agree about the climate effects).
I'd like to know the source of the diagram, so I can explore it a little deeper (my headlamps actually have issues of their own, for another time).

Been away for a while, busy taking things for granted, but this community is a continued blessing.
Further insight and comments encouraged and hoped for, particularly from frugal folks who might share my frustration with things that ought to last longer than they do..
Tatt

 

https://www.realoem.com/

 

ECS has a pretty good deal going on these new:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/63217166008/

 

I read somewhere that you should avoid brass-based bulbs.
In any event, checking the center contact for good spring pressure & a gentle wipe of dielectric grease will defer corrosion.

 

Should be good now, but this was more of a challenge than I expected.
My hands are too big to easily access the retaining clips on the "bulb holder" via the opening in the side panel of the hatch, but a couple discreet curses in, I got it loose.
Then I spent another 10+ minutes manipulating it thru the small opening, without breaking any of the bulbs. I bet there's a trick to it that I'm not privy to.

Replaced all 3 bulbs (2 were out anyway, but it was hard enough on my hands that i won't mind going a long time before doing this one again).
Re-installing in the morning (golf clap).

Sidebar question, can i use 1157 bulbs that I have on hand, leftover from a departed vehicle, in place of the Mini's 7528 rear lamp/brake lamp?
So far my "equivalance" or compatibility searches keep showing me LEDs or vacuum cleaners. Even so, the bases of the 2 lamps are close to identical and the dual wattages are very close to the requisite 5&21 of the 7528.
Thanks yet again,
Tatt

 

The 'trick' is to take the entire unit out. Take off the 10mm nut on the stud & there are 2 spring clips on the outside edge - #9 on the pic above. A wooden ruler may help to press them.
Then you have un-obstructed access - more important you can clean & wax the area around the opening to prevent rust. A little grease on the clips will help re-assembly.
Yes, the 1157 bulb is fine, it's just a different part number from a different manufacturer. LEDs are a huge improvement, though.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...7+red&_sacat=0
Do the same for 1156 Amber & 1156 Red for the directionals & top brake/fog bulbs - 100W versions are available. You'll never replace bulbs again!