need help- concerning tailgate- license plate light/truck latch

hey all'!
current problem:
1. license plate light isnt working/burnt out
2. truck latch from same area has corrosion on wiring- so we can really only open the trunk/tailgate with the key-release button.

my hubby & i are going to fix this ourselves- but cant seem to find anywhere on the x3 (E83) forum how to access the bulb/wiring area above the license plate.
any help would b MUCH APPRECIATED
- april

You seem to be having more than your fair share of problems with your newly acquired 2004.

I think you need a new 'Trunk Lid Grip' which has the integrated license plate light assembly.

See this recent discussion:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=447208

Here is a start

Supercourse- Only a few things (well, a BIG thing- the panoramic sunroof tilt mode went south on me
but, mechanically, everything is still working great, and i just ticked over 100K-- I just want to save $ (on fixing
things like the license plate light and the lift gate- trunk lid grip)...also, on doing that transfer case fluid.
Its great that my sweet husband is rather savy with things like this!

John320-- THANKS a bunch! those links are going to help BIG TIME.
NOW just to find time on the weekend to FIX it.......