Rear Tail Lamp (LED) replacement - 2003 530i

Where is the best place to get a rear tail lamp bulb (LED) for a 2003 530i (middle strip bulb labeled #2 in the owner's manual diagram)? According to the owner's manual, it's the only bulb in the tail light assembly that is LED. Is it easy to change this bulb? Thanks!

I have never heard of that bulb replacement before but anything is possible. I'd try the dealer for something small like that.

Originally Posted by helm01

Where is the best place to get a rear tail lamp bulb (LED) for a 2003 530i (middle strip bulb labeled #2 in the owner's manual diagram)? According to the owner's manual, it's the only bulb in the tail light assembly that is LED. Is it easy to change this bulb? Thanks!

Not user replaceable, you have to buy a new tail light assembly. I would at least tear into it and see if you get lucky and it is only a loose connector or bad cold solder joint first.

You may need to remove the assembly to inspect it. It is held on by a few small nuts removed from the rear.

I just had my blub go bad about an hour ago...looked in the trunk to find a little socket that twisted into place with a bulb that twisted into the socket. Just a cheap bulb in there in my 02.

Originally Posted by abanjableu

I just had my blub go bad about an hour ago...looked in the trunk to find a little socket that twisted into place with a bulb that twisted into the socket. Just a cheap bulb in there in my 02.

The tail light running light, (when you turn on the headlights or parking lights) is LED. The brake, back up, and turn signal bulbs are all traditional incandescent bulbs. I would assume you were changing a brake light bulb.

Originally Posted by 540 M-Sport

The tail light running light, (when you turn on the headlights or parking lights) is LED. The brake, back up, and turn signal bulbs are all traditional incandescent bulbs. I would assume you were changing a brake light bulb.

Yes, it was my third brake light on the rear deck. I didn't know what the #2 bulb from the photo was as the OP didn't post a pic . I know in my z3 the thrid brake light is a sealed unit that does use LED technology which is what had me mixed up I guess.