David S. Wallens said:
Is your E46-chassis BMW also missing the lenses for its license plates lamps?
Just checked. We good.
Is your E46-chassis BMW also missing the lenses for its license plates lamps?
Yeah, ours, too.
After nearly 20 years, that plastic gets brittle. Time to spend a few minutes with our 2004 BMW M3.
Does it really matter if those lenses are in place? Here’s how we see it: Without those lenses fitted, part of the electrical system is then open to the elements.
Can you say possible electrical short? We thought so.
[How weather-tight are your weather-tight connections? | Project C5 Corvette Z06]
Here’s how to replace them.
New lenses are available–we paid a little more than $8 each for new ones–and they easily pop into place.
According to the owner’s manual, the little metal spring clip points towards the right (passenger) side of the car.
Removing the license plate frame seemed to give us a bit more room to work. And while the plate is off the car, why not take a minute to hit the paint behind it with some quick detailer.
Is this the most important job when working on an E46? Likely not. But we saw it as one of those little things that could one day turn into a big thing–something about a stitch in time….
Have another quick fix that could likewise stave off a potential headache? Let’s hear it.
David S. Wallens said:
Is your E46-chassis BMW also missing the lenses for its license plates lamps?
Just checked. We good.
In reply to Slippery :
Yay. I knew I was missing one (because it's been sitting in the center console for years) but didn't realize both had fallen out.
One bulb didn't work, either. I spun it in its mount a few times, and it came back to life. Maybe a sign that it got a little moist?
So, a related lesson here.
The lenses came in a plastic baggie–like a sandwich baggie.
The old, damaged lens was sitting on workbench.
But where were the new ones? On the shelves with other parts for the car? Nope.
In the car, maybe? Nope.
So where could it be?
Answer: Right next to the broken lens, but because it was under something, I couldn't find it.
So, the lesson here: Clean up your mess.
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