e12 Tail Lights

[Some Guy with a BMW]

My rear lamps don't fit snug as all 4 little plastic clips are busted, so the only thing keeping the lamp on is the one large bolt with the big interior disk near the center of the lamp.

I gather this is a common issue, but most of the used lamps for sale have the same issue and new lenses or chrome surrounds don't help.

Is there a fix, or a place where I can get the plastic frame upon which the lenses and chrome mount?

It's an 81.

Thanks,
Chris

[T.Hanson]

I want to help, but have to admit without a close up photo your description of the problem is confusing. My two e12's, four tail lights, have no such maladies at all and work as new.

The realoem exploded parts drawing is there to see and note the possible offending piece(s). A quick visit to Ebay has many complete units for sale, not exactly overly expensive.

Summary : Having all four plastic clips (?) busted, as some kind of common issue, asking for a source for a fix, is weird.

[Mike W.]

No, I know what he's talking about and it is common. They were all perfect on my first E12 and I even took them out once or twice, but everything I've seen since then has been affected to some degree. I've had thoughts about reinforcing them with epoxy and wire but currently have enough it's not a problem. I don't know of a good fix.

[Some Guy with a BMW]

Thanks.

I dunno, I didn't think it was weird to ask.

I didn't think much of it on my car (old anything + plastic = cracks) but then I noticed that nearly all of the tail lamps on eBay had the exact same cracks.

I just thought I'd ask here before I started hunting lest there be a known fix or seller of replacement bits and what not, and I didn't see anything in the FAQ.

Here are some pics of the issue from an eBay ad:

[PatinaBeforePolish]

Not much you can do when they're broken like that. They usually break when trying to loosen the rusted on nut. I realize it's too late but I always use anti seize on these.
The plastic frame is listed as still available but you likely won't be thrilled with the price. There's decent used complete tail light set on ebay now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E12-tailigh ... Swx6pYqGi8

[CBradio]

I have the same issue. Sucks because area around my taillight is rusting.
I tried epoxying in some plastic screws but you cant get em tight enough to seal out water

[peter]

Have same problem on my cars (75 530i, 80 528i)
Found new units over the years so keep looking
Have an extra pair nos for the early cars (before mid 76)

[RonDwyer]

I'd give the epoxy a try. My favorite is JB Weld. The stuff is amazing. You may need to build a little jig to hold the stud where you want it or get one of those little alligator clip holders on a weighted base they use for precision soldering. Any other epoxy is likely to fail. Clean surfaces!

[Mike W.]

I haven't had to yet, but I'd probably lay some fiberglass or .030 welding wire or something in there to try to reinforce it along with epoxy. I think I've had more problems where the small phillips head screws are, that whole area seems to disintegrate.