Audi A4 B5 tail light replacment in pictures
The original Audi A4 B5 light contains the following setup (as picture above, otherwise scroll down for comparison):
* the indicator in yellow on top,
* the brake light at the outside
* the normal lights in the middle, very very invisible when it rains
* the reverse lights just below them, in white
* the foglight at the inside - one side only (left side in my car)
(with dutch football fan setup - towbar accent especially for germans as the dutch are known for their caravans on the fast lane)
A while ago I had a close encounter with a truck (who lost his whole headlight unit in return) - so there was a bit fallen out:
After having driven around with ductape for a while (could you imagine I only buy cars when there’s a ductape available that fits the color?) it was time to get something decent.
Where to get it?
Via the scrapyard I did not get much further. However, via a friend I learned that the price indication was around EU30,- .
Lucky me I found similar (pre-facelift) A4 B5 taillights in ’silver’ color via Amazon.de: Dectane RA02EW Rückleuchten Audi A4 B5 Lim. 95-10.00 crystal
Even better; I could buy a set for EU50,- which must have been a mistake as they are now for sale again for EU120,- which is more the price.
In Germany you can use this set without having your car checked again at the (german) TUV nor have they got to be registered in your carpapers. They have a “E-sign” on ‘em which allows a free build in. Check your local regulations for replacement.
Building out the old one
Take the cover in the trunk away from the lights. It has got 4 holes which fit over the 4 screws which attach the lightunit to the car itself.
The 4 screws are still in here, and I have just taken the plug out.
The unit taken out of the car, and the lightunit with the bulbs on taken out of the car. Please note down on what side your foglight is.
The lightunit has got one cable which goes to the rear light bulb. It is a pain to get this one out. With mine it was even so bad that both of the lightbulbs were ruined, as the plastic cover they were in broke while I twisted and pulled them out.
Anyway, a new set of W5W 12V - of which another one was broken before it was even used, and we could change all the bulbs and insert the W5W bulb.
The new lampunit ready to put the bulbs in.
All the bulbs put in, including the rearlight at the cable and the lampholder is clicked into the main frame.
Make sure that the clip underneath the lamp-plug clicks.
The second part: replace the bit of car :)
Take all the clips out, from one to the other side - you might need to put some tension on it before all click off.
Left: The new lampunit with the strip underneath.
Right: The old lampunit without the strip.
Note the difference in color.
View from outside/backside car. The lampunit is to be put in *with* the rubber which should keep the water out. You might want to glue the rubber to the car first with some sticky chewing-gum-like tape or glue. As long as it is waterproof.
Attach the bolts to the screws on the inside, put the plug in, and put the cover over the light. You’re nearly done.
Left: new set; right: old set.
Have someone help you with testing the lights, or put a mirror behind your car to test. Or drive, when it’s light and you are sure your brakelights work, to a parkingplace where you can see the back side of the Audi mirrored in a house or shop.
* test the main lights - just put your lights on and make sure the key is turned on (front main lights should be on as well, not only the city lights).
* test the brake lights (you need 2 people or a mirror for this)
* test the reverse light, both should light up (you need 2 people or a mirror for this)
* test the foglight
* test the indicators
If all works… change the other set and see how much quicker you’re able to do it :)
Adjust the lid underneath, it might need a few pushing on the plastic.
So, here is the before and after picture: Hope you like it! Any comments welcome; see <- "About Me"
Before (left/top) and After (right/bottom):
