Fits: 2012-2018 BMW 3 Series F30 / F35 sedan.
Required Tools
- 10mm socket
- 8mm socket
- Ratchet / impact driver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver or trim tool
- Electrical tape / zip ties
Step 1: Remove the Trunk Liner Clips
Open the trunk. Use a Phillips screwdriver to gently unscrew the center of each plastic expansion clip securing the liner, then pull the clips out. Remove all of them to reach the inner tail lights.
Step 2: Remove the Inner Tail Light
Unplug the power connector from the inner tail light. Use a socket wrench to remove the single nut securing the light (usually 8mm or 10mm).
Step 3: Slide Out the Inner Light
From the outside, press the plastic tab on the side of the tail light and slide the assembly outward to remove it from the trunk lid.
Step 4: Remove the Drip Rail Cover
Move to the outer tail light on the body. Use a flathead screwdriver or pry tool to carefully remove the black plastic drip rail cover above the tail light.
Step 5: Remove the Outer Mounting Nuts
Use a 10mm socket to remove the two nuts securing the outer tail light.
Step 6: Pull Out the Outer Light
Grasp the tail light and pull it straight back to release it from the guide pins, then disconnect the power plug.
Step 7: Install the New Outer Light
Line up the guide pins of the new light with the holes in the body, connect the power harness, and push the light into place. Reinstall and tighten the two 10mm nuts.
Step 8: Install the Inner Light and Test
Slide the new inner light into the trunk lid slot, tighten the nut, and connect power. On pre-LCI models you may need to connect the included bridge harness for signal synchronization, routing the yellow wire through the trunk hinge rubber tube. Test all functions before finishing.
The standard version is now fully installed. The next section applies only to RGB models.
RGB Models: Star Light Running App Setup
1. Remote control pairing. The remote comes pre-paired with the lamps and switches to Red Light Driving Mode (static red, no flowing animation) with one press. If the remote does not work, press the brake pedal and hold the remote button for 10 seconds to pair it again.
2. Animation control. The app controls the running-light animations. The startup animation is preset and cannot be changed.
3. Download the app. Search for "Star Light Running" in the App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code on the controller box.
4. Bluetooth connection. Open the app, tap Add Device (Figure 2), open the interface (Figure 3), and select the nearby device.
5. Adjusting modes.
- Dynamic mode: the number in the center of the blue box shows the current mode. Tap + or - to switch effects, or AUTO to cycle through all of them.
- Static color: drag the color wheel in the green box, or tap a preset color. This stops any running animation.
- Brightness: drag the slider in the first row of the red box.
- Speed: drag the slider in the last row of the red box.
Tip: if you used the older "Light Running" app and have trouble connecting, use "Star Light Running", the upgraded version.
Only one side responds? The left and right lights sync through a signal wire. Check that the sync wire between them is plugged in securely.
Common Issues and Solutions
Tail light does not turn on after installation. Check that the harness connectors are fully seated. Inspect the pins inside each connector; if any are bent, carefully straighten them with a small precision tool and reconnect securely.
Swap test. If a tail light still does not work, swap the left and right units to find out whether the issue is the light itself or the vehicle wiring.
App cannot connect. Turn on Bluetooth and Location Services on your phone (Android needs Location for Bluetooth scanning). The vehicle's running lights (parking lights) must be on to power the Bluetooth module. Keep other strong signal sources away from the vehicle.
Condensation inside the tail light. Temperature differences can cause light condensation, which is normal. Once the light has been on for a while and the internal temperature stabilizes, the moisture clears on its own. It does not affect brightness, performance, or lifespan.
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