Fits: 2019-2026 BMW 3 Series G20 / G28 / G80 M3.
Required Tools
- Trim removal tool / flathead screwdriver
- 8mm socket ratchet
Step 1: Remove the Trunk Lid Liner Clips
Open the trunk. Use a trim removal tool to pry out the 10 plastic clips securing the trunk lid liner.
Step 2: Remove the Trunk Hinge Arm Covers
Unclip and remove the plastic covers on both trunk hinge arms to fully release the liner.
Step 3: Remove the Inner Tail Light Side Trim
Pull off the black plastic trim piece at the edge of the inner tail light, near the license plate area, by hand.
Step 4: Remove the OEM Inner Tail Light
Use an 8mm socket ratchet to remove the single nut securing the inner tail light. Disconnect the power plug and remove the OEM light.
Step 5: Install the New Inner Light and Choose the Turn Signal Mode
Connect the new tail light plug. There is a separate switch plug on the harness: plug it in for sequential turn signals, or leave it unplugged for standard flashing.
Step 6: Reach the Outer Tail Light
Inside the trunk, remove the plastic clips securing the side carpet and peel back the liner to reach the rear of the outer tail light.
Step 7: Remove the Water Gutter Trim
Pull up the rubber / plastic water gutter trim above the outer tail light to reveal the hidden mounting nut.
Step 8: Remove the Outer Tail Light Nuts
Use an 8mm socket ratchet to remove the three nuts securing the outer tail light: two on the side and one under the trim removed in Step 7.
Step 9: Replace the Outer Tail Light
Pull the old outer tail light straight back and disconnect the plug. Connect the new light, push it into position, and secure it with the nuts.
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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