A short time back I posted a question asking if there is a path to route wire from the trunk thru the C-Pillar into the headliner. I was planning to install a third brake light and was hoping to route the wire through the C-Pillars.
A discussion ensued as to whether it was proper to install a third brake light on a vintage BMW. Proper or not, if you drive your car among less defensive drivers I think it’s a good idea, after all they’ve been required for 25 years.
There is indeed a path to chase the wire through the C-Pillar up into the headliner. At the rear of the headliner there is a space between the roof and the headliner to route the wire. I’ve provided a picture of the left rear fender showing a hole, it’s hard to see but you can feel it. You can send a wire snake from this hole, through the C-Pillar up into the roof. You can then use a piece of semi rigid wire to grab the snake and attach the power and ground wires and pull them into the trunk. I removed the left inner fender cover and hid the wire under the cover. My car does not have a sunroof, I’m not sure if sunroof cars have the headliner vent. The light I used is made by Sea Sense it's 6" long and has 12 led’s. The light is clear until powered and then becomes bright red. it's very discreet until you press the brake. This is available on Amazon for around $12.00; the part number is SeaSense #50023783 you can also buy one that’s 8" long. Have a look at the pictures and see what you think.
A discussion ensued as to whether it was proper to install a third brake light on a vintage BMW. Proper or not, if you drive your car among less defensive drivers I think it’s a good idea, after all they’ve been required for 25 years.
There is indeed a path to chase the wire through the C-Pillar up into the headliner. At the rear of the headliner there is a space between the roof and the headliner to route the wire. I’ve provided a picture of the left rear fender showing a hole, it’s hard to see but you can feel it. You can send a wire snake from this hole, through the C-Pillar up into the roof. You can then use a piece of semi rigid wire to grab the snake and attach the power and ground wires and pull them into the trunk. I removed the left inner fender cover and hid the wire under the cover. My car does not have a sunroof, I’m not sure if sunroof cars have the headliner vent. The light I used is made by Sea Sense it's 6" long and has 12 led’s. The light is clear until powered and then becomes bright red. it's very discreet until you press the brake. This is available on Amazon for around $12.00; the part number is SeaSense #50023783 you can also buy one that’s 8" long. Have a look at the pictures and see what you think.
