'13 3rd brake light same as a '12?

[26point2]

Is the 3rd brake light on a '12 S4 the same as one on a '13?

Tint guy broke my 3rd brake light...actually he cracked it, I didn't know until I when I went to remove it to fix some imperfections in the tint the crack went end to end. I found a couple OEM ones on ebay (used ~$42), but they list they will fit '12...are they the same as a '13? Or does anyone know where I can buy a new one online?

Before you ask, the tint guy said the imperfections were within industry specs. In fact the whole back window is a disaster. Huge air gaps on the defrost lines...what looks like lint between the glass and tint. May just have it removed and redone.

Thanks,
Craig

[jlaudio]

are you looking at bubbles and air gaps within 1-2 days after having the tint done? if so thats normal and will close as the tint bonds with the window
removing the tint now you also risk ruining your rear defroster

[gboogie88]

I went through the same thing with my tint guy, but not as severe as yours. I went back to him and he wrapped the 3rd brake light casing with "carbon fiber" like vinyl. It's good for now but I may replace it down the road.

Your best bet is to ask the parts dept at the stealership.

As for your tint, there shouldn't be any bubbles unless there is dust stuck in between the glass and the tint. Not sure how cold it is in MD but I am planning to wait till the summer and see if the bubbles dissappear. Apparently the tint needs time to cure properly. Usually leaving the car out in the hot sun usually helps.

Try turning on your rear defrosters...that may help.

[26point2]

Sorry, should have mentioned...Tint has been on for almost 2 weeks.

Craig

[26point2]

Yea, just called the dealer...they have a light in stock, $84. I'll go pick it up this Saturday.

The past two weeks it's been between 40-70 degrees F during the day.

This same guy did my wife's A3 last January...zero issue w/that one.

The light is pretty much destroyed, one big chuck is missing out of the main panel.

[gboogie88]

That's brutal. You should forward him this link: http://www.diyaudi.com/Home/Entries/2011/5/14_Audi_A4_Third_Brake_Light_Removal_and_Install.h tml

As for tint removal, there are some DIYs that shows you how to do it without wrecking the rear defrosters. Looks like the best method is using a clothes steamer.




Yea, just called the dealer...they have a light in stock, $84. I'll go pick it up this Saturday.

The past two weeks it's been between 40-70 degrees F during the day.

This same guy did my wife's A3 last January...zero issue w/that one.

The light is pretty much destroyed, one big chuck is missing out of the main panel.

[26point2]

That's brutal. You should forward him this link: http://www.diyaudi.com/Home/Entries/2011/5/14_Audi_A4_Third_Brake_Light_Removal_and_Install.h tml

As for tint removal, there are some DIYs that shows you how to do it without wrecking the rear defrosters. Looks like the best method is using a clothes steamer.

That's the link I looked at earlier when I decided to take it off and fix the tint under it. I noticed the crack, figured I could still remove it in one piece...I was wrong. So now that I think about it, I'll have to take some blame here.

I'll give the defrost lines a few more weeks...but if I get it fixed I'll got to a different tint shop (we have quite a few in the area) and have it removed and replaced correctly. This past weekend I ran my finger along 6" of defrost line, the tint "molded" itself to the line much better and has stayed that way for a few days, so i'm pretty sure it's dry. Maybe I'll just try and press along all the lines to see if it cleans it up.

I'm going to pick up the new part tomorrow...figure the extra $40 for a new part is not too bad.

Thanks for everyones help,
Craig

[Patrick Bateman]

I dont get it. Your "tints"... (Sorry guys), on the rear glass did not lay down properly to the defrost grids? Ive had zero issues with mine.
What kind of tint? Is it a professional shop?

PB.

[LYKUNO]

That's brutal. You should forward him this link: http://www.diyaudi.com/Home/Entries/2011/5/14_Audi_A4_Third_Brake_Light_Removal_and_Install.h tml

Wish I had seen that link earlier when I tried to clean the glass behind my 3rd brake light recently. I documented my experience here:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/517588-Removing-3rd-Brake-Light-Cover

The extract from ELSAWIN that FiftyPence contributed to that thread was helpful for me ...

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/FiftyPenceR32/audis4brakelightremoval_zps8c7463b5.jpg

[NPuter]

I dont get it. Your "tints"... (Sorry guys), on the rear glass did not lay down properly to the defrost grids? Ive had zero issues with mine.
What kind of tint? Is it a professional shop?

PB.

Depends on the tint (thickness) + installer experience. I have ceramic tint, and I'm very happy with how it went down on the rear window. The only problem I had is my installer did not remove my 3rd brake light and rather cut the tint around it. I was initially annoyed and meant to have the window redone, but he did do an excellent job of cutting the tint...

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