Trunk Lighting Aug 14, 2014 – Apr 29, 2023

Trunk illumination in the Z4 is pretty measly with a single small light tucked all the way on the right side. Put a couple of items in the trunk and the light is completely blocked, making a flashlight sometimes necessary. I got this idea from several on the ZPost Forum to improve the situation by adding a long LED strip to the top rim of the trunk.
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Trunk Lighting-001 I ordered this 100cm/39
5 I ordered this 100cm/39" adhesive-backed weatherproof LED strip from http://superbrightleds.com . I got the black finish with natural-white (4500K) LEDs:…
Trunk Lighting-004 We're going to wire the LED strip into the existing trunk light on the passenger side. To gain access, turn the latch counter-clockwise to remove the plastic...
6 We're going to wire the LED strip into the existing trunk light on the passenger side. To gain access, turn the latch counter-clockwise to remove the plastic…
Trunk Lighting-006 Using a trim tool, pop the plastic fastener holding down the trunk liner.
7 Using a trim tool, pop the plastic fastener holding down the trunk liner.
Trunk Lighting-007 Now you can peel back the trunk liner to access the rear of the trunk light. Notice that I had already replaced the bulb with an LED after installing a complete...
8 Now you can peel back the trunk liner to access the rear of the trunk light. Notice that I had already replaced the bulb with an LED after installing a complete…
Trunk Lighting-010 After disconnecting the cable from the trunk light, I peeled back the tape wrap enough to give me access to the individual wires. I then attached an 18-22 gauge...
9 After disconnecting the cable from the trunk light, I peeled back the tape wrap enough to give me access to the individual wires. I then attached an 18-22 gauge…
Trunk Lighting-011 I crimped a male 1/4
10 I crimped a male 1/4" 18-22 gauge quick disconnects to the LED strip pigtails.
Trunk Lighting-012 Next step was to test the wiring and that everything was working. The red/hot pigtail lead plugs into the t-tap on the red/yellow striped wire. The black/ground...
11 Next step was to test the wiring and that everything was working. The red/hot pigtail lead plugs into the t-tap on the red/yellow striped wire. The black/ground…
Trunk Lighting-013 Yep, both the trunk light and the LED strip are working!
12 Yep, both the trunk light and the LED strip are working!
Trunk Lighting-017 The 100cm LED strip is the perfect length to attach under the top rim of the trunk. I thoroughly cleaned the whole area first with rubbing alcohol. Then I...
13 The 100cm LED strip is the perfect length to attach under the top rim of the trunk. I thoroughly cleaned the whole area first with rubbing alcohol. Then I…
Trunk Lighting-020 The end result in daylight shows that the LED strip illuminates all areas of the trunk and that from a normal standing position the strip itself is not visible.
14 The end result in daylight shows that the LED strip illuminates all areas of the trunk and that from a normal standing position the strip itself is not visible.
Trunk Lighting-023 Net result showing improved trunk illumination at night
15 Net result showing improved trunk illumination at night