Well, found a set of used, great condition S5 tails from a junk yard. For both Left and Right and the center license plate section i paid a mere 45$

One light is cracked near the outer edge (near turn signal) and the crack is not even noticeable.

However, i now have a problem. I am getting a very bad exhaust smell in the cabin. I've checked all the gaskets (i reused my old S4 tail-light gaskets) it doesnt seem like there's a leak somewhere.

I fear that if i drive long distances i'm gunna pass out from fumes!

Any idea's about where the leak is coming from? Maybe the provision i had to make to my body (bend the tabs slightly for reverse lamp clearance) maybe it's leaking there?

-Markus Reschny
www.mazsport.net

 

Bump? Not sure about this one guys. Check the seal(s), seemed ok

-Markus Reschny

 

sounds liek you may have jus developed an exhuast leak from somewhere under the car. Possibly an area that is leaking in through the shifter. I dunno really.

 

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. I doubt a slightly leaky taillight gasket will let in enough exhaust gas to smell, especially while the car is moving.

 

you would be surprised....

get some extra foam trim for the light gaskets

 

hahaha. yeah... you mite jus want to make sure. ^_^

 

If you don't drive with the windows/sunroof open, the tail lights shouldnt allow air in. At least not noticably, but it does get worse if you have, say, a window open.

 

heres a test, take a hose and spray all around the light, then look to see if water leaked in. If it didnt, you most likely dont have a leak.

 

just grab some insulation and stuff it in around the tail lights..

 

I doubt that a taillight gasket would let that much exhaust fumes in. But I would insulate around there anyway just to be sure, insulations cheap. Otherwise you prolly developed an exhaust leak. Do you have a stock exhaust setup?

 

fixed the problem. I didnt install the gasket correctly on one of the taillights, it was bundled up slightly.. Man, amazing alittle gap like that can cause an exhaust leak into the cabin.

Thanks for the suggestions guys,

-Markus Reschny