Just bought a 2010 -> License Plate Lights removed
 

Hey all,

Loving my new 2010 MS3. Couldn't move off this damn platform! Even though the MS6 is totaled...in my driveway :(

Anyways, I noticed my License plate lights weren't lit. Upon going to swap the bulbs, I noticed that the physical light lamps werent even put it place. Theyre just dangling loose inside the bumper I assume. To reach these and put them back in place (and throw in new bulbs), do I need to remove the entire back bumper? Or is there an easier location to accomplish this?

Thanks all!

Wonder if the car was hit in the rear, that's where mine disappeared.

Could be. If it was, there's no way I can tell. It doesn't look brand new, but the car as a whole has a very well maintained exterior to begin with...especially for 130k..

Sounds like it may have just been repaired well. Have you checked all body panel separation lines and are they all even?

What I would recommend you do is gain access to VIP status of the site and access the service manual and follow the instructions in the service manual. I think there is a separate bodyshop manual for the car too. I have it, but I have to dig it up.

Yall's theories aren't nearly exciting enough. No, the PO was actually a multinational bank robber. He needed a car that looked similar to an every day commuter but had enough power to outrun the inevitable police tail. He found that the jobs were easiest to pull off at night since there's far less foot-traffic therefore collateral damage. Removing the bulbs allowed him to escape unidentified from the scene at night, but still legally drive it whenever he felt like an afternoon drive. Sounds ingenious to me.

This right here is gold. PO was a genius and chalked this idea up.