Again, I am not bashing VW about this design, but I am bashing the design choice in general. I simply don't think that it is a good idea to seal off access to something that may need to be serviced. It doesn't matter if the the lighting type is LED vs. Bulbs vs. Alien technology yet discovered (unless it is indefinite and free from earthly manufacturing).
Yes, in this case, the housing is cracked. However, if the housing was accessible from the beginning, it probably could be simply replaced in and out.
Yes, the LED panel shouldn't need to be serviced. A manufacturer spec sheet says that it should last 1000000 years, probably. What if it doesn't? There is an estimated failure rate on any product, so this LED panel is not immune. That means that there is a realistic chance that a number of LED panels will fail in any batch that is manufactured. That means there will be more, and this elaborate replacement process will be heard of again.
Also, since this 3rd brake light is a legal requirement where I live, what if I was driving around waiting for a new spoiler to arrive from Germany, and I get rear-ended before I can get it fixed? Would VW be liable? What if I get pulled over by a cop while it is burned out/broken? Time can be of the essence, and a fix like this should take seconds, not weeks.That is an extreme example, but it is something that comes to mind when discussing whether or not this design makes sense.
Anyway, I am bored waiting for my next meeting to start, so I figured I would ramble for awhile.
