The rear lamp assemblies are not shared between MGF and MG TF. MGF and MG TF each have their own rear lamp assemblies, handed LH and RH, giving four distinct part numbers across the two models. Each assembly is a complete unit containing the tail light, brake light, rear indicator, rear fog, and reversing light compartments with their bulbs supplied fitted. A 7.5mm rear lamp-to-body gasket is catalogued as a single part (×2 per car), common between MGF and MG TF.
Retaining hardware is six nuts per lamp, catalogued individually. Ordering a replacement therefore requires knowing whether the car is MGF or MG TF, plus the side required.
Handed Bulb Holders and Inner Covers
The bulb holders within each rear lamp assembly are catalogued separately in handed LH and RH specifications, common between MGF and MG TF. Bulb holder corrosion from moisture ingress past a perished gasket is the classic rear lamp failure mode on these cars, the resulting symptoms range from single-bulb failure through to intermittent stop-lamp or indicator operation as corrosion affects the contact with the bulb base. The holder is usually a cheaper fix than a complete lamp replacement when the assembly itself is otherwise sound. Rear lamp inner covers are catalogued as a pair to protect the reflector interior from boot contents and from the dust that accumulates in the rear compartment.
The Five Rear-Position Bulbs
Five bulb types serve the rear lamps. GLB382 21W clear covers the brake light, reversing light, and rear fog light positions (three positions using the same bulb). GLB207 5W clear serves the tail light. XZQ100190 21W amber serves the rear indicator.
A burnt-out bulb of any type should be replaced in both sides simultaneously to keep the light levels matched, uneven-brightness rear lamps are an MOT concern. The 21W brake light bulb is the most frequently replaced, the filament fatigues faster than the tail light bulb due to the much higher peak current draw at each brake application.
High-Level Brake Lamp, Bulb on MGF, LED on MG TF
The centrally-mounted high-level brake lamp changed technology between MGF and MG TF. MGF cars use a bulb-type assembly (bulb catalogued separately for replacement), while MG TF cars use a LED-type assembly. The two units are not interchangeable: wiring, mounting, and lamp body all differ. MG TF LED units have an effectively unlimited service life and are not serviceable for internal parts, whereas MGF bulb-type units use a dedicated replaceable bulb that fatigues over time.
A finisher trim piece fits between the MGF high-level brake lamp and the bootlid, catalogued with its retaining Lokut nuts.
Retrofitting a High-Level Brake Lamp to Early Non-ABS MGFs
The earliest non-ABS MGFs did not have a high-level brake lamp from factory, a blanking plug was fitted in the bootlid where the lamp would otherwise sit. These cars can be retrofitted with the high-level brake lamp using one of two catalogued kits: a kit with the original black surround, or a kit with an anodised surround for a more modern appearance. Both kits include the complete lamp assembly and mounting hardware; the retrofit also requires a wiring kit (M119FK, available separately or as part of the complete retrofit package) to route the brake light signal up to the bootlid position. This retrofit is a worthwhile safety and MOT improvement for early non-ABS MGFs, aligning them with the specification of later MGF and all MG TF production.
Number Plate Lamps and Styling Upgrades
Two rear number plate lamps illuminate the registration plate, each using a 5W festoon bulb, both catalogued individually. Rear light styling kits are catalogued as aftermarket appearance upgrades: a clear-lens kit with chrome interior, and a black-lensed smoked-appearance kit. Both are complete with fitting instructions.