2012 Mini Cooper S R56 Rear Tail Light Fix - Bulbs Not Working

This is how I fixed the rear tail lights on my 2012 Mini Cooper S R56. I was getting an error indication light and chime in the car notifying me of the problem. The brake lights were not working and the bulb housing was difficult to remove. The Mini dealer told me the inside of the light had melted and needed to be replaced at $200 per tail light ($400 total).
You can do it yourself with a screwdriver, TORX T20 bit, some pliers, sandpaper, razor blade, and a little patience. All done, taking my time, in under an hour.
NOTE: There are some plastic tabs on the top and bottom of the taillight housing that make it difficult to remove the light from the car. Open the trunk, reach inside the side access panels and you can move the tabs to let the light out.