Does anyone know if the center/trunk tail light piece on our cars is the same for 96-99. I know the break lights are different, but I want to make sure that if I order one it's the right piece. Thanks guys!!

 

No, they are not exactly the same. They all may fit, but I know my 96 has a bit different look than the 98. Some one else will have to tell you the exact year that they changed, but I believe that 96-97 are different from 98-99. Or it's 96 then 97-99.
Either way, I don't think the different styles would look good together.

 

Yeah that's what I thought. I bid on this:

Ebay Link

But it doesnt look the same as the one on my car. Does it look like yours? I emailed the guy to see what year it came off of. Mine just leaks so damn bad and I have been looking for one. The dealer wants $350 for it. The leak is that bad

 

thats one from a 96-97. If you have a 98 or a 99 you need a different one. It changed for I30's manufactured after 09/97. If you just need the center piece it's called the "combination lamp" or I think some people call it the "oblique". What dealer is asking $350 for it? That seems waaaaaaay above list. You probably just need the lens and housing not the whole assembly anyhow. Notice how the lens in that picture kinda has a dark outline around it and a dark line that runs through the center, also pay attention to the letters for infiniti. If you're just lookin for a cheap fix, I'll trade ya both my taillights and the center piece for just your two good tails.

 

What has happened is that the lens has separated from the assembly. I tried to put it back together but the little plastic tabs that hold the lens to the backing are broken. I was going to glue but I could see it smearing out and all over the place. That's why I think I need the whole thing. The problem now is that the lense is sticking out in the center and the water is flowing through there. My backup lights then fill up with water and when I open my trunk it all drains into it. If anyone has had this problem and fixed it cheaper let me know please. It sucks having to wait for the water to drain with the drunk half way open so it doesnt create a damn pond in my trunk.