Tail light confusion
 

So, I need to replace my tail lights. I ignored a bad seal for way too long and many of the bulbs are dead and there is a bit of rust caked on the inside of the lights. However, I'm having a hell of a time finding a full replacement for a 2011. The replacement from carparts.com show tail lights from a series I. CARiD has some nice looking replacements that look like series II lights, but they say that it's for 2004-2008. Can anybody shed some light on the disconnect?

Series 2 has a different rear bumper profile so it really is best to stay with originals.
Yes the Series 1's will fit (2004-2008) but you will have a large gap under the S1 lights and top of rear bumper face.

The OEM S2 are not cheap but still can be bought from US Mazda Dealers..
There are eBay (other) knockoffs which are somewhat cheap in make and design.

FF14-51-150G Right Rear Tail Lamp S2 Assembly (Mazda, with all new Globes and Seal)
FF14-51-160G Left Rear

This US Mazda Dealer will ship to you included in on-line price @ $585 EACH..
Mazda Parts - Discount factory (OEM) Mazda parts and accessories at Park Mazda OEM Parts
Mazda Parts - Discount factory (OEM) Mazda parts and accessories at Park Mazda OEM Parts

Or drop a PM (from forum here) to Paul at Mazmart, great guy and could do it cheaper for you, but might have to wait.

https://www.rx8club.com/attachments/...p-assy-rx8.jpg

Thanks for the info. Do you know why there are no aftermarket replacements for the S2 tail lights? It seems a shame they're so pricey.
I think I'll check out Mazmart. I like the way the black looks vice the chrome, especially against the black paint.

Is there a reason that all the diagrams show what looks like a S1 tail light? Even the link from Park Mazda shows the same diagram.

Mazda, or should I say Trademotion Inc which is not Mazda Japan sometimes use a generic diagram for the US Mazda Parts Dealers diagram.

The OEM part numbers I quoted are genuine Mazda parts, that is all I deal with (generally).
I will post a genuine Mazda EPC sketch for you on the S2 tail lamp assembly.

As I said there are a few eBay sold or China made knock off's (copies) which look similar but are actually quite different when viewed side by side, one has to replace BOTH sides as a set.

Genuine, you could also get Paul to look at the S2 Spirit R's Tail Lamps which have no chrome , but matt black, although never sold in the uS or Australia through Mazda Parts Dealers they are available from Japan Dealers and or Paul @ Mazmart, and for memory slightly cheaper too.

Here are the Mazda Part Numbers for Rear Spirit R Tail Lamps...
F190-51-150 RHR
F190-51-160 LHR

The Spirt R taillights are actually gloss black. Not matte black. The chrome rings around the lights have been painted in gloss black. Looks incredibly sexy and rare! If you're getting that, you'll have to get both to maintain uniformity.

Thanks everybody!

GREAT to see you have found a solution..

All the Best from...Australia!

Well, I haven't quite solved it. Spirit tail lights seem to be few and far between, and I'm not sure I feel like dropping $1000+ on tail lights right now. I could probably replace just the lights that are out, dry the whole thing out, and put a better seal on them. I have a feeling that there would still be some significant water staining though.
With that being said, everybody has been extremely helpful, and I really do appreciate it.

On another note, I've had this car since 2011 and still absolutely love getting in and driving her around.

I feel the same about dropping that much on tail lights but I too need a tsil lights replaced for my 2010. But I also need a rear bumper so is it possible to put a series 1 bumper on a series 2?