Anyone have RCR sedan tail lights?

[Newjack]

It looks like my Eagle Eye LED tails have once again shit the bed. The drivers side tail light keeps giving me a rocket booster intermittently. So sometimes I have a working brake light and turn signal, other times I don't. I'm actually on my second pair of eagle eyes, my first set had dead LED's on the drivers side right outside of the year warranty period. Bought a new pair in 2013 and now the drivers side has failed again, so the fresh passenger side tail does me no good.

Is anyone running red/clear/red tails on their sedan? Did you go with DEPO or OEM? The DEPO brand are tempting because they are only $120 from Khoalty, whereas the OEM ones I've found are from Turner for about $300.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1140-rear-taillights-set-euro-clear-e46-sedan-2002-05/

Is there a cheaper place to find them?

Also I know some people run these with LED bulbs which is something I want to do if I go this route. I would need coding to avoid the rocket boosters coming on right?

Anyone have pics? Just thinking out loud here.

[Johnmadd]

I have the depo ones. You have seen them. I haven't had any problems and fitment is 100 imo.

[derbo]

I love my OE ones on my old car. Hella makes the OEM models you see on TMS.

You can even scour the UK ebay sites to find some nice deals.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-BMW-E46-Sedan-Saloon-EURO-TAIL-LIGHTS-front-Indicators-SET-CLEAR-Turn-Signal-/263342173014?vxp=mtr

[az3579]

I use OE RCR's with a full complement of LED bulbs. As long as you use CANBUS bulbs, you will not get hyperflash or bulb-out errors (rocket boosters). Assuming CANBUS bulbs, all you will have to do is code out the cold and hot bulb checks so they don't flicker at startup and while driving.

[Newjack]

I have the depo ones. You have seen them. I haven't had any problems and fitment is 100 imo.

Yeah I have seen yours, and they looked OEM. The one gripe I had with my eagle eyes is the part of plastic that hugs the trunk area. On the eagle eyes this part is exposed and you can see wiring and stuff from the inside. I had to install some weather stripping on it to make sure water didn't get in. My OEM R/A/R tails had a nice smooth piece of plastic that blended the trunk lid and didn't expose anything. Do the DEPO brand headlights have this too? I'll look for a picture.


I love my OE ones on my old car. Hella makes the OEM models you see on TMS.

You can even scour the UK ebay sites to find some nice deals.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-BMW-E46-Sedan-Saloon-EURO-TAIL-LIGHTS-front-Indicators-SET-CLEAR-Turn-Signal-/263342173014?vxp=mtr

I might just shell out the cash and get OEM RCR tails. It's a lot of money I wasn't planning on spending but if I ever sell the car it might be nicer to have OEM stuff on it instead of aftermarket. I'd feel more comfortable buying a car from an owner who always went the OEM route.



I use OE RCR's with a full complement of LED bulbs. As long as you use CANBUS bulbs, you will not get hyperflash or bulb-out errors (rocket boosters). Assuming CANBUS bulbs, all you will have to do is code out the cold and hot bulb checks so they don't flicker at startup and while driving.

Can you link me which CANBUS bulbs you purchased? I want to get the exact same ones to avoid issues. Are they bright enough? Brighter than regular bulbs?

Also if I don't get the car coded, will the bulbs just flicker non stop while the lights are on?

[az3579]

Can you link me which CANBUS bulbs you purchased? I want to get the exact same ones to avoid issues. Are they bright enough? Brighter than regular bulbs?

Also if I don't get the car coded, will the bulbs just flicker non stop while the lights are on?

I can't link you to the exact ones I purchased as I don't have that seller's information anymore. This was a few years ago, so the listings dropped from my eBay list. I can, however, link you to ones from other sellers that look like the same ones.

These all come in pairs, so Qty 1 = 2 bulbs.
Note: These bulbs will most likely interfere with your FM Radio signal. When they are illuminated, they introduce static for some odd reason. If the turn signals are on, you'll hear static interrupt your FM broadcast as they blink. There is no static if you don't use the FM radio at all, and doesn't affect other radio operations.

Brake lights - Red CREE 1156 CANBUS
If you plan on only using these for brake lights, then you only need Qty 1. If you plan on using these for running lights as well, then you'll need Qty 4.
Note: I do not recommend using these as running lights (the bottom row of bulbs) because they run significantly brighter than incandescent bulbs in their "half illuminated" state and can be pretty uncomfortable for others to look at when it's dark out. In my setup, all of my bottom-row bulbs are incandescents, while the turns and brake lights are LEDs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Canbus-25W-210-Lumem-LED-CREE-XP-E-High-Power-1156-5008-Tail-Light-Bulb-Lamp/231134019756?hash=item35d0a940ac:g:H0YAAOSwh6xTrly X&vxp=mtr

Turn signals - Amber CREE 1156 CANBUS
You'll need either Qty 1 if you only want to use these in the rear, or Qty 2 if you wish to use them front and rear. I recommend doing front and rear so that you have matching pairs. Plus it looks so cool from the front. :)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Canbus-1156-7506-Amber-25W-CREE-LED-Projector-Lens-Rear-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb/171383888424?hash=item27e7469a28:g:4TkAAOSwDk5TwCS Z&vxp=mtr

To top it off, you may be interested in white bulbs for the reverse lights. Qty 1 needed.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-1156-7506-Canbus-White-25W-High-Power-Cree-LED-for-Reverse-Backup-lights/290938933479?epid=1589673567&hash=item43bd4fd0e7:g:gSIAAOSwxCxT229d&vxp=mtr

As far as brightness goes, these are brighter than stock incandescents, and are highly visible even during direct sunlight.
Regarding flicker, the flicker only happens periodically as the CANBUS system checks for bulb health, so they don't flicker constantly, just every few minutes. With the hot and cold bulb checks disabled, they don't flicker at all.

[Newjack]

I can't link you to the exact ones I purchased as I don't have that seller's information anymore. This was a few years ago, so the listings dropped from my eBay list. I can, however, link you to ones from other sellers that look like the same ones.

These all come in pairs, so Qty 1 = 2 bulbs.
Note: These bulbs will most likely interfere with your FM Radio signal. When they are illuminated, they introduce static for some odd reason. If the turn signals are on, you'll hear static interrupt your FM broadcast as they blink. There is no static if you don't use the FM radio at all, and doesn't affect other radio operations.

Brake lights - Red CREE 1156 CANBUS
If you plan on only using these for brake lights, then you only need Qty 1. If you plan on using these for running lights as well, then you'll need Qty 4.
Note: I do not recommend using these as running lights (the bottom row of bulbs) because they run significantly brighter than incandescent bulbs in their "half illuminated" state and can be pretty uncomfortable for others to look at when it's dark out. In my setup, all of my bottom-row bulbs are incandescents, while the turns and brake lights are LEDs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Canbus-25W-210-Lumem-LED-CREE-XP-E-High-Power-1156-5008-Tail-Light-Bulb-Lamp/231134019756?hash=item35d0a940ac:g:H0YAAOSwh6xTrly X&vxp=mtr

Turn signals - Amber CREE 1156 CANBUS
You'll need either Qty 1 if you only want to use these in the rear, or Qty 2 if you wish to use them front and rear. I recommend doing front and rear so that you have matching pairs. Plus it looks so cool from the front. :)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Canbus-1156-7506-Amber-25W-CREE-LED-Projector-Lens-Rear-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb/171383888424?hash=item27e7469a28:g:4TkAAOSwDk5TwCS Z&vxp=mtr

To top it off, you may be interested in white bulbs for the reverse lights. Qty 1 needed.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-1156-7506-Canbus-White-25W-High-Power-Cree-LED-for-Reverse-Backup-lights/290938933479?epid=1589673567&hash=item43bd4fd0e7:g:gSIAAOSwxCxT229d&vxp=mtr

As far as brightness goes, these are brighter than stock incandescents, and are highly visible even during direct sunlight.
Regarding flicker, the flicker only happens periodically as the CANBUS system checks for bulb health, so they don't flicker constantly, just every few minutes. With the hot and cold bulb checks disabled, they don't flicker at all.

Thanks for the reply Botond.

How bad is the static? I use my radio all the time so the fact that these bulbs interfere with the radio blows my mind.

I might use the LED bulbs in the lower half as well as the brake lights. My eagle eyes are pretty bright and I like that.

What about the inner tails? Since you run incandescents I'm guessing you didn't need LED's? If I ran LED's on the bottom lights I would need LED's in the inner tails to keep things uniform?

[704sw]

Rob, I have nothing to add since I have a coupe. But I want to point out RCRs will look killer on your car.

[holyc0w]

How bad is the static? I use my radio all the time so the fact that these bulbs interfere with the radio blows my mind.


You might have to try them out to see if it's acceptable for you. It's not noticeable if the station has a strong signal, but I've had issues on a few stations. I tried and am currently using some other bulbs, which seem to be slightly less static-y. It could be just placebo.

Also, I still have an issue with the hot and cold checks even though they're coded off. This seems to be an isolated issue just for me. I'll try different different bulbs first before bothering to look at it in more detail.

[az3579]

Thanks for the reply Botond.

How bad is the static? I use my radio all the time so the fact that these bulbs interfere with the radio blows my mind.


You might have to try them out to see if it's acceptable for you. It's not noticeable if the station has a strong signal, but I've had issues on a few stations. I tried and am currently using some other bulbs, which seem to be slightly less static-y. It could be just placebo.

I should clarify. The static is more of an issue when you have a weak radio signal. There are times where I have a very strong signal and I won't hear static at all when the lights are activated. It really depends on your scenario. It's probably safe to say that the static issue is only aggravated by a weak signal.



I might use the LED bulbs in the lower half as well as the brake lights. My eagle eyes are pretty bright and I like that.

It's a little hard to explain, but I'll try my best.
Have you ever seen various cars on the road with really cheap looking LED tail lights (aftermarket)? These are the lights that are are at almost full brightness when in just parking light mode, and when the brake is applied, it doesn't get much brighter. That's what it looks like when you run these LEDs as running lights in our cars. There may be some PWM settings to fix that, but I haven't figured it out.

Also remember that people behind you are likely to get annoyed. It's the equivalent of driving in front of someone who has their high beams stuck on - they're that bright. It's like the bulbs don't know how to handle being at half brightness and say "eff it, I'm going HAM". I don't think the Eagle Eyes are that bright when acting in parking light mode.




What about the inner tails? Since you run incandescents I'm guessing you didn't need LED's? If I ran LED's on the bottom lights I would need LED's in the inner tails to keep things uniform?

If you ran LEDs as running lights, you'd need the trunk lights as well, which is why I recommended 4 pairs. It doesn't look right if you mix and match the incandescent running lights due to the extreme brightness differences in how the LEDs handle "parking light mode".



I'll install my extra LED bulbs and I'll take a pic to show you the difference between the incandescents and LEDs as parking lights.

[Newjack]

Rob, I have nothing to add since I have a coupe. But I want to point out RCRs will look killer on your car.

Duly noted. It's definitely the cleaner look and the more I look at it the more I like it.


You might have to try them out to see if it's acceptable for you. It's not noticeable if the station has a strong signal, but I've had issues on a few stations. I tried and am currently using some other bulbs, which seem to be slightly less static-y. It could be just placebo.

Also, I still have an issue with the hot and cold checks even though they're coded off. This seems to be an isolated issue just for me. I'll try different different bulbs first before bothering to look at it in more detail.

That's interesting about the hot and cold checks. I remember when Botond had his DEPO LED tails and when he started the car they flickered on at first. Pretty cool.

What bulbs are you running? Are they as bright?


I should clarify. The static is more of an issue when you have a weak radio signal. There are times where I have a very strong signal and I won't hear static at all when the lights are activated. It really depends on your scenario. It's probably safe to say that the static issue is only aggravated by a weak signal.



It's a little hard to explain, but I'll try my best.
Have you ever seen various cars on the road with really cheap looking LED tail lights (aftermarket)? These are the lights that are are at almost full brightness when in just parking light mode, and when the brake is applied, it doesn't get much brighter. That's what it looks like when you run these LEDs as running lights in our cars. There may be some PWM settings to fix that, but I haven't figured it out.

Also remember that people behind you are likely to get annoyed. It's the equivalent of driving in front of someone who has their high beams stuck on - they're that bright. It's like the bulbs don't know how to handle being at half brightness and say "eff it, I'm going HAM". I don't think the Eagle Eyes are that bright when acting in parking light mode.




If you ran LEDs as running lights, you'd need the trunk lights as well, which is why I recommended 4 pairs. It doesn't look right if you mix and match the incandescent running lights due to the extreme brightness differences in how the LEDs handle "parking light mode".



I'll install my extra LED bulbs and I'll take a pic to show you the difference between the incandescents and LEDs as parking lights.

I would love to see a video comparison between the two bulb types. Honestly, I want them bright. I want people to not run into my car. Maybe I'll try it with regular bulbs first and then switch to LED's if I like the way they look.

Dude I wished you lived closer so I could get some coding stuff done. Time was so short at the mafia meet I didn't get time to look at my inner tail light issue. I also plan to retrofit some Bi-Xenons into my car and do away with halogens and would need my LCM coded for that. I'll probably have to buy a new one and ship it to someone to have it coded because I can't ship mine out and not have headlights for a week or so.

[az3579]

I just took some pictures to help show the difference.



Incandescent running lights only:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4566/24878022988_ffa70a360f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DUonuQ)IMG_20171130_160731 (https://flic.kr/p/DUonuQ) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Incandescent running lights with LED brake lights:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4545/38719715212_2a1c82bf63_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21ZwEmL)IMG_20171130_160846 (https://flic.kr/p/21ZwEmL) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



LED running lights on the left, incandescent running lights on the right (left trunk light was swapped but caught it on the odd refresh rate so it doesn't show properly in the pic):

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4520/24878011798_43438073a7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DUojaU)IMG_20171130_161048 (https://flic.kr/p/DUojaU) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



LED brake lights on both sides, left has LED running lights and right has incandescent running lights:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4584/24878011028_10ca9c8404_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DUoiWC)IMG_20171130_161122 (https://flic.kr/p/DUoiWC) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr


As you can see from the last pic, the running light is almost as bright as the brake on application.

[Newjack]

I love my OE ones on my old car. Hella makes the OEM models you see on TMS.

You can even scour the UK ebay sites to find some nice deals.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-BMW-E46-Sedan-Saloon-EURO-TAIL-LIGHTS-front-Indicators-SET-CLEAR-Turn-Signal-/263342173014?vxp=mtr

I checked realoem to find the part number, but for some reason that site only shows the coupe red/clear tail light and doesn't show the RCR. Turner says OEM is ULO brand. Maybe they don't sell Hella anymore?

[az3579]

I checked realoem to find the part number, but for some reason that site only shows the coupe red/clear tail light and doesn't show the RCR. Turner says OEM is ULO brand. Maybe they don't sell Hella anymore?


I'm pretty sure ULO is an OEM supplier, so it should be the same as Genuine BMW. I don't think Hella made our tail lights, though not sure.

[Newjack]

I just took some pictures to help show the difference.



Incandescent running lights only:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4566/24878022988_ffa70a360f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DUonuQ)IMG_20171130_160731 (https://flic.kr/p/DUonuQ) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Incandescent running lights with LED brake lights:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4545/38719715212_2a1c82bf63_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21ZwEmL)IMG_20171130_160846 (https://flic.kr/p/21ZwEmL) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



LED running lights on the left, incandescent running lights on the right (left trunk light was swapped but caught it on the odd refresh rate so it doesn't show properly in the pic):

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4520/24878011798_43438073a7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DUojaU)IMG_20171130_161048 (https://flic.kr/p/DUojaU) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



LED brake lights on both sides, left has LED running lights and right has incandescent running lights:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4584/24878011028_10ca9c8404_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DUoiWC)IMG_20171130_161122 (https://flic.kr/p/DUoiWC) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr


As you can see from the last pic, the running light is almost as bright as the brake on application.

Thanks for the pictures that was very helpful.

Yeah I agree with you, the LED bulbs in the bottom of the tail light look way too bright in running mode.

Remind me again, when you press the brake pedal, do the bottom bulbs of the tail light get brighter? In your picture they look the same with the brake applied and running.

[holyc0w]

What bulbs are you running? Are they as bright?


Currently on these:
https://hidkitpros.com/shop/1156-ba15s-30w-cree/
Though I believe the performance is very very similar to the ones BP linked. Price premium is not really worth it. I can't say the difference (if any) was significant enough.

I also tried these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MCZE292/
These seemed to be slightly dimmer, though barely.

There was a cheap set I also bought on alibaba. There was no static (yay), but when the brakes were on the light was just as dim as the incandescent running lights.

I spent a bit too much time and money trying to find the perfect set. The good thing is since I only did the brake lights, if I don't hit the brakes I won't get any static.

[az3579]

By the way, I found these really cheap on the site I used to buy replacement fender and bumper parts for the GLI:

http://www.carparts.com/details/BMW/330i/Replacement/Tail_Light/2004/Base/6_Cyl_3-dot-0L/B730114.html
http://www.carparts.com/details/BMW/330i/Replacement/Tail_Light/2004/Base/6_Cyl_3-dot-0L/B730113.html

$78 for each outer tail, $69 for both inner lights

http://www.carparts.com/details/BMW/330i/Replacement/Tail_Light/2004/Base/6_Cyl_3-dot-0L/SET-B730109.html


The Depos are a decent bit cheaper, which leads to believe that these may be a more premium brand. Unfortunately it doesn't say the brand.

[holyc0w]

Here's 2 mediocre pictures I had from when I was trying out some bulbs in the daylight.

This is the nslumo
31505

And this is the not so effective brake light bulb
31503

[Newjack]

By the way, I found these really cheap on the site I used to buy replacement fender and bumper parts for the GLI:

http://www.carparts.com/details/BMW/330i/Replacement/Tail_Light/2004/Base/6_Cyl_3-dot-0L/B730114.html
http://www.carparts.com/details/BMW/330i/Replacement/Tail_Light/2004/Base/6_Cyl_3-dot-0L/B730113.html

$78 for each outer tail, $69 for both inner lights

http://www.carparts.com/details/BMW/330i/Replacement/Tail_Light/2004/Base/6_Cyl_3-dot-0L/SET-B730109.html


The Depos are a decent bit cheaper, which leads to believe that these may be a more premium brand. Unfortunately it doesn't say the brand.Thanks Botond, I think I'm gonna go with the pair from Turner which is only $6 more than what you linked. Good to know whats out there.

@holycow

Yeah I definitely l definitely like the other LEDs better. With the second picture it's pretty much the same as the regular bulb.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Thanks Botond, I think I'm gonna go with the pair from Turner which is only $6 more than what you linked. Good to know whats out there.


$6 more? Turner's rear-only kit is $299 while what I linked is $225. Am I missing something?

[Newjack]

$6 more? Turner's rear-only kit is $299 while what I linked is $225. Am I missing something?"$69 for both inner lights."

It probably helps if I read huh?

They are the same right? ULO?

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[az3579]

They are the same right? ULO?


Don't know - it doesn't say what brand it is.

[derbo]

I'm pretty sure ULO is an OEM supplier, so it should be the same as Genuine BMW. I don't think Hella made our tail lights, though not sure.
Yea, that makes sense. I must've remember their description on the 8 piece saying Hella but when I re-check it says Hella, ULO, etc.


Rob,

You will be fine with ULO. :)

[Newjack]

Yea, that makes sense. I must've remember their description on the 8 piece saying Hella but when I re-check it says Hella, ULO, etc.


Rob,

You will be fine with ULO. :)

Made the purchase from Turner yesterday and grabbed 6 LED's from eBay from Botons link. Stoked to get these on!

[az3579]

Hope you like the new look. :thumbsup

[derbo]

Made the purchase from Turner yesterday and grabbed 6 LED's from eBay from Botons link. Stoked to get these on!


I still love ambers but I really like the clears as well. Feels very Euro-ey. LOL

https://i.imgur.com/HB7sXCah.jpg

[Overboost]

I got mine from Depo. Not disappointed and the look is much cleaner.31532

[DARXIDE]

Break break or should I say brake brake.... anywhoo,

I may have missed it in my searches here, but I am looking for COUPE LED tails assistance! Any options besides Depo (known ugly inner) and craigslist oem(almost unicorn status)? Harness/pin workaround? Perhaps a lead on cheaper OEM? Forgive me if this has covered somewhere...
For those who are in my situ, I wrote to Eagle Eye regarding '04+ ZHP Coupe LED tails replacement and below is the response:

"Hello,
Eagle Eye taillights will not work on your car. All of the Eagle Eye brands only work on cars that had halogen from the factory. The cars that you have all came with the leds from the factory.

The model numbers:
BM103 - coupe
BM107 / BM102 - sedan
BM121 - convertible
BUDE4 - smoked
BURE4 - clear

The only tails that would work is the DEPO tails as they have the correct pins for your car. The only thing is depo tails doesn't have oem like or pretty interior covers inside the trunk, it is just bare wires with a bulb on it."

Thanks in advance for setting me straight :)

[Newjack]

Break break or should I say brake brake.... anywhoo,

I may have missed it in my searches here, but I am looking for COUPE LED tails assistance! Any options besides Depo (known ugly inner) and craigslist oem(almost unicorn status)? Harness/pin workaround? Perhaps a lead on cheaper OEM? Forgive me if this has covered somewhere...
For those who are in my situ, I wrote to Eagle Eye regarding '04+ ZHP Coupe LED tails replacement and below is the response:

"Hello,
Eagle Eye taillights will not work on your car. All of the Eagle Eye brands only work on cars that had halogen from the factory. The cars that you have all came with the leds from the factory.

The model numbers:
BM103 - coupe
BM107 / BM102 - sedan
BM121 - convertible
BUDE4 - smoked
BURE4 - clear

The only tails that would work is the DEPO tails as they have the correct pins for your car. The only thing is depo tails doesn't have oem like or pretty interior covers inside the trunk, it is just bare wires with a bulb on it."

Thanks in advance for setting me straight :)

Did your car not come with LED tails? Or did one go bad and you are replacing them?

I would imagine someone here has gotten the Eagle Eye LED tails to work in a coupe. Honestly, I would still go the OEM route because the quality is so much higher than Eagle Eye. They cost more yes, but they have the outer LED bands that the Eagle Eyes don't. I would have gone OEM but BMW didn't make the LED tails for sedans.

[BMWCurves]

I replaced one of my taillights from a part out car. Plug and Play.

[DARXIDE]

Did your car not come with LED tails? Or did one go bad and you are replacing them?

I would imagine someone here has gotten the Eagle Eye LED tails to work in a coupe. Honestly, I would still go the OEM route because the quality is so much higher than Eagle Eye. They cost more yes, but they have the outer LED bands that the Eagle Eyes don't. I would have gone OEM but BMW didn't make the LED tails for sedans.

I'm thinking you're right about someone fitting EE tails to LCI coupe. I also like the idea of smoked clears for my silbergrau car, but I'll choose quality oem over that.
I replaced one of my taillights from a part out car. Plug and Play.Just trying to locate a part out car and a decent price on the tails. Are the harness bits from an M the same as LCI ZHP? Anyone....?

Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk

[Newjack]

I'm thinking you're right about someone fitting EE tails to LCI coupe. I also like the idea of smoked clears for my silbergrau car, but I'll choose quality oem over that. Just trying to locate a part out car and a decent price on the tails. Are the harness bits from an M the same as LCI ZHP? Anyone....?

Sent from my SM-T813 using TapatalkCheck that tail light part number on realoem for a coupe and the m3 and see if they match

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Just trying to locate a part out car and a decent price on the tails. Are the harness bits from an M the same as LCI ZHP? Anyone....?

Look over at E46Fanatics in the exterior part outs section of the classifieds, or check/call local junkyards.


Check that tail light part number on realoem for a coupe and the m3 and see if they match

Just did, both my car and a randomly selected 07/2005 BMW M3 have the same tail light part numbers:

63216920699 - Left
63216920700 - Right

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BL93-USA-07-2005-E46-BMW-M3&diagId=63_0555

[Newjack]

Look over at E46Fanatics in the exterior part outs section of the classifieds, or check/call local junkyards.



Just did, both my car and a randomly selected 07/2005 BMW M3 have the same tail light part numbers:

63216920699 - Left
63216920700 - Right

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BL93-USA-07-2005-E46-BMW-M3&diagId=63_0555Right on :thumbsup

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[DARXIDE]

Look over at E46Fanatics in the exterior part outs section of the classifieds, or check/call local junkyards.



Just did, both my car and a randomly selected 07/2005 BMW M3 have the same tail light part numbers:

63216920699 - Left
63216920700 - Right

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BL93-USA-07-2005-E46-BMW-M3&diagId=63_0555Excellent! Many thanks. You may see we're on the news over here in California. best to have lighting all working in the thick smoke!

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[spoonerDee]

Have had Depot's on my car for aboot 5 years if not longer. Tight fit, no moisture and they look just as good as the day I bought them.

[GreatFrog]

WARNING!! Epic fail of ULO OEM product!! Last December, I spent the proper money, bought the ULO OEM set of tail lights from TMS. When I finally got time to put them on, here is what I got:

32044

32043

The upper edge is rubbing against the trunk recess and at the bottom there is a HUGE gap between the lens edge and the trunk frame. This is totally unacceptable for OEM products! I bet DEPO / TYC have much better fitment in this regard. Took a close look at the top edge and bottom edge, here is what I found:

[Front View]
32046

32045

[Back View]
32048

32047

It turns out the outer lens was not glued onto the housing properly. It was shifted up a few millimeters relative to the housing. That few mm's make BIG difference on the car. I am even scared to put it on my car because I am worried the rubbing at the top will eventually scrape paint off my trunk.

Suspecting a bad copy, I ordered another set from TMS, still the same thing. All other lights are good though. It makes me think, the alignment of their assembly line must be off for some reason. And when I checked the production date of these two sets, their production date/time are literally within 3 minutes:

Set #1:
-----------
12:20:46
13.07.12

Set #2:
-----------
12:23:50
13.07.12


Did anyone bought ULO tail lights and ran into the same problem? If your set is all good, could you post your production date here? I hope they have corrected the problem ever since, otherwise we are pretty stuck with aftermarket parts? I guess Genuine BMW parts will be the same but I will try them out as the last resort.

[az3579]

How did you get production times and dates??? The search skills are strong with this one! [emoji23]

Did they actually stamp it on the product?

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[GreatFrog]

How did you get production times and dates??? The search skills are strong with this one! [emoji23]

Did they actually stamp it on the product?

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Yes, it is stamped on the bulb socket housing:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180225/d545860c22850e6a4140d3a4fab7ff6b.jpg



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