Taillight Upgrade (?)

zsx_m · 06-10-2009, 10:53 PM

Hey guys, I am one of the few, strange people who is weighing the '09 sedan versus the '08 with the tail lights being a large deciding factor.

What I'd like to know is whether or not the upgrade is possible. I know the opinions are pretty split on the new tail lights, and I've only been able to find one person that has attempted it on his 3-Series, but had to change the trunk!

I don't think I'd go that far, so just curious if it's a clean swap, thanks if you can help.

M3WC · 06-10-2009, 10:55 PM

You will need a new trunk, since the inner portion of the lights changed shape.

rbk1115 · 06-10-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetBlack5OC

You will need a new trunk, since the inner portion of the lights changed shape.

+1

smmmurf · 06-11-2009, 12:30 AM

I just saw the LCI lights again in person and the LCI car definitely looks newer... now vs. blacklines I don't know, but I might just prefer the LCI's.

Atny286 · 06-11-2009, 01:06 AM

You can swap the outer parts of the taillights. The inner parts, you'll need a new trunk. Also the LEDs have different voltage. So you'll need a converter as well. But all is manageable. PS: software fix is not needed, just a reset by your dealer, that might imply reflashing any tuning as well...

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsx_m

Hey guys, I am one of the few, strange people who is weighing the '09 sedan versus the '08 with the tail lights being a large deciding factor.

What I'd like to know is whether or not the upgrade is possible. I know the opinions are pretty split on the new tail lights, and I've only been able to find one person that has attempted it on his 3-Series, but had to change the trunk!

I don't think I'd go that far, so just curious if it's a clean swap, thanks if you can help.

southlight · 06-11-2009, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsx_m

Hey guys, I am one of the few, strange people who is weighing the '09 sedan versus the '08 with the tail lights being a large deciding factor.

What I'd like to know is whether or not the upgrade is possible. I know the opinions are pretty split on the new tail lights, and I've only been able to find one person that has attempted it on his 3-Series, but had to change the trunk!

I don't think I'd go that far, so just curious if it's a clean swap, thanks if you can help.

Yep, it's not cheap but it's possible. BMW even offers some kind of upgrade package. I could give you the part numbers of the package for Europe,
but don't know if they're the same for NA.

Best regards,
south

MMMorish · 06-11-2009, 06:57 AM

I personally like the 08' style with black lines. Took me a while for it to grow on me, but now that I like it I kind of wished I would have a bought an E90 over my E92.

SV Concepts III · 06-11-2009, 01:08 PM

I saw someone on here just do the outers. It didn't look right b/c the inner trunk lights did not match up but functionally, they worked. They just had a bulb out warning on the car.

zsx_m · 06-11-2009, 03:09 PM

Thanks for all the great info guys. If I can find an '08 model without a moonroof edc, etc I may be doing this retro-fit. We'll see how crazy how I feel.

Crazy Bimmer · 06-11-2009, 04:00 PM

Also can wait for the Vorsteiner LCI trunk instead of buying the OEM trunk.

Should be out shortly.

06-10-2009, 10:53 PM	#1
zsx_m Rasp Addict 97 Rep 281 Posts Drives: Moonstone M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (2)	Taillight Upgrade (?) Hey guys, I am one of the few, strange people who is weighing the '09 sedan versus the '08 with the tail lights being a large deciding factor. What I'd like to know is whether or not the upgrade is possible. I know the opinions are pretty split on the new tail lights, and I've only been able to find one person that has attempted it on his 3-Series, but had to change the trunk! I don't think I'd go that far, so just curious if it's a clean swap, thanks if you can help.
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06-10-2009, 10:55 PM	#2
M3WC Brigadier General 3645 Rep 3,244 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: ...location...location iTrader: (0)	You will need a new trunk, since the inner portion of the lights changed shape.
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06-11-2009, 12:30 AM	#4
smmmurf Colonel 309 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: E92 M3 DCT 353k+ miles Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA iTrader: (7)	I just saw the LCI lights again in person and the LCI car definitely looks newer... now vs. blacklines I don't know, but I might just prefer the LCI's.
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06-11-2009, 06:57 AM	#7
MMMorish Just call me J.J. McClure 156 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & C4 Corvette Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	I personally like the 08' style with black lines. Took me a while for it to grow on me, but now that I like it I kind of wished I would have a bought an E90 over my E92. __________________ MODS: Meisterschaft GT Racing Exhaust / BMC Air Filter / UUC SSK & DSSR (Modded)/ RPI Scoops / Passport SRX Hardwired / Custom Wrap 3M Clearbra / 20% Tint / 50% Windshield Tint / Key Hole Delete / Matted Out Accessories / VRS Type II Diffuser / Smoked Reflectors / Euphoria 6K LED Interior Lights / Rear Fog Light Mod / 6000K HID's / 6500K LUX H8 Angel Eyes / RDash License Plate LED Kit / LED Xenon Reverse Lights "M3 drivers have no friends"
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06-11-2009, 01:08 PM	#8
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 374 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	I saw someone on here just do the outers. It didn't look right b/c the inner trunk lights did not match up but functionally, they worked. They just had a bulb out warning on the car.
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06-11-2009, 03:09 PM	#9
zsx_m Rasp Addict 97 Rep 281 Posts Drives: Moonstone M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (2)	Thanks for all the great info guys. If I can find an '08 model without a moonroof edc, etc I may be doing this retro-fit. We'll see how crazy how I feel.
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06-11-2009, 04:00 PM	#10
Crazy Bimmer The Jesal 391 Rep 5,859 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago IL iTrader: (20) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	Also can wait for the Vorsteiner LCI trunk instead of buying the OEM trunk. Should be out shortly. __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - SOLD
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