BMW X5 E53 Rear Inner tail lights

[talljames]

Hi all, Need to replace my rear inner tail lights. I see some are advertised from year 2004 to 2006 for the facelift X5 E53. Does anyone know if the years 2000 to 2003 will fit? They appear to look identical.

[wpoll]

RealOEM suggests the part is the same for all model years.

Some euro models (like ours here in NZ and in Aussie) are factory fitted with rear fog lamps but I think the lens is the same with or without fog lamps.

[g300d]

The main lights and inner tailgate lights will physicallu interchange across the entire E53 generation.

Visually the pre and post-facelift lenses have a subtly different lens pattern.

Function-wise IIRC you will have to do a re-pin, changing postion of a pin or 2. But I believe they have the same socket.

[talljames]

Thanks. The different lens patterns is the deal breaker for me. I will run with the 2004-2006 facelift ones.

cheers

[Spartan]

Late entry, sorry for that. I have 2006 and got a pristine set from a 2003. They are not compatible. The electrical design is different as regards to earthing and globe fitting. It was two years ago but I know that it required me trying to remove a few parts of the old light fitting. I would be interested to know how you went as I only wanted the outer lenses and will one day just remove these and fit them. Perhaps LoL

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Spartan

Late entry, sorry for that. I have 2006 and got a pristine set from a 2003. They are not compatible. The electrical design is different as regards to earthing and globe fitting. It was two years ago but I know that it required me trying to remove a few parts of the old light fitting. I would be interested to know how you went as I only wanted the outer lenses and will one day just remove these and fit them. Perhaps LoL

Are you referring to the taillights on the rear corners of the body of the car, rather than the inner taillights mounted on the tailgate?

If so, yes, there are numerous lamp/bulb and wiring differences between the pre-LCI and LCI versions. Not too difficult to modify the earlier taillights to fit later cars but not so the other way around, although it can be done.

The TIS doesn't appear to show any pre-LCI/LCI variation in wiring for the inner taillights, mounted on the tailgate - it's the same for all model years.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by g300d

... Visually the pre and post-facelift lenses have a subtly different lens pattern. ...

Pre-LCI...


Post-LCI...

[g300d]

Yup that's it!