wots the difference tail lights

[davekatentl]

wots the difference between 01 and 05 tail lights

[LeMansX5]

The 05 tail lights are brighter and look better than 01. See the difference below between my LeMans blue 2005 and black 2001 tail lights. . The part #s are obviously different. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...97&hg=63&fg=20

[asawadude]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

The 05 tail lights are brighter and look better than 01. See the difference below between my LeMans blue 2005 and black 2001 tail lights. . The part #s are obviously different.

If the pre-facelift and facelift models use the same bulbs, why would the newer lights be brighter? I've looked at the facelift and pre-facelift models side by side but not in the dark with the tail lamps lit.

From what I could see, the facelift tail lights have a slightly different pattern cast into the red plastic lens, but almost unnoticeable if you were not looking for differences. The clear turn signal lens looks almost the same except the facelift models have silver coated bulbs instead of the prior yellow bulbs, obviously to eliminate the egg-yolk effect.

To me, if the new tail lights are brighter, it must a subtle change. Is it enough to warrant an upgrade?

[davekatentl]

will 2004+ (facelift rear lights) fit pre facelift with no probs

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by davekatentl

will 2004+ (facelift rear lights) fit pre facelift with no probs

Yes, but I believe that BMW has a rear tail light retrofit kit for pre 10/03 X5's that includes 2 adapter plugs to allow these to work.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Yes, but I believe that BMW has a rear tail light retrofit kit for pre 10/03 X5's that includes 2 adapter plugs to allow these to work.

will the rear turn lenses of a pre facelift, fit on a 04 facelift?

[X Foomph]

Hi all,
I recently bought '05 clear tail lights from another forum member (Stateside) for my '02. The purchase included all 4 light fittings but I only replaced the outer brake and turn signal fittings cause the inners looked the same. I replaced amber bulbs with silver coated and is a much better look all round. Easy job as well. Very happy with the updated look.

Do I understand it correctly that the inner tail gate fittings on post '02, '03 are different (brighter) and if so I'll change them as well.
Pics of before n after. Silver bulbs came a little after the pics.

[unist]

by the way i dont see the difference from the pictures above

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by unist

by the way i dont see the difference from the pictures above

No difference, look at a 2004+ X5 next to a 2001 and you'll see it. My friend has a 2001 and when parked side-by-side the difference is very noticeable.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by unist

by the way i dont see the difference from the pictures above

2001-2003 tail lights have a textured look and are not sparkling bright. Look closely.