Any reason why these taillights wouldn't fit an 05?

[JS_4.8]

Looking for a set of red/smoke taillights for my 2005 X5. I like this set from ebay:

2001 2002 2003 BMW E53 X5 RED SMOKE TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS:eBay Motors (item 200416820167 end time Jan-09-10 17:19:15 PST)

The item description says only for 01 - 03. Besides the actual design of the lens changing from "dotted" to "lines" on the 04+models, were any real changes made to the structure of the taillights? I am not sure why these wouldnt fit my model or if the seller is just unaware.

thoughts?

[TheKingSim0n]

I honestly don't see any reason between the 2000 - 2006 when it comes to the tail lights, it might be the shape? shape might be slightly different, If i were you id contact this eBay seller and ask him or her whether or not they will be compatible with your X.

[killcrap]

there are 5 wires that go into pre-2003, and only 4 wires go into the 2004 and up. the brake light is now a dual stage single filament bulb, it used to be a dual filament.

[JS_4.8]

Originally Posted by killcrap

there are 5 wires that go into pre-2003, and only 4 wires go into the 2004 and up. the brake light is now a dual stage single filament bulb, it used to be a dual filament.

excellent info, thank you

[JS_4.8]

hey killcrap,

found another set, advertised for years 00 - 05. looks like the same product as the other auction. do you think this seller is just unaware of the difference in bulbs and wiring between 00-03 and 04+ ?

BMW E53 X5 00 01 02 03 04 05 4PCS TAIL LIGHTS:eBay Motors (item 320448697575 end time Jan-12-10 16:14:15 PST)

[edco]

Just this past week, I replaced the OEM tails on my 06 X5, which I understand has adaptive lighting. The new tails are smoked (medium), LED and included a much larger reverse light strip. HOWEVER, with the help of my friends at Mobile Addictions, they determined that they were dim and blinking like mad AND throwing an error code <Check Rear Lights>. So James recommended I reach out to Lightwerks in Clifton NJ (about 26 miles from my home). Called them the next day and Caesar not only had the necessary capacitors, BUT also installed them for me in about 3 minutes. Total cost $30.
They look great, much brighter, and IMHO - much cooler than the originals. Here's a couple of daytime photos...and I dont know if you can tell the difference, BUT I like em.



Happy New Year
ED in Metuchen

[JS_4.8]

Originally Posted by edco

Just this past week, I replaced the OEM tails on my 06 X5, which I understand has adaptive lighting. The new tails are smoked (medium), LED and included a much larger reverse light strip. HOWEVER, with the help of my friends at Mobile Addictions, they determined that they were dim and blinking like mad AND throwing an error code <Check Rear Lights>. So James recommended I reach out to Lightwerks in Clifton NJ (about 26 miles from my home). Called them the next day and Caesar not only had the necessary capacitors, BUT also installed them for me in about 3 minutes. Total cost $30.
They look great, much brighter, and IMHO - much cooler than the originals. Here's a couple of daytime photos...and I dont know if you can tell the difference, BUT I like em.



Happy New Year
ED in Metuchen

Ed, those look great! thank for putting up your experience with them. I actually pm'd lightwerks regarding the capacitors, still waiting to hear back from him. I want to go with the same exact set up, red/smoke. However I am having a hard time finding them on EBAY, the only red/smoke I see are for regular bulbs, not LED.

Do you find that the LED tails with the capacitors installed are at least as bright or brighter than the stock taillights?

Thanks again

[edco]

Originally Posted by JS_4.8

Ed, those look great! thank for putting up your experience with them. I actually pm'd lightwerks regarding the capacitors, still waiting to hear back from him. I want to go with the same exact set up, red/smoke. However I am having a hard time finding them on EBAY, the only red/smoke I see are for regular bulbs, not LED.

Do you find that the LED tails with the capacitors installed are at least as bright or brighter than the stock taillights?

Thanks again

Personally they are slightly brighter ~25% (because of the tinting I suspect) when just in the nighttime mode, but significantly brighter then the OEMS when you step on the brakes. I especially like the longer reverse light (which is still incandescent) but shoots a wider path of white light when I'm backing into my garage.

Let me know if I can be of any further help..
ED in Metuchen, NJ

PS You dont mention where you are in NJ but I am 30 miles south of Newark airport or 30 miles north of Princeton. You are always welcome to stop over and take a look for yourself