Will 05' oem red/clear tail light match 01' oem red/clear

[e53fl]

I have a 01' 3.0 w/sport pkg. I need a right rear tail light as the original is broken where the brake light socket screws in. There are plenty of 04-06' oem red/clear on ebay for sale but no 01's that I would want to buy. My question is are all the oem red/clear tail lights the same for 01' thru 06' so a newer one will match the color of my older one????

[havi]

no, they look different. however 04-06 is plug in for you if you trim off little bit of plastic from the back of the light.
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...-included.html

[e53fl]

So i have to buy a new pair, not just one side to make sure that they match right???

[killcrap]

no they will not match the tail lamps on the tail gate. different pattern.

[e53fl]

So not only do i need to buy a pair of tail lights but i also need to buy a pair of tail gate lights to go with them???? Wow, this is gonna be expensive.

[killcrap]

that is correct, the newer tail lamps have lines as the pattern, the 1999-2003 have dotted pattern.

[e53fl]

ok, i guess i'll just get a new tail light from the stealer.

[X Foomph]

In this instance I believe a picture (or two) speeks a thousand words, so;
On top is an '02 (mine) & below '06. Difference is quite obvious. GL

[havi]

I have 02 tail lights left from my facelift project. Not sure how much one would cost and if it is worth shipping to US.

[X Foomph]

I'd be jumping on ebay every other day myself. Or maybe send out a mayday to a few of those oddball sellers. You just don't know, hopefully you'll stumble upon one.
PS: I saw one (just one) tail light on ebay.au the other day (update model though).
bmw x5, Cars, Bikes, Boats, Fashion, Toys, Hobbies items at low prices on eBay.com.au

GL