Good Source For LED Tail Lights?

[mrbmwx5]

Originally Posted by ayamana

Thanks jst. I'll be sure to do that. I hadn't even thought about it. Did you buy the clear or smoked ones?

check out my user page load of pix inside....
http://www.xoutpost.com/members/mrbm...-userpage.html

[jst2878]

I bought the stock color(red with clear directionals. The smoked only looks good on black, but you can get tickets for them

[ayamana]

Mrbmw, did you buy smoke side markers too? I'm poking around ebay and bimmian, but I want to make sure they will match the tails. If you did, could you tell me where?

jst, they ebay description said they are dot approved etc. They don't look terribly dark. Hopefully I wont have any issues.

[mrbmwx5]

Originally Posted by ayamana

Mrbmw, did you buy smoke side markers too? I'm poking around ebay and bimmian, but I want to make sure they will match the tails. If you did, could you tell me where?

.

got them from here...LED Smoke side markers BMW E53 X5 99 - 03 NEW Black - eBay (item 250571333270 end time Jan-23-11 12:11:13 PST)

[ayamana]

How was wiring them? Its not plug n play huh. no errors?

[mrbmwx5]

not plug n play,,,, you need to tap the wires.no error

[ayamana]

Well, its settled. I bought the LED red smoke tails and a set of smoke side markers off ebay.

Once the weekend rolls around I'm painting X5 Badge black and sanding/painting grill black.

Thanks for the help everyone! It's great to be part of a new forum

[Ambrosius]

Where can I find instructions on how to remove the old tail lights and replace with new LED tail lights?

[TRADEmark]

Originally Posted by Ambrosius

Where can I find instructions on how to remove the old tail lights and replace with new LED tail lights?

Really! Instructions for removing tail lights?
*Disconnect Battery*
1. remove both storage panels in the cargo area
2. grab an 8mm socket and remove the three nuts (tap them loose first and then just use the socket to remove the nuts the rest of the way... kinda tight working space)
3. Disconnect old light and remove
4. Insert new light and connect wiring
(Tailgate lights)
5. Remove to screws on either side of the tailgate
6. Remove the center plastic covering on the tailgate (use a flathead screwdriver on the side closest to you to pop it up. Should be 4 snaps.)
7. Remove third screw which is under the foam padding
8. Connect and then test lights before buttoning everything up
* Note: take a look at the where the screws are on the new lights so you have an idea where to find the screws of the old lights inside your car*

Hope that helps!

[ayamana]

When removing the tailgate lights, make sure you have someone or something holding the lamp after the screws are unscrewed. You don't want the lamp falling out!

Also, tighten the screws evenly to get the best fit. You don't want to tighten one screw all the way while another is completely loose. Just basic tips... I'll snap some photos of mine as soon as the weather cleans up.