wots the difference tail lights
 

wots the difference between 01 and 05 tail lights

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

http://s113117221.onlinehome.us/Images/rearlights.JPGhttp://s113117221.onlinehome.us/Imag...1-taillens.JPG

work
 

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.

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?

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

While I was upgrading my taillights, I put one on and left the older one on, trust me there is a great difference, newer style lights look a million times better then the yellow ones. While you are at it also change the third brake light into a clear one, it changes the apperance of your X into a more clear updated look, just my opinion.

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.

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

I just learned something today!I thought they were exactly the same!

Looking closely,(and I have also lookes at other photos),I can say that the 2004+ are definitely brighter,having a deeper shine to them.
Although not textured like the pre-facelift,they still show some noticeable texture,especially the reversing light.

Mine will look even duller,after I drill a hole in the rear fog lens to fit the cam!:(