Xoutpost.com - DIY: interior tailgate light LED mod

I get into the back of my X in a very dark garage. I always felt the OEM lights were less than adequate. Furthermore one of my tailgate light lens had cracked. This just gave me another reason to use my dremel...

BMW p/n: 63 31 6 962 044 - $9.62
LED bulbs: WLED-CWHPG-D - $11.95 ea. (yes, I know, extraordinarily expensive)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/...ca717546_o.jpg

OEM light assembly:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1302/...db04b85a_o.jpg

Snip the internal heat shield:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1100/...b8d97280_o.jpg

Next I had to trim the sides of the lens to fit the larger diameter led array:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/...d6bcea84_o.jpg

Here I have outlined the cuts in blue:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/...4bfa77a1_o.jpg

I lined the top reflector with felt tape. Although the reflector would no longer be needed I liked having it installed for added protection:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/...daf4c1c4_o.jpg

Close up:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/...78605f2d_o.jpg

Installed. Far light is the LED. I selected the cool 7000k temp LEDs. I'm wondering if I would have been happier with the warmer color temp. I guess it doesn't really matter as they are much brighter than OEM and serve their purpose.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/...b4fb335e_b.jpg

This picture does not depict the intensity of the light very well. They are bright:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1374/...b48e40d7_o.jpg

Thanks for sitting through all my pics.

Cost considered I'm happy with the additional output.