2001 Tailight conversion - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Schex · 25th August 2006, 06:48

Do any of you know if it is plug and play, becuase I know on the e46, you have to reflash the ecu for the LED's to work properly, I was curious if its the same for the e39.

E55AMG2 · 25th August 2006, 07:16

It should be PnP, as the bulbs are not LEDs, only the running lights at night.

M5_SMG · 25th August 2006, 08:53

Aren't the later models (post-2001) LED tailights? Just asking, I thought they were.

I upgraded a 1997 tailights to the current shape (I think), took 10min ... like 5 screws per side and done. Aftermarket tailights, so look like the LED design, but use the normal bulbs with the original plate. Honestly...I can't tell the difference between LED and these

Lawaia · 25th August 2006, 10:13

2001> were equipped with CELIS tails. I upgraded to these taillights on my old '97 540i. Did require a bit of drilling and sanding to make them fit. They also required the use of a module (ballast if you will) to fire the CELIS light bars. Check here for install info. http://www.bmwdiy.info/celis-rear/index.html

M5_SMG · 25th August 2006, 10:52

Yeah, those are the same looking taillights I have on my car now. Your older lights are similar to my old taillights, except mine had amber indicators.

However, I didn't upgrade to CELIS "LED" taillights. The aftermarket taillights I purchased were a straight swap and retained my factory bulbs. I can't tell the difference between these and the real things, took 10min to do ... no cutting, painting etc.

E55AMG2 · 25th August 2006, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5_SMG

Yeah, those are the same looking taillights I have on my car now. Your older lights are similar to my old taillights, except mine had amber indicators.

However, I didn't upgrade to CELIS "LED" taillights. The aftermarket taillights I purchased were a straight swap and retained my factory bulbs. I can't tell the difference between these and the real things, took 10min to do ... no cutting, painting etc.

you can tell when the lights are on, as the CELIS part wont look the same if lit by an incadescent bulb vs an LED, not to mention the same LEDs in the tail lamp are used as side markers.