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License plate lamp upgrade to LED

DIY: 
12K views 14 replies 12 participants last post by  Champion6sigma 
#1 ·
Here you go for sharing.

Note, I have a 2009 M6 Cabrio.
BMW doesnt have "standard" connectors so you will have to check yours and may need to modify to make it fit as some are not plug and play.

Also, thanks to Jaff for posting on this thread that inspired me to do mine too.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e6...10563-oem-license-plate-leds-installed-2.html

Now:

1) You will need to order two 63 267 193 294. I believe they are $18.00 each.
2) To remove the license plate lamp assembly - using plastic wedge tool push the light assembly to the right, then down as shown on photo below.
3) I have a 2009 M6 and the LED license plate connector is NOT plug and play with my 2009 M6. Sucks....
So I figured out the difference. Simply put, you will need to cut, remove the inside connector tab as shown on photo below with red stripes.

4) One you remove the tab, then it becomes plug and play.

Note the difference between LED and BMW stock from factory. LED is white and consumes much less power while OE is yellow, consumes good power and bulb gets real hot.

Another note: The BMW LED license plate color is 6,000K white. I like cool white so I may to upgrade mine again later and find a 8,000K LED bulb.

Enjoy.
 

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#3 ·
I've been calling around for this part, everywhere around here wants around $30 a pop....the cheapest i got was $27 :-(

anyhow gonna go in and order it this friday (since is a special order)
 
#4 ·
I've been calling around for this part, everywhere around here wants around $30 a pop....the cheapest i got was $27 :-(
Typical dealer markup :nono:

$13.17 from getbmwparts :M5thumbs:
Shipping and handling add to the cost, so ordering several items reduces the cost per item. These lights are likely special order, so do not bundle with parts that are needed urgently.
 
#5 · (Edited)
order placed :)
 
#6 · (Edited)
Just purchased these but they seem yellow still. Exact same part # as well. The car previously had very bright white blueish lights before and one went out, thats why I purchased these. Maybe I need the super bright white one's. Anyone have a link for the really bright white one's? Also I wont be using these so if anyone wants them I paid I believe $35 shipped for them. You can have them for $20 shipped(usa only) if you want them or if you have the really bright white and want to trade or pay difference,etc.. lmk.
 
#7 ·
Thanks again Dan for the Great DIY. I used WeissLicht LED lights from Bimmian.com. I want to see what they look like at night compared to the old orange lights.
 

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#10 · (Edited)
Do not need to engage in vandalism. Just replace socket housing to uncoded (p/n 61 13 8 365 340). In other words black to green uncoded:

Home Page Search SiteSearch 61 13 8 365 340 ES#165561 Electrical Connector - Priced Each - 61138365340

View attachment 360930
etc,

Sometimes I am a little dense - so please forgive the question if it is obvious to you. Are you saying that the referenced part number is all you need to connect the new LED lights and no 'surgery' is necessary? I have been holding off on this mod since I do not like splicing cables. If I can do it without needing to do any cable work then this would be very cool.

Specifically what do you mean by:

...In other words black to green uncoded...
Thanks.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Oh, I mean you need to disassemble the connector and replace the inner part (black socket housing) of a new one (green socket housing taken from new connectors). Any green connectors bought from BMW compatible with any suitable sockets in the car. So you don't need to modify lamp's connector.

Or you can replace the entire connector, but uncoded connector has less secure cap.

NB: A thin screwdriver or plastic spudger is required to get contacts from housing.
 
#12 ·
Guys anyone thats done this i urge you to take them out and check them - they are extremely poorly designed and collect water! mine have been in 2 years and one packed in looked at it and it was like a fishbowl. The other one also had water in it - i have now drained it and will reseal it properly! Please check yours unless you want this to happen! Cheers
 
#14 ·
I did the same on my M5 and I love it!
 
#15 ·
Is it possible to just change the bulb in it or is it necessary to break the oem part to access it. ?????
 
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