DIY installing LCI tail lights... - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

Dackelone · 07-10-2012, 05:07 PM

I thought I would put together a little DIY in how to install LCI tails on a pre LCI car.

This is a super easy job to do. All you need is an 8mm deep 1/4 socket/ratchet and a flat blade screw driver or panel removal tool(to remove the carpet plugs) for the trunk liner.

Here we go...

This video might help you see what all is involved with the swap... I did not remove the rubber trunk seal though. You can use your finger to go around the rubber part of the new tail lights.

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Note: no DOT stamping!
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Here are my LCI "sports". Looks like BMW makes three versions of the LCI for our cars. The standard clear versions (OE), then the Blacklines which are much darker and then these "sports" with a lightly smoked color. Take a look at the turn signal indicator to see the difference in darkness.

I have a US spec 135i (Jan/2010) production with Xenon and AHL (adaptive headlights). IF you want these slightly smoked ones... you also need the parts guy to select "sport" under the tail light options. Here are the part numbers for my lights...

BMW Blackline LCI tail light part numbers:

63217327273
63217327274

price was 136 euros each w/o MwsT 19% sales tax.

or...

a better deal is to order BMW's Blackline LCI kit which come with both tail lights at a slightly discounted price point.

BMW p/n 63212225282

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...63&fg=20&hl=11

Eddie135 · 07-10-2012, 05:34 PM

Good write up on the DIY bro...

BSM 135i · 07-10-2012, 06:51 PM

Nice writeup! I want to do the lci swap but was gonna go with the oe's since I didn't like how dark the blacklines are so I'm glad to know they have these "sports" that arent as dark. Are the part numbers you listed for the "sports"?

Dackelone · 07-10-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSM 135i

Nice writeup! I want to do the lci swap but was gonna go with the oe's since I didn't like how dark the blacklines are so I'm glad to know they have these "sports" that arent as dark. Are the part numbers you listed for the "sports"?

,,,turns out the sports ARE the same as the Blacklines. They really aren't as dark as I thought they be. I rather like them. So only two LCI versions... regular and Blacklines.

LCI tail lights- can you retrofit them to an 08/08 E82
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...512006&page=12

dan_brooks · 07-10-2012, 07:27 PM

Good write up!

I did this yesterday with my Blacklines, and it took all of 30mins from start to finish - very simple install!

Work has blocked the video, but one thing I recommend is to test the lights before bolting them back up tight...

Thanks Dackel!

Pol · 07-12-2012, 02:19 PM

Hey Dack, did you disconnect the negative pole of the battery before starting the job ?

Dackelone · 07-12-2012, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pol

Hey Dack, did you disconnect the negative pole of the battery before starting the job ?

No. I simply unplugged each connector (two per tail light) and mounted the new Blacklines. This is a super easy swap.

Pol · 07-12-2012, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

No. I simply unplugged each connector (two per tail light) and mounted the new Blacklines. This is a super easy swap.

Dackelone · 07-12-2012, 02:29 PM

Here are some new daylight pics of my Blacklines. I really like the new tails...

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Canasian · 07-12-2012, 04:13 PM

Great photos and write-up Dackel thanks! Can you do daytime pics with the lights on?

Dackelone · 07-12-2012, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canasian

Great photos and write-up Dackel thanks! Can you do daytime pics with the lights on?

Sure, will do.

Ian///M · 07-12-2012, 05:09 PM

Looks great!... one of the best cheap mods for E82's

.b0link · 07-14-2012, 04:23 PM

Man those contrast awesome with Silver!

froop · 07-15-2012, 10:01 PM

Great write up Dack.

I've ordered a pair for my Alpine White 135i vert and I can not wait for them to arrive so Ican install them. Will post some pics when I do.

Dackelone · 07-16-2012, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canasian

Great photos and write-up Dackel thanks! Can you do daytime pics with the lights on?

It was an overcast and rainy weekend here in Bayern. I was down in Berchtesgaden - but it was daylight! lol FYI... my AE have been coded to run slightly brighter than normal(stock AE bulbs).

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TheSt|G · 07-16-2012, 10:15 AM

I would just mention that when you are installing, don't be concerned if they appear to not line up with the body panels initially. The tightening down performs a surprisingly large amount of alignment.

Canasian · 07-16-2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

It was an overcast and rainy weekend here in Bayern. I was down in Berchtesgaden - but it was daylight! lol FYI... my AE have been coded to run slightly brighter than normal(stock AE bulbs).

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Looks awesome! I also appreciate a nice lush green environment. Thanks!

J-Sin · 07-16-2012, 12:37 PM

i LOLed at this write up. You definitely made this procedure idiot proof. 6 photos of you pulling the old tail lights off. HAHA

Thanks for the write up bro, good stuff. You Airforce or Army? I just got back to the states last year from a long tour of Italy.

1_dez · 07-18-2012, 06:35 AM

thanks for the write up it made my life a whole lot easier - although it did take me 2 hours to install them

basically i ran into a problem, where the one of the DRL's (or __ they are called) was not automatically turning on when i flicked the lights on.. i ended up taking it off and figured out the top light on its own, is where the DRL gets its electricity from, i cleaned the terminals and made sure the light plug was in correctly and bingo!

Swadeness · 07-24-2012, 07:03 AM

Looks good man, I'm looking forward to seeing them in person.

Oni_ · 08-23-2012, 05:48 PM

Thanks Dackelone. It made my process easier than it already was to know what I needed to pull back, and what I could leave alone.

Just don't drop your socket if using a ratchet - as that added a good 10-15 minutes to retrieve below the carpet.

froop · 08-30-2012, 08:02 AM

I just installed mine tonight

I have an 09/08 build E88 135i and they work perfectly. No need for any coding or FRM etc.

Just one thing to note. There is a little play in where the screws sit as its a square shaped hole. This allows you to shift the light slightly when fitting it so you can ensure an even alignment around all the sides. If you just screw it in you'll find on one side there's no gap at all and the other side there's a large unsightly gap depending on how it was sitting when you tightened it. Get it right the first time so you don't have to take it apart and do it again.

Ask me how I know!

07-10-2012, 05:07 PM	#1
Dackelone Moderator Drives: 135i Silber mit/Rot 6MT N54 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany Posts: 13,031 iTrader: (0)	DIY installing LCI tail lights... I thought I would put together a little DIY in how to install LCI tails on a pre LCI car. This is a super easy job to do. All you need is an 8mm deep 1/4 socket/ratchet and a flat blade screw driver or panel removal tool(to remove the carpet plugs) for the trunk liner. Here we go... This video might help you see what all is involved with the swap... I did not remove the rubber trunk seal though. You can use your finger to go around the rubber part of the new tail lights. Note: no DOT stamping! Here are my LCI "sports". Looks like BMW makes three versions of the LCI for our cars. The standard clear versions (OE), then the Blacklines which are much darker and then these "sports" with a lightly smoked color. Take a look at the turn signal indicator to see the difference in darkness. I have a US spec 135i (Jan/2010) production with Xenon and AHL (adaptive headlights). IF you want these slightly smoked ones... you also need the parts guy to select "sport" under the tail light options. Here are the part numbers for my lights... BMW Blackline LCI tail light part numbers: 63217327273 63217327274 price was 136 euros each w/o MwsT 19% sales tax. or... a better deal is to order BMW's Blackline LCI kit which come with both tail lights at a slightly discounted price point. BMW p/n 63212225282 http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...63&fg=20&hl=11 __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide 1addicts at Stelv1oPass
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07-10-2012, 05:34 PM	#2
Eddie135 N55 Commando Drives: 135i - DCT - N55 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 623 iTrader: (0)	Good write up on the DIY bro... __________________ PPK-Stage 2 \| BMW 313 Wheels \| BMW CF Spoiler \| BMW CF Mirror Caps \| BMW Y-Pipe \| BMW CF Diffuser \| Black LCI Tailights \| K&N Drop-In \| iCarbon CF Front Lip \| LUX V3 \| PIVOT-Raizin Voltage Stabilizer \|

07-12-2012, 02:29 PM	#9
Dackelone Moderator Drives: 135i Silber mit/Rot 6MT N54 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany Posts: 13,031 iTrader: (0)	Here are some new daylight pics of my Blacklines. I really like the new tails... __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide 1addicts at Stelv1oPass

07-16-2012, 10:15 AM	#16
TheSt\|G Resident Tamed Racing Driver Drives: 130is 6MT, E39 M5, E36 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Outside Philly Posts: 888 iTrader: (2)	I would just mention that when you are installing, don't be concerned if they appear to not line up with the body panels initially. The tightening down performs a surprisingly large amount of alignment. __________________ 2010 130is Alpine White 6MT / M-Sport / SuperSprint Headers and Swain Tech Race Coating / 330i Intake Manifold / EVOLVE Software / BMW v1 Performance Wheel / BBS RGRs with PSS / BMW CF Spoiler / Blackline LCI Tail Lights / Rear Fogs Enabled / Front Fogs Delete / CDV Delete / BMW Black Kidneys / Hardwire V1 / Hardwire Trapster+Nav Dock / Golf Tee

07-16-2012, 12:37 PM	#18
J-Sin The Artist Drives: 2011 E90-LCI & 2008 E82 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 884 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00] 2011 BMW 328i [5.00]	i LOLed at this write up. You definitely made this procedure idiot proof. 6 photos of you pulling the old tail lights off. HAHA Thanks for the write up bro, good stuff. You Airforce or Army? I just got back to the states last year from a long tour of Italy. __________________ Betty White - 2011 E90LCI 328i Black Betty - 2008 E82 135i

07-10-2012, 06:51 PM	#3
BSM 135i Colonel Drives: 08' BSM E82 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cali Posts: 2,232 iTrader: (23)	Nice writeup! I want to do the lci swap but was gonna go with the oe's since I didn't like how dark the blacklines are so I'm glad to know they have these "sports" that arent as dark. Are the part numbers you listed for the "sports"?

07-10-2012, 07:27 PM	#5
dan_brooks Private Drives: '09 135i Manual Join Date: May 2012 Location: Brisbane Posts: 66 iTrader: (0)	Good write up! I did this yesterday with my Blacklines, and it took all of 30mins from start to finish - very simple install! Work has blocked the video, but one thing I recommend is to test the lights before bolting them back up tight... Thanks Dackel!

07-12-2012, 02:19 PM	#6
Pol Nobody is perfect ! Drives: 135i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Belgium Posts: 396 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i Coupe [5.00]	Hey Dack, did you disconnect the negative pole of the battery before starting the job ?

07-12-2012, 04:13 PM	#10
Canasian Space Gray 135i 6MT Coupe WILL be purchased Drives: VW Jetta GLI 2005 a 135i OTW Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Washington Posts: 28 iTrader: (0)	Great photos and write-up Dackel thanks! Can you do daytime pics with the lights on?

07-12-2012, 05:09 PM	#12
Ian///M Brigadier General Drives: 1M E82 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Oz Posts: 4,518 iTrader: (0)	Looks great!... one of the best cheap mods for E82's

07-14-2012, 04:23 PM	#13
.b0link Private First Class Drives: 2012 LMB 135i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Rota, Spain Posts: 167 iTrader: (1)	Man those contrast awesome with Silver!

07-15-2012, 10:01 PM	#14
froop Captain Drives: 08 AW 6MT E82 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 756 iTrader: (1)	Great write up Dack. I've ordered a pair for my Alpine White 135i vert and I can not wait for them to arrive so Ican install them. Will post some pics when I do.

07-18-2012, 06:35 AM	#19
1_dez Private Drives: 1er Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Canberra Posts: 71 iTrader: (0)	thanks for the write up it made my life a whole lot easier - although it did take me 2 hours to install them basically i ran into a problem, where the one of the DRL's (or __ they are called) was not automatically turning on when i flicked the lights on.. i ended up taking it off and figured out the top light on its own, is where the DRL gets its electricity from, i cleaned the terminals and made sure the light plug was in correctly and bingo!

07-24-2012, 07:03 AM	#20
Swadeness Lieutenant Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 536 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	Looks good man, I'm looking forward to seeing them in person. __________________

08-23-2012, 05:48 PM	#21
Oni_ Private Drives: ... Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: OKC Posts: 71 iTrader: (0)	Thanks Dackelone. It made my process easier than it already was to know what I needed to pull back, and what I could leave alone. Just don't drop your socket if using a ratchet - as that added a good 10-15 minutes to retrieve below the carpet.

08-30-2012, 08:02 AM	#22
froop Captain Drives: 08 AW 6MT E82 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 756 iTrader: (1)	I just installed mine tonight I have an 09/08 build E88 135i and they work perfectly. No need for any coding or FRM etc. Just one thing to note. There is a little play in where the screws sit as its a square shaped hole. This allows you to shift the light slightly when fitting it so you can ensure an even alignment around all the sides. If you just screw it in you'll find on one side there's no gap at all and the other side there's a large unsightly gap depending on how it was sitting when you tightened it. Get it right the first time so you don't have to take it apart and do it again. Ask me how I know!

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