Issue upgrading from 01 yellow to 02+ clear tail lights

[m5james]

I've passed the time frame to when I can edit my own posts, but my reply in regards to just changing the bulb was meant for "lowlows18".

Powers, 9 times out of 10 im replying from my phone since im at work from 12:30pm-1am 7 days a week, so I somehow missed your post w/ the PDF. I'll check it out when I've got the chance, but in the meantime I havent changed anything wiring wise and they're still doing the same euro lighting thing even though the pins do match up just like you say and per the pics I posted. Hopefully something in your PDF will show me something I can change.

[mrbmwx5]

I fixed this problem for UcrewX5 last summer.All you need is use the socket/bulb holder from your old lights ,that take dual element/dual contact bulb then swap out the upper socket and bulb....You good to go.

[papasmurf]

I have the facelift tails on my 8/02 build. Apparently the previous owner had this same problem and bought a newer model LCM, had it coded, and the problem went away. Crazy just to do a set of tail lights.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

I fixed this problem for UcrewX5 last summer.All you need is use the socket/bulb holder from your old lights ,that take dual element/dual contact bulb then swap out the upper socket and bulb....You good to go.

I tried that, but the prongs are clocked differently on the sockets - one set is like - - while the other is like _ /.

What I did instead if installed Sylvania 5007LL 5w bulbs, its the same size/style at the metal connection, but the glass portion and filament inside are much smaller. It's a perfect match during the day, so we'll see whats its like this evening.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by papasmurf

I have the facelift tails on my 8/02 build. Apparently the previous owner had this same problem and bought a newer model LCM, had it coded, and the problem went away. Crazy just to do a set of tail lights.

Yeah, that's alot of work for just that. If I were to change tails now I guess its better to go try the LEDs - though I've read people having a hard time with those too!

The challenges of modding.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by m5james

I tried that, but the prongs are clocked differently on the sockets - one set is like - - while the other is like _ /.

What I did instead if installed Sylvania 5007LL 5w bulbs, its the same size/style at the metal connection, but the glass portion and filament inside are much smaller. It's a perfect match during the day, so we'll see whats its like this evening.

Bumping my own thread to let people know this works if anyone was curious of the outcome. I'm on my second X5 and had to do this again.

[mrcarter20]

What type of wheels are those? Size? Remember the price?

[m5james]

They're staggered 20" X6M reps I got off eBay that we're like $1400 shipped including tires. They fit perfectly and were very nice...tires were some no name brand, but they got the job done.

[MikeX5ing]

Originally Posted by m5james

Bumping my own thread to let people know this works if anyone was curious of the outcome. I'm on my second X5 and had to do this again.

Hi james, new to the forum just got a 2001 3.0. First impressions of the car are great and im glad to be part of the forum.

I am having the same exact issues. The previous owner put in +04 tail lights, and I have tried everything including a lower wattage bulb (7v 4.4w) and it seemed to have the same brightness. I did not try the bulb you mentioned but it looks very similar, sylvania 63LL. It worked for about a day or two and blew out.

Is your bulb in there noticeably dimmer and how is the bulb life? If all is good with the 5007LL I might have to go that route. If not ill have to trade up for the pre '04 sport clear tail lights.

Mike