02 325i tail lights to newer 04/05

Aum003 · 12-17-2005, 03:32 AM

i wanted to know if i can change the 02 325i tail assembly to the 04/05 assembly. I like the way the lights assembly looks compared to mine. will the newer 04/05 assembly fit in my 02? They look like they would just pop right in, but im not sure.

gsxr mixxer · 12-17-2005, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aum003

i wanted to know if i can change the 02 325i tail assembly to the 04/05 assembly. I like the way the lights assembly looks compared to mine. will the newer 04/05 assembly fit in my 02? They look like they would just pop right in, but im not sure.

yup they will fit. i have a set for sale also. PM me if you are interested

Canuck328i · 12-17-2005, 02:06 PM

There are some voltage and wiring differences. Physically, the the new lights will fit, but electrically they are different. It is completely possible but you will need to get a bit "creative" with the wiring.

If you do get a set of the new style lights, make sure the bulb carriers come with it or you'll be screwed. Plus you'll need to either buy new harnesses or solder directly into the new carriers.

Mark

gsxr mixxer · 12-17-2005, 02:38 PM

my understanding he was just talking about the housing. i dont think he meant led. you would keep your stock bulbs right?

Aum003 · 12-17-2005, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr mixxer

my understanding he was just talking about the housing. i dont think he meant led. you would keep your stock bulbs right?

yea i'll keep the standard bulbs, LED would be great, but I don't know if i have the patience to switch up.

(just to clarify, its the 99-02 model 325i)

Aum003 · 12-17-2005, 03:14 PM

Basically I just want the newer 02-05 taillight assembly for visual appeal. I like the way it looks at night when the bulbs are on. I was hoping I could just literally put the new housing in, and then take the current bulbs and insert them in the corresponding location. (i.e brake light -> brake light, reverse light -> reverse, etc...)

Canuck328i · 12-17-2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr mixxer

my understanding he was just talking about the housing. i dont think he meant led. you would keep your stock bulbs right?

I'm not talking about LEDs, I never said anything about that. I'm talking about switching the regular bulb prefacelift housing with a regular bulb facelift housing (which is what he wants to do). There are a number of differences, it isn't that easy to do unless you have the new style bulb carriers and the know-how to rewire the whole thing.

When I say "voltage" differences, it has to do with the parking light configuration. One style uses a 5 watt bulb at 12 volts for the parking light bulb, the other uses a 21 watt bulb at 6 volts.

Mark

Aum003 · 12-17-2005, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck328i

I'm not talking about LEDs, I never said anything about that. I'm talking about switching the regular bulb prefacelift housing with a regular bulb facelift housing (which is what he wants to do). There are a number of differences, it isn't that easy to do unless you have the new style bulb carriers and the know-how to rewire the whole thing.

When I say "voltage" differences, it has to do with the parking light configuration. One style uses a 5 watt bulb at 12 volts for the parking light bulb, the other uses a 21 watt bulb at 6 volts.

Mark

what is the best way to solve the voltage differences? are there any line converters that can solve this issue?

gsxr mixxer · 12-17-2005, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck328i

I'm not talking about LEDs, I never said anything about that. I'm talking about switching the regular bulb prefacelift housing with a regular bulb facelift housing (which is what he wants to do). There are a number of differences, it isn't that easy to do unless you have the new style bulb carriers and the know-how to rewire the whole thing.

When I say "voltage" differences, it has to do with the parking light configuration. One style uses a 5 watt bulb at 12 volts for the parking light bulb, the other uses a 21 watt bulb at 6 volts.

Mark

ahh i see.....as far as changing them out, the posibilities are endless as long as you are willing to modify your car. if you like it do it

Canuck328i · 12-17-2005, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr mixxer

ahh i see.....as far as changing them out, the posibilities are endless as long as you are willing to modify your car. if you like it do it

Absolutely agreed. Just need to be creative. (And for the record I'll be doing this exact mod in the spring.)

Mark

12-17-2005, 03:32 AM	#1
Aum003 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 6 My Ride: 2004 Infiniti G35 View My Garage	02 325i tail lights to newer 04/05 i wanted to know if i can change the 02 325i tail assembly to the 04/05 assembly. I like the way the lights assembly looks compared to mine. will the newer 04/05 assembly fit in my 02? They look like they would just pop right in, but im not sure.

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12-17-2005, 02:06 PM	#3
Canuck328i Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Happyland, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,173 My Ride: 09 Altima Cpe View My Garage	There are some voltage and wiring differences. Physically, the the new lights will fit, but electrically they are different. It is completely possible but you will need to get a bit "creative" with the wiring. If you do get a set of the new style lights, make sure the bulb carriers come with it or you'll be screwed. Plus you'll need to either buy new harnesses or solder directly into the new carriers. Mark

12-17-2005, 02:38 PM	#4
gsxr mixxer Wish it was an M3 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 325 My Ride: 03, 325i View My Garage	my understanding he was just talking about the housing. i dont think he meant led. you would keep your stock bulbs right?

12-17-2005, 03:14 PM	#6
Aum003 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 6 My Ride: 2004 Infiniti G35 View My Garage	Basically I just want the newer 02-05 taillight assembly for visual appeal. I like the way it looks at night when the bulbs are on. I was hoping I could just literally put the new housing in, and then take the current bulbs and insert them in the corresponding location. (i.e brake light -> brake light, reverse light -> reverse, etc...)