2001 BMW 330ci Coupe LED Tail Lights

I am in the process of compeletely rebuilding/modifying a previously neglected 2001 330ci coupe, and have a set of DEPO LED Tail Lights that will be going on after the body work. My question is, I have read many posts and comments about needing resistors and/or an LCM Reflash once the LED sets are installed for many 2002 models, but have not been able to isolate exactly what I need to do to make these work correctly with my 2001, so there are not blinking issues or Tail Light-Out Indicators present. Does anyone know for sure? I have extensive experience with electronics installations (over 10 years), so feel free to be as technical as needed.

You will need resistors and capacitors. I saw a very good and technical write up by an EE who was able to fix the issue. Off the top of my head I think you will need three (Stop,parking,turn) ~6ohm 50w resistors for each tail and caps too. It will require some work. I'll try to find the info.

did you buy them recently? if so, you should be fine. the newer ones have fixed most of the warnings issues. the reflash only applies to OEM LED tails.

Like said above, the newer build tails have been "updated" and should work.


You wont know 100% until you plug them in and fire them up--no need to fully install them to know.

You may have trouble with the DEPO versions as their resistor setups were not compatible with all cars so some cars got bulb out warnings.

Okay, thanks everyone. I suppose I will pick this back up if I have issues after I put them in once the body work is done. I was just seeing if someone knew the exact impedance the tail light monitors look for and if needed, which capacitors may be required to prevent blinking/flickering issues, so I could be prepared in advance. Thanks again!

Mike,

I did a write up about the install for the Eagle Eyes LEDs we carry. It's plug and play and could not be easier.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...&highlight=LED

I purchased these taillights for my coupe last year, and just recently within the week only on the right hand side on the turn signal section I have led's going out one by one. I only have 6 led's left Im not sure as to why this is happening. Maybe the resistor is going bad? or just a defective part within the unit.

how would someone go as to buy the proper led's to replace the bad ones or get a new resistor. Im wondering if replacing the led's is possible at all or its just one fixed unit.

you can wire multiple LEDs and use one resistor. usually it's like 4 LEDs in the row maximum (dependent on the LED used). you just need the specs of the LEDs and some math to figure out what size resistor you need.