Celis LED Lights - install ????

[sixman]

I've read a number of posts and gone through the DIY article on BMWtips.com. Just wondering how hard it is to do. I'm thinking it may be a bit over my head with the LED packs and drilling, etc. that have to happen....

Just want to see if its worth it or if I should just go with the regular clear lights. Those ulgy amber things are killing me!

Thanks,
Miles

[vietsb]

I believe you are referring to the rear CELIS LED lights, correct?

If so, it's not too difficult and if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can see if you have a buddy that is used to metal or wood work and has the tools. Many folk have done the upgrade themselves with no issues. You can read more about it on my E39 DIY website (http://www.bmwdiy.info/celis-rear/index.html)

PS - Ditch those ambers and get the clear-corner CELIS - they look much better! :thumbup:

[sixman]

Doesn't look too bad. What about the water leaking in and the door puller??? I've never used that or a torque wrench before.....

Great instructions though....

[vietsb]

You can read about the door panel puller here (http://www.bmwdiy.info/battery-storage/index.html). Usually a screwdriver works fine as well.

Water leaking isn't an issue in the installs I or my friends have done, but a few people on other boards have complained about it. Their issues were with the gaskets not being seated or installed properly. As long as you drill and notch the tail-light buckets properly and don't bend the metal in the process, there's no reason why they shouldn't fit on there perfectly.

As far as, they are just saying to not overtighten that particular nut. 2.5Nm is very little force, so you'll just want to get it barely snug. The other 3 nuts can be tightened to approximately the same force as the nuts you removed to get the old assembly out.

[sixman]

I found a set for sale at Nikis Place that are sold as "before 9/2000". My car was made 6/2000. Is there any difference in the lights? Will I still have to drill, etc.?

I've sent them an email and am waiting to hear back...

[vietsb]

I recently heard of an upgrade kit from Bekkers that doesn't require the drilling, but since I haven't seen it in person or heard back from anyone who has received it, I'm fairly uncertain. Also, I don't know which Nikis sells, but most of the kits coming from Europe require the drilling and voltage reg hardware, etc. They should be able to tell you pretty easily.

Please post back, especially pics, if there is such an upgrade kit w/ no drilling.

[PropellerHead]

Originally posted by sixman
I found a set for sale at Nikis Place that are sold as "before 9/2000". My car was made 6/2000. Is there any difference in the lights? Will I still have to drill, etc.?

I've sent them an email and am waiting to hear back... 9/2000 is beginning production of the 2001 model years. These would be the ones you need for your 06/00 E39 if they come with the ballasts that fit in the wheel well. (mine is 05/00 and the retrofit worked fine)- Happy birfday!

[sixman]

Hey vietsb,

I checked with Nikis and Bekkers and both kits require drilling. The only dif is the LED packs but I think you guys already knew that.

Miles

[vietsb]

Originally posted by sixman
I checked with Nikis and Bekkers and both kits require drilling. The only dif is the LED packs but I think you guys already knew that.

Thx Miles-

That's what I thought, but someone on RF posted that Bekkers definitely sold them a rear CELIS kit for they '98 that didn't require drilling. They had yet to receive it and there were lots of us non-believers, but we can't always assume... :D

[mottati]

i have seen a "no drilling" kit, but it's for post 9/00 cars. I.e. cars that already have the cellis, but perhaps you want smoked or clear lamps. These do not fit pre 9.00 cars, nor do factory celis lamps... ( i tried a swap )
Mike