THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications US to ECE (Euro) Tail light conversion on LCI F22

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-20-2020, 09:30 PM   #1
rodybmw
Enlisted Member
rodybmw's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: 2022 i4 M50 / 2011 335is Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

US to ECE (Euro) Tail light conversion on LCI F22

Hi Everyone. I'm in the market for an M240i in the US. If I end up with a model year 2017 it will obviously have the pre-LCI tail lights which I would definitely swap to the Euro Spec LCI tail lights with the amber turn indicators. I've already read the DIY thread in this forum which clearly shows how to do this conversion.

However, if I end up getting a model year 2018 or newer then it will have the LCI tail lights already, but the US version with the red turn indicators which I hate. In that case I would want to swap the US LCI tail lights with the Euro version......however, I haven't found any discussions about how to do this in these forums. Do you guys know if anybody has done this already and what's involved with the conversion from US LCI to Euro LCI tail lights? I assume the connector doesn't need to be changed to the new connector like it does for the pre-LCI F22's, but is it just plug-and-play? Is there coding required? I know on the G20 some people have installed the Euro tail lights on US cars and even though they just plug in, they don't actually work correctly without coding (and in the G20 threads that I read they hadn't figured out the coding yet).

I'd appreciate it very much if anyone can share any info on the US LCI to Euro LCI conversion.

Thanks in advance
Appreciate 0
      04-22-2020, 12:05 PM   #2
John in VA
Colonel
974
Rep
2,180
Posts

Drives: 2015 228i M Sport
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Leesburg, VA

iTrader: (6)

It's remarkable how little info there is for 2-series mods of this type compared to the 3- or 4-series. If you don't get any leads check with that section of the forums. It's a matter of getting the proper lamps, trim parts & wiring harness piece for the F3x chassis. Good luck!
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1375733
__________________
____________________________________________
2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
Appreciate 0
      04-22-2020, 12:32 PM   #3
Joaco135
Captain
Joaco135's Avatar
United_States
176
Rep
765
Posts

Drives: 2020 M2C LBB
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Killeen, TX

iTrader: (6)

It is plug and play for the LCI lights, check the M2 forum for people that have done it.
Appreciate 0
      04-22-2020, 01:44 PM   #4
rodybmw
Enlisted Member
rodybmw's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: 2022 i4 M50 / 2011 335is Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the replies!

So far I've had 2 people tell me that LCI to LCI doesn't need any wiring/connector or coding mods at all and it's just plug-n-play.....and one person who's selling the lights on eBay told me that it doesn't need wiring/connector mods, but that it does need coding. Being that both the US and Euro LCI lights have the same type of light source (LED's), I don't see why it would need coding as there wouldn't be any error messages for burnt bulbs.....unless the US LCI's are programmed to illuminate multiple "sections" of the tail lights for brakes/indicators like some other newer BMW's, but I don't believe that's the case with the US LCI F22.

Thanks again....I will check out the M2 and F30 forums.
Appreciate 0
      04-22-2020, 02:12 PM   #5
K8_M235i
Captain
K8_M235i's Avatar
United_States
476
Rep
599
Posts

Drives: CM E36
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Boston, Ma

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodybmw View Post
Thanks for the replies!

So far I've had 2 people tell me that LCI to LCI doesn't need any wiring/connector or coding mods at all and it's just plug-n-play.....and one person who's selling the lights on eBay told me that it doesn't need wiring/connector mods, but that it does need coding. Being that both the US and Euro LCI lights have the same type of light source (LED's), I don't see why it would need coding as there wouldn't be any error messages for burnt bulbs.....unless the US LCI's are programmed to illuminate multiple "sections" of the tail lights for brakes/indicators like some other newer BMW's, but I don't believe that's the case with the US LCI F22.

Thanks again....I will check out the M2 and F30 forums.
You won't need to re pin or code anything.

I have a pre lci with the new 2020 euro blacklines with amber turn signals.

I followed the normal lci pinning and coding guide for pre lci and they work as they should.

Like you said, the voltages will be the same since you aren't changing bulb type.
Attached Images
 
__________________
2015 F80 M3 DCT, Carbon Roof
1998 S54 E36 M3 BMWCCA Club Racing #532 CM
1995 E36 M3 Sunbelt S52
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2020, 12:34 PM   #6
TrboMike
First Lieutenant
140
Rep
345
Posts

Drives: BMW M240ix
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: 07508

iTrader: (0)

Whats a good source/price for the Euro tails with amber turns?
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2020, 03:48 PM   #7
rodybmw
Enlisted Member
rodybmw's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: 2022 i4 M50 / 2011 335is Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
You won't need to re pin or code anything.

I have a pre lci with the new 2020 euro blacklines with amber turn signals.

I followed the normal lci pinning and coding guide for pre lci and they work as they should.

Like you said, the voltages will be the same since you aren't changing bulb type.


Thank You!
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2020, 03:52 PM   #8
rodybmw
Enlisted Member
rodybmw's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: 2022 i4 M50 / 2011 335is Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TrboMike View Post
Whats a good source/price for the Euro tails with amber turns?


The best price I've found is Schmiedmann in Denmark. They ship worldwide and seem to be a solid and reliable source (many people on this and other forums have ordered stuff from them shipped to the US):


https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-f...uct=BFLF222387
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2020, 12:28 PM   #9
TTG
...
TTG's Avatar
United_States
932
Rep
4,323
Posts

Drives: M340
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Also try UK and German Ebays..... they usually have used sets in great condition.
__________________
2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA|ZPP|ZPX|1CR|1PE|6NW|6WD
2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired
2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired
2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
Appreciate 0
      04-25-2020, 07:18 AM   #10
Poochie
Luxury at the redline :)
Poochie's Avatar
United_States
9099
Rep
7,563
Posts

Drives: 2016 M2
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodybmw View Post
Thanks for the replies!

So far I've had 2 people tell me that LCI to LCI doesn't need any wiring/connector or coding mods at all and it's just plug-n-play.....and one person who's selling the lights on eBay told me that it doesn't need wiring/connector mods, but that it does need coding. Being that both the US and Euro LCI lights have the same type of light source (LED's), I don't see why it would need coding as there wouldn't be any error messages for burnt bulbs.....unless the US LCI's are programmed to illuminate multiple "sections" of the tail lights for brakes/indicators like some other newer BMW's, but I don't believe that's the case with the US LCI F22.

Thanks again....I will check out the M2 and F30 forums.
The Euro LCI and US-spec taillights are plug and play, the only thing that makes them different is the US-spec version, the turn signals are the color red and the Euro version, they are amber but other than that, there is no physical hardware difference or operation.

The turn signal inner LEDs are originally red but they add a green optical filter, in the ROW version, so to the human eye, they appear amber, meeting ROW regulations.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Red[/COLOR]+[COLOR="Green"]Green[/COLOR]= [COLOR="DarkOrange"]Amber[/COLOR]
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      04-25-2020, 07:28 AM   #11
Poochie
Luxury at the redline :)
Poochie's Avatar
United_States
9099
Rep
7,563
Posts

Drives: 2016 M2
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by rodybmw View Post
Thanks for the replies!

So far I've had 2 people tell me that LCI to LCI doesn't need any wiring/connector or coding mods at all and it's just plug-n-play.....and one person who's selling the lights on eBay told me that it doesn't need wiring/connector mods, but that it does need coding. Being that both the US and Euro LCI lights have the same type of light source (LED's), I don't see why it would need coding as there wouldn't be any error messages for burnt bulbs.....unless the US LCI's are programmed to illuminate multiple "sections" of the tail lights for brakes/indicators like some other newer BMW's, but I don't believe that's the case with the US LCI F22.

Thanks again....I will check out the M2 and F30 forums.
You won't need to re pin or code anything.

I have a pre lci with the new 2020 euro blacklines with amber turn signals.
It would appear that the amber turn signal doesn't look as vibrant in color, with the BlackLine taillights, over the original version..
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      04-25-2020, 07:32 AM   #12
K8_M235i
Captain
K8_M235i's Avatar
United_States
476
Rep
599
Posts

Drives: CM E36
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Boston, Ma

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by rodybmw View Post
Thanks for the replies!

So far I've had 2 people tell me that LCI to LCI doesn't need any wiring/connector or coding mods at all and it's just plug-n-play.....and one person who's selling the lights on eBay told me that it doesn't need wiring/connector mods, but that it does need coding. Being that both the US and Euro LCI lights have the same type of light source (LED's), I don't see why it would need coding as there wouldn't be any error messages for burnt bulbs.....unless the US LCI's are programmed to illuminate multiple "sections" of the tail lights for brakes/indicators like some other newer BMW's, but I don't believe that's the case with the US LCI F22.

Thanks again....I will check out the M2 and F30 forums.
You won't need to re pin or code anything.

I have a pre lci with the new 2020 euro blacklines with amber turn signals.
It would appear that the amber turn signal doesn't look as vibrant in color, with the BlackLine taillights, over the original version..
It was very dreary out that day. In person the are incredibly bright. At night it's even crazier.
__________________
2015 F80 M3 DCT, Carbon Roof
1998 S54 E36 M3 BMWCCA Club Racing #532 CM
1995 E36 M3 Sunbelt S52
Appreciate 1
Poochie9099.00
      04-27-2020, 05:30 PM   #13
rodybmw
Enlisted Member
rodybmw's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: 2022 i4 M50 / 2011 335is Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
The Euro LCI and US-spec taillights are plug and play, the only thing that makes them different is the US-spec version, the turn signals are the color red and the Euro version, they are amber but other than that, there is no physical hardware difference or operation.

The turn signal inner LEDs are originally red but they add a green optical filter, in the ROW version, so to the human eye, they appear amber, meeting ROW regulations.

Red+Green= Amber

It's interesting how the green lens under the red lens results in an amber light, yet people who have tried green lamps under a red lens say it doesn't have the same result.
Appreciate 0
      04-29-2020, 01:57 PM   #14
TrboMike
First Lieutenant
140
Rep
345
Posts

Drives: BMW M240ix
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: 07508

iTrader: (0)

Wow I was just gona ask why the turns are red on the schmiedmann website. Red off/amber on is even better than just amber. Thanks for the explanation Poochie.

But that creates a new question. Are the ones linked to schmiedmann the blackline tails? Doesnt look like it in the pics. Where do those come from? I think 2017+ M2s and 2020+ F22's come with dark tails. But to get the amber+blackline I'd need Euro tails but from what year do you get the black outlines aka blackline?
Appreciate 1
Poochie9099.00
      04-29-2020, 02:26 PM   #15
rodybmw
Enlisted Member
rodybmw's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: 2022 i4 M50 / 2011 335is Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TrboMike View Post
Wow I was just gona ask why the turns are red on the schmiedmann website. Red off/amber on is even better than just amber. Thanks for the explanation Poochie.

But that creates a new question. Are the ones linked to schmiedmann the blackline tails? Doesnt look like it in the pics. Where do those come from? I think 2017+ M2s and 2020+ F22's come with dark tails. But to get the amber+blackline I'd need Euro tails but from what year do you get the black outlines aka blackline?
The Schmiedmann link that I posted above is what they sell as a kit (they call it "Taillights LCI facelift upgrade retrofit kit"). These are NOT the "blackline" tail lights. Schmiedmann does sell the blackline versions as well, but it's not listed as a kit and cost a bit more than the non-blackline "kit". I will post the links to the individual parts in a bit....stay tuned...
Appreciate 0
      04-29-2020, 02:48 PM   #16
rodybmw
Enlisted Member
rodybmw's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: 2022 i4 M50 / 2011 335is Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Here are the Schmiedmann links for the EURO Blackline tail lights with amber turn indicators. I couldn't find it as a "kit" like they have for the non-Blackline version, so you'd have to order the components separately (1 Left tail light, 1 Right tail light, and 2 connectors). It ends up costing about $29 more than the non-Blackline "kit":

RIGHT BLACKLINE EURO TAIL LIGHT W/AMBER TURN INDICATOR:
https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-f...3-21-9-491-592

LEFT BLACKLINE EURO TAIL LIGHT W/AMBER TURN INDICATOR:
https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-f...3-21-9-491-591

CONNECTOR HOUSING (NEED TO ORDER 2 OF THESE):
https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...1-13-2-359-993

Last edited by rodybmw; 04-29-2020 at 08:37 PM..
Appreciate 2
Matt Devo296.50
jordan24c128.00
      05-02-2020, 05:31 PM   #17
TrboMike
First Lieutenant
140
Rep
345
Posts

Drives: BMW M240ix
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: 07508

iTrader: (0)

You da man.
Appreciate 0
      05-08-2020, 04:33 PM   #18
rodybmw
Enlisted Member
rodybmw's Avatar
United_States
31
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: 2022 i4 M50 / 2011 335is Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

I contacted Schmiedmann last week and asked them if they could add an LCI Tail Light Upgrade Kit for the "Blackline" tail lights like they have had for the non-Blackline lights for a while. As I wrote in my posts above they already had the individual components, but they had to be ordered separately and cost about $30 more than the non-Blackline kit. They sent me an email yesterday letting me know that can in fact put it together as a kit and they sent me the part number they came up with for the Blackline LCI Tail light Upgrade Kit (Euro version with the AMBER turn indicators). Here's the Schmiedmann part number and link:

Taillights -Blackline- LCI facelift upgrade retrofit kit - original BMW

Schmiedmann Part Number: BFLF222387B

Schmiedmann Link:
https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...ct=BFLF222387B
Appreciate 2
      06-13-2020, 02:42 AM   #19
SerenVoX
First Lieutenant
SerenVoX's Avatar
No_Country
145
Rep
350
Posts

Drives: M235i Xdrive
Join Date: May 2016
Location: West Coast

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
You won't need to re pin or code anything.

I have a pre lci with the new 2020 euro blacklines with amber turn signals.

I followed the normal lci pinning and coding guide for pre lci and they work as they should.

Like you said, the voltages will be the same since you aren't changing bulb type.
How do you like the blackline lights? You said there is no coding needed if going from pre LCI 2015 M235i to theses right?? So to clarify, I would just need to install using pre LCI pinning and not the pinning install guide that comes with the blackline lights? Did you just mimic the pin out when uninstalling?



Quote:
Originally Posted by rodybmw View Post

Taillights -Blackline- LCI facelift upgrade retrofit kit - original BMW

Schmiedmann Part Number: BFLF222387B

Schmiedmann Link:
https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...ct=BFLF222387B
Does the blackline kit come with 2 Socket housing rep.kit. 6-pol ?? Or we need to purchase that in addition to the this kit?
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2020, 09:25 AM   #20
K8_M235i
Captain
K8_M235i's Avatar
United_States
476
Rep
599
Posts

Drives: CM E36
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Boston, Ma

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SerenVoX View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
You won't need to re pin or code anything.

I have a pre lci with the new 2020 euro blacklines with amber turn signals.

I followed the normal lci pinning and coding guide for pre lci and they work as they should.

Like you said, the voltages will be the same since you aren't changing bulb type.
How do you like the blackline lights? You said there is no coding needed if going from pre LCI 2015 M235i to theses right?? So to clarify, I would just need to install using pre LCI pinning and not the pinning install guide that comes with the blackline lights? Did you just mimic the pin out when uninstalling?



You will need to follow the normal Pre Lci pinning and coding guide. The OP has an lci car and was asking about just installing the newer lci tails. That's why I said he had to do no coding.

You will need to purchase the two light and two 6 pin lci connectors. I followed the same coding from the diy on here.
__________________
2015 F80 M3 DCT, Carbon Roof
1998 S54 E36 M3 BMWCCA Club Racing #532 CM
1995 E36 M3 Sunbelt S52
Appreciate 1
SerenVoX145.00
      06-13-2020, 10:04 PM   #21
ceramic_king
Banned
21
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: BMW M235i
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (0)

yeah i did the conversion and did extensive research. The coding is fairly simple, just change the amperage ratings so the lights arent crazy bright (LED takes less power) , plus remove all the warning errors. Been running the conversion for over a year now, no issues. US spec but the EURO will be the same play.

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1405431

I used the ENTIRE above DIY with US spec (p/n below):
Left Taillight: 63217420991 - (US model 63217420993)
Right Taillight: 63217420992 - (US model 63217420994)
6-Pin Connectors (2x): 61132359993

The link above is DIY with Euro spec p/n's

Contact Peter (347) 494-1249
He will do remote coding for you at a decent price! tell him Jon (Clint's friend) sent you.
Appreciate 1
SerenVoX145.00
      06-15-2020, 01:17 PM   #22
TrboMike
First Lieutenant
140
Rep
345
Posts

Drives: BMW M240ix
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: 07508

iTrader: (0)

I thought you raise the voltage after converting to LED? Pre LCI non LED are set to 12v and after LCI (or any LED) conversion you up to 13.6?

Or do I have that backwards?

Waiting for my tails to get delivered.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:09 AM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST