I need some help. I am new to the BMW family and am excited to make my first small, but significant modification.

My tail lights currently are red with an orange streak in the middle for the turn signals. I want to buy some after market tail lights that are pure red and white (where the white is the reflector piece at the very top of the light fixture). If you are a BMW enthusiast, you know which ones I am referring to...it resembles the 2004 330ci look.

My question is: Do all the E46 gen tail lights fit like a glove or does it differ depending on a 2 or 4 door model, year, and model (i.e. 320 vs 325)?

I'd like to find this out before I just purchase a set off ebay. They all look similar, but may have slight differences. I would hate to buy the wrong ones given that they go for $120+ a pair online.

Thanks for any help or advice you can provide.

akira55

GO to Umnitza and order your tails from them.
Years and models vary. Just click on which year and car you have and you will not be disappointed nor will you buy the wrong set.

First, coupe/sedan lights are a different shape, so no go on that. Also, pre-facelifted and facelifted sedan lights physically are the same, but circuitry is very different, so you can't really interchange them.

They do have OEM lights with a clear lens instead of the amber one. If you want something different altogether, LED lights, etc, then contact Umnitza.

Be wary of some ebay items. I've seen a lot of threads here where ppl buy parts off ebay and they aren't oem quality or fitment. usually u get what you pay for. saving 30$ isn't worth the hassle in my opinion.

noob here, whats the difference between pre-facelifted and facelifted? Pics would help

noob here, whats the difference between pre-facelifted and facelifted? Pics would help

Here you go.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u302/mzgha50/comparisonfaceliftedvsprefacelifted.jpg

Thank you that clears it up

Chris

Here you go.



Did the coupes change later that the sedans? I have an 02 coupe and the lights are the older style.

Did the coupes change later that the sedans? I have an 02 coupe and the lights are the older style.

im no sure but i believe they changed in 03'

I got my rear lights off ebay and took very little fittment
http://a665.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/l_c8a3e97bf718b1d453b029b86121ce18.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=169942508&albumID=647044&imageID=4453864)

I got my rear lights off ebay and took very little fittment
http://a665.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/l_c8a3e97bf718b1d453b029b86121ce18.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=169942508&albumID=647044&imageID=4453864)


I gotta say those rear tail lights look very nice. Love how the smoked section ties in witht the tinted windows, black window trim and the black on your alloys.:buttrock

I gotta say those rear tail lights look very nice. Love how the smoked section ties in witht the tinted windows, black window trim and the black on your alloys.

Thanks everyone for your help!

I think I'll go to Umnitza after all.

BTW, love those smoked LED lights on the black ride. My car is black too and I was planning on going clear....guess I might have to reconsider.

im no sure but i believe they changed in 03'

the coupes were facelifted after the 03 production run so facelifted coupes started with model year 2004. changes were:
-sealed headlamps
-new front bumper
-6 speed manual instead of 5
-clears all around and LED tails
-active (curve illuminating) bi-xenons (mid production 04 and on)
-longer handle on rear deck