CELIS tail info for 9/98+ prod e39

[amancuso]

This info applies to prefacelift e39's with a 9/98 or newer production date.

In my quest to wire up the CELIS tails without the Hella upgrade kit (ballasts/harness,) I went to a wrecker to get the pig-tails off of an 01+ model... After using this website for guide (see section pertaining to pinouts), and adding an inline 194 bulb to the extra wire remaining from my car's harness, I got the tail light to illuminate perfectly. Using this method, I did not get the "flickering" of the CELIS portion, nor did I get a check rear lamps message.

I don't remember which guys tried this before, or what production date their cars were. If they were pre 9/98 it could be that that earlier LCM is sending the flicker pulse to the CELIS portion of the tails. Can anyone else confirm this?

Al.

[cal45fan]

On pre-facelift E39, the extra wire (second park light circuit in each tail light) needs to have some sort of resistance. Having a 194 bulb in place is a great idea. Basically, it is all spice and dice IF you have North American spec tails. If your have Euro spec tails, you WILL NEED a voltage regulator, aka, 'ballasts' because they use 10VDC for the CELIS part.

pulse to the CELIS portion of the tails. Can anyone else confirm this?

Al.

The flickering is for cold tests. It goes away after a few seconds. In this regard, can I get dibs on your 'ballasts' because I have Euro spec tails?

[ArmySweitzer]

This info applies to prefacelift e39's with a 9/98 or newer production date.

In my quest to wire up the CELIS tails without the Hella upgrade kit (ballasts/harness,) I went to a wrecker to get the pig-tails off of an 01+ model... After using this website for guide (see section pertaining to pinouts), and adding an inline 194 bulb to the extra wire remaining from my car's harness, I got the tail light to illuminate perfectly. Using this method, I did not get the "flickering" of the CELIS portion, nor did I get a check rear lamps message.

I don't remember which guys tried this before, or what production date their cars were. If they were pre 9/98 it could be that that earlier LCM is sending the flicker pulse to the CELIS portion of the tails. Can anyone else confirm this?

Al.

I did it just fine on my 4/97. The flickering is not present once you wire in the bulb to trick the LCM.

enjoy!

[CSMBlack-540i]

Which "extra wire" are we talking about here? Is it a certain color code? or Pin # in the pinouts?

[cal45fan]

In the pre-facelift years of the E39, there are 2 park light circuits for EACH tail light assembly. One of the circuit is used for the CELIS park light and the second/other circuit has to be utilized by putting an inline instrument cluster bulb to trick the LCM that all lights are ok. This makes the LCM not throw a "check rear light" warning.

FROM LCM FOR EACH TAIL LIGHT (PARK LIGHTS):

+(positive lead) +---------CELIS LIGHT CICUIT------(ground)||- <--first circuit
+----------(BULB)------------------(ground) l l-

+(positive lead)--------------(BULB)---------(ground)||- <--second circuit

BULB: I used an instrument cluster light (1.2 or 1.3 watts)

[amancuso]

On pre-facelift E39, the extra wire (second park light circuit in each tail light) needs to have some sort of resistance. Having a 194 bulb in place is a great idea. Basically, it is all spice and dice IF you have North American spec tails. If your have Euro spec tails, you WILL NEED a voltage regulator, aka, 'ballasts' because they use 10VDC for the CELIS part.


The flickering is for cold tests. It goes away after a few seconds. In this regard, can I get dibs on your 'ballasts' because I have Euro spec tails?

I don't plan on selling my ballasts, only checking this for a friend. I did this test with the "euro" Hella retrofit package which utilizes the euro spec tails (no 4 little LEDs on the side) And it worked just fine.

[cal45fan]

I don't plan on selling my ballasts, only checking this for a friend. I did this test with the "euro" Hella retrofit package which utilizes the euro spec tails (no 4 little LEDs on the side) And it worked just fine.

You could be fine for now...

The Euro spec tails use a 14k ohms load resistor and a 10 ohm voltage drop resistor to aid the LED to operate properly because no LED is designed to run on straight 10 OR 12 VDC.

Now, a 2 volt difference may not be enough but it sure puts a lot of stress on those resistors. How do I know? I burned mine!

Here is the schematics for those who want to know!

[Petes540i6]

Subscribed. I will be getting North America Spec CELIS tails. This is interesting.

[BMWM5LOVER]

I just tried to fit NA Spec Celis. I got them to light up/work perfectly very simply, however, they did not fit in the tail light area at all, they were protruding a good 1/2 inch (an d I am not referring to the bolts that are sticking out).

Am I missing something/>

[BimmerBreaker]

Yes, there is some drilling that needs to be done. Look for pre-facelift CELIS retrofit/DIY and it should show you what needs to be cut.

[BMWM5LOVER]

Ya, I wasn't ready to cut up my car.
Do Euro Celis drop right in?

[e39dream]

all celis tails require modification to the tail light area on the early e39s. All you have to do is drill out a hole and massage the sheet metal a little. In fact those procedures are well outlined in the installation instructions from Hella. Not a big deal at all.

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/H...staillight.pdf

[BMWM5LOVER]

Ya, i knew about the drilling of the holes, but I am not mashing my metal, no way hose.

[MehMan]

Mashing your metal?

In any case, get a cheap copy of a dremel, the cheap copies are just for stuff like this, you'll use them three times a year and so they won't break. They should make mince meat out of this.

[Jue39]

hi guys can someone please help me out. i have a pair or us celis led for my 2000 528i i understand i wires are the same just need to cut the plug. can anyone please put a pic of where i need to wire that extra bulb to so my lcm wont burn.

[fullthrottle540]

Ya, i knew about the drilling of the holes, but I am not mashing my metal, no way hose.

lol the spanish name u are referencing is jose, not hose