I think that it does not make any difference, it is normally the circle tail light and also brake assist light, but I don't know how the US specs cars are functioning on taillights

 

Nick I think the connector I'm talking about is a standard 8 pin plug used across the car (at least thats what the ETK shows). It should be easy to buy that at your local BMW and should be very cheap. Since you've removed the original plug it doesn't make any sense for you to buy the E46 retrofit cable. Its make your connection less prone to disconnecting. The fact that your lights don't strobe is very interesting and does indicate that the LCMs are acting differently maybe after CIP 25. I'll be able to confirm this shortly too. I think this is what team work is all about.
Now who's going to write a good DIY guide for all people not wanting to trawl through 13 pages of discussion!

I'm still offering the plug and play cables to anyone interested. I suspect that it'll cost about ?75 inc p&p and all OEM BMW parts. Please PM me if you are interested. It may take some time to put the cables together because of the lead time involved with BMW AG sending these to my local dealer. So would be good if everyone who is interested PM me and I'll order the larger number together.

 

Sorry for the late reply...wow! i've missed a lot of progress on this project...congrats nick for a great job! for your info, my cip version is still 24.xx something, so, most probably you're right about the bulb install on my wiring... anyway, remember me telling u guys it's the retrofit cable for e46, it is!...but not for coupe(led tail light), but retrofit cable for conversion to facelifted e46 sedan (2003 model)...part no : 61120140223...can anyone here check (in pictures too if possible...)(retrofit kit part no. :63210140252 See EBA 0142052)...hope this helps alot...

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mo...hg=63&fg=95

 

Yes Bruce, that's exactly what I need, but until I find the part number of it, order it and receive it (it will take at least 2 weeks) I made a "handy" but safer plug, because without it, the wires alone could be easily disconnected. I could fill-up the socket with UHU Patafix (blue tacks) for an easier job, to keep them in place, but now it's done and it's much better than a temporary solution and when the plug is available I will dismount this one and I will use the plug.









With a little black paint...

 

Nick,

Congrats, you are an expert modder! I knew that you will get them to work.

Sounds good now that we all could enjoy the new Taillights.

Thank you very much.

Alex

 

Nick
you are a pro fixer
now every 1 will be happy now and get there lights to work.

 

Wow now im really confused. Is there a cable available for these to work or not??? I dont have the knowledge to do what nick did to have these work....My tailights are due to arrive today.

 

Geia Basili,

You can buy an OEM modified adaptor from Bruce, or you can print out the pin assignment diagram and have an auto electrician fix it, or even better at your dealer (if possible) ...here, if you have the connections, it is possible

 

Thanks pinguhk

Bruce, bmw_wpq31 and Andy545, helped a lot on this project !! Thanks guys