[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

For anyone on the fence, def go for it. Very happy with the look, install process, and that it was plug and play. Really meshes well with the dark diffuser and the shape of it's profile just looks better than the flatter profile of the pre-LCI. Even my wife noticed, and she notices nothing when it comes to cars. When I got this car, she thought my G30 coming off the truck was the same car as my F10 that I had just sold lol.

I was finally able to find a LCI in a parking lot. Looks like they have the little dots as well. Joe confirmed this too. Wasn't able to park next to it, but it looked the same...to me it did at least. Will try and find one that I can park next to and sneak a couple pics in.

One thing I found interesting though...when the LCI was pulling out, I noticed it's brake lights also lit up the turn signal areas (which are red of course, so not totally off looking to a normal eye). But to someone who knows that Euro spec uses that clear strip area for just the turn signal, it looked odd to me that the clear strip and the red led tube light up when braking. Never noticed that before. Not sure why US Spec is designed it that way.

Amber turn signals are against DOT, go figure, 10 years ago they weren't and we (BMW owners) jumped through hoops to remove amber turn signals from our cars.

My girlfriend had the same reaction. She knew I was getting I was doing it as she couldn't miss the boxes, but she very rarely gives any of my "mods" any love, mostly out of stubbornness IMO because she doesn't get it, but she definitely was all in on the new lights looking SO much better than the pre-LCI's. Personally, the impact was huge for me. #1 mod out of the $12,000 I have spent since April lol!.

I wish we were closer, I really want to see the aftermarkets in person. I will take a few nice close up pics of my OEM's this weekend and post them. Should be easy enough to compare, at least for the dots.

[MarkSCD]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

That's a very good price for the real deal. Pretty much OEM at knock off prices. Definitely an expected trend.

Hey Joe, I recall that the dealership did your install and ran the extra wire. Did they also do the coding?
The PnP knockoffs sounds great but why go that route when you can get the genuine set for close to the price of the knockoffs.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by MarkSCD

Hey Joe, I recall that the dealership did your install and ran the extra wire. Did they also do the coding?
The PnP knockoffs sounds great but why go that route when you can get the genuine set for close to the price of the knockoffs.

I agree, but I can see peoples concerns with coding, or more so, losing coding from a dealer update and having to coordinate with the coder again. That said, dealer updates are not that frequent and they only do them to solve an issue. Last time in, my SA put on my account "no software updates, customer has custom coding". I am also in the process of backing up all my coding with ProTool, so I don't have to rely on a coder. I can just restore (including AD/VLD). Coders are 100% unreliable and only want to work when they need weed or have to pay child support. Exaggeration, but close to the truth. Not all.

I can see both sides, but I would not do it any differently even if the knock-offs were available when I did it and even if they were half price. I don't mess with non OEM lights. Learned my lesson years ago.

Yes, I had a BMW shop do my install, which included repinning the inner connector and running a 5th wire from the BDC. You can also run a jump wire from the inner to the outer to not have to run from the BDC. This jump wire is pretty much what this harness on the knock off is doing.

I did all my homework and documented everything. I could have done the install myself using the jump method and pinning as I am very comfortable with wiring, but I didn't feel like ripping apart the trunk. Shop charged me $300 and it was well worth it. They ran the wire from the BDC because "they only do things right". I can respect that.

I hired a coder and arranged for him to code my car at the shop that did the install. It went very smooth. The whole thing cost me $1,400. I paid $950 for the lights, $150 coding, $300 labor.

[RonronEG]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Amber turn signals are against DOT, go figure, 10 years ago they weren't and we (BMW owners) jumped through hoops to remove amber turn signals from our cars.

That is not true, amber turn signals are perfectly legal by DOT standards. My wife's car is a MY17 and had amber signals (I swapped them to red at her request) and my coworker just purchased a Mazda MY21 that has that weird stobe like amber turn signal. I mean during a regular commute you can see plenty of late model cars with ambers. Its definitely a choice by the manufacturer, what motivates that choice whether it be practicality, durability, cost or what have you but its surely not an outright law forbidding the color.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

That is not true, amber turn signals are perfectly legal by DOT standards. My wife's car is a MY17 and had amber signals (I swapped them to red at her request) and my coworker just purchased a Mazda MY21 that has that weird stobe like amber turn signal. I mean during a regular commute you can see plenty of late model cars with ambers. Its definitely a choice by the manufacturer, what motivates that choice whether it be practicality, durability, cost or what have you but its surely not an outright law forbidding the color.

We will agree to disagree. There is a reason there are euro tails with Amber blinkers and US ones with red. You are mistaken. Or BMW would "choose" to make one spec. You aren't supposed to get an inspection sticker in MA with Amber blinkers. It's not your wife's choice.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

We will agree to disagree. There is a reason there are euro tails with Amber blinkers and US ones with red. You are mistaken. Or BMW would "choose" to make one spec. You aren't supposed to get an inspection sticker in MA with Amber blinkers. It's not your wife's choice.

I never knew amber signals were illegal in rear lights by DOT. If that can fail inspection, I may not do the Euro tails. In NH the inspection process is RIDICULOUS. Last year my SUV failed because one of my Fog lights was out. He actually showed me the inspection guidance and it states that ANY light out on the vehicle, to include dome lights, can fail an inspection.

[PPMKING]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

I never knew amber signals were illegal in rear lights by DOT. If that can fail inspection, I may not do the Euro tails. In NH the inspection process is RIDICULOUS. Last year my SUV failed because one of my Fog lights was out. He actually showed me the inspection guidance and it states that ANY light out on the vehicle, to include dome lights, can fail an inspection.

This is actually incorrect. It's totally legal in US to have amber turn signal. Manufacturers have a choice in US. A simple google search will confirm that lol. I suspect they leave it red because of cost.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by PPMKING

This is actually incorrect. It's totally legal in US to have amber turn signal. Manufacturers have a choice in US. A simple google search will confirm that lol. I suspect they leave it red because of cost.

Maybe its something new ? It made me think, so I went to the garage and looked. My 2004 SUV has amber turn signals for certain.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/S-QAA...9J/s-l1600.jpg

[Sxs1687]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Amber turn signals are against DOT, go figure, 10 years ago they weren't and we (BMW owners) jumped through hoops to remove amber turn signals from our cars.

My girlfriend had the same reaction. She knew I was getting I was doing it as she couldn't miss the boxes, but she very rarely gives any of my "mods" any love, mostly out of stubbornness IMO because she doesn't get it, but she definitely was all in on the new lights looking SO much better than the pre-LCI's. Personally, the impact was huge for me. #1 mod out of the $12,000 I have spent since April lol!.

I wish we were closer, I really want to see the aftermarkets in person. I will take a few nice close up pics of my OEM's this weekend and post them. Should be easy enough to compare, at least for the dots.

$12k? What have you done to this car?

Originally Posted by RonronEG

That is not true, amber turn signals are perfectly legal by DOT standards. My wife's car is a MY17 and had amber signals (I swapped them to red at her request) and my coworker just purchased a Mazda MY21 that has that weird stobe like amber turn signal. I mean during a regular commute you can see plenty of late model cars with ambers. Its definitely a choice by the manufacturer, what motivates that choice whether it be practicality, durability, cost or what have you but its surely not an outright law forbidding the color.

So I did some internet searching. Apparently BMW switched over to red turn signals because they look "sportier" than amber turn signals... Red signals are illegal in Europe but many, if not most American cars use red rear signals. Amber signals are not illegal here. Most Japanese cars still use amber for their rear signals. The reason many of the newer BMWs, Audis and MBs use the brake light doubling as a turn signal is because these Germans have apparently been designing their turn signals as skinny LED strips, such as the 5
G30 LCI tails and they are apparently too small per DOT regulations here in the US. Instead of designing an entirely new taillight, they just double the brake light as a rear turn signal. US DOT not only has height regulations for turn signals but width as well (newer MB sedans fall short in width) AND the US does not allow animated rear signals, only on the front (Audi has to use the animated signal in congunction with the brake light to be legal here). Even some Lexus models have animated front and rear signals (RX350/450) that are reprogrammed to just blink solid for the US...learned this off my wife's car.

[RonronEG]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

We will agree to disagree. There is a reason there are euro tails with Amber blinkers and US ones with red. You are mistaken. Or BMW would "choose" to make one spec. You aren't supposed to get an inspection sticker in MA with Amber blinkers. It's not your wife's choice.

Lighting is regulated by Federal Law, specifically in this case Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 which states rear signals can be red or amber. Feel free to look it up for yourself. A G30 owner should be familiar with FMVSS 108 because it's why we don't get our adaptive/beam forming/anti dazzle lights in the US.

Your reasoning about BMW "choosing" to only do one has completely reversed logic. The US is infatuated with red signals, nearly the entirety of the rest of the world uses yellow exclusively for their rear signals (and in many countries it is indeed a law). What is better has been a topic of debate for US drivers as far back as I can remember.

My wife choosing to have red vs amber is indeed her choice, fully allowed by the law.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

Lighting is regulated by Federal Law, specifically in this case Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 which states rear signals can be red or amber. Feel free to look it up for yourself. A G30 owner should be familiar with FMVSS 108 because it's why we don't get our adaptive/beam forming/anti dazzle lights in the US.

Your reasoning about BMW "choosing" to only do one has completely reversed logic. The US is infatuated with red signals, nearly the entirety of the rest of the world uses yellow exclusively for their rear signals (and in many countries it is indeed a law). What is better has been a topic of debate for US drivers as far back as I can remember.

My wife choosing to have red vs amber is indeed her choice, fully allowed by the law.

We will agree to disagree and as someone who has full Anti Dazzle and VLD coding enabled, I am very familiar with the law. So, in the case that you are actually right, all the better for choosing Euro tails the dealer won't retrofit in the US for some strange reason that is not associated with legalities that also come with DOT unapproved rear fogs.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

Do you mind going back through your tracking on your lights and telling me where they shipped from? Any mention of CVG2 or other US based address or origin scan?

It says shipped with speedpak from Greater China. I have a usps tracking that started from Whittier, CA.

Edit: Re signal color, this appears to be the law in CA:

(a) Any turn signal system used to give a signal of intention to turn right or left shall project a flashing white or amber light visible to the front and a flashing red or amber light visible to the rear.

[RonronEG]

Originally Posted by Gautam

It says shipped with speedpak from Greater China. I have a usps tracking that started from Whittier, CA.

Edit: Re signal color, this appears to be the law in CA:

(a) Any turn signal system used to give a signal of intention to turn right or left shall project a flashing white or amber light visible to the front and a flashing red or amber light visible to the rear.

Thanks for looking up the shipping. How is the brightness in person on yours? Are you satisfied with the intensity when it switches from running light to brake light? This is the hardest thing to compare for me with stuff captured on camera due to settings, etc.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

Thanks for looking up the shipping. How is the brightness in person on yours? Are you satisfied with the intensity when it switches from running light to brake light? This is the hardest thing to compare for me with stuff captured on camera due to settings, etc.

It’s really obvious in person, I presume just like oem. Though my iPhone XS camera is clearly showing it’s age…

Fwiw, either I made my wife think this retrofit was her idea, or she made me think it was mine. Either way, it was a pleasant victory.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

$12k? What have you done to this car?



So I did some internet searching. Apparently BMW switched over to red turn signals because they look "sportier" than amber turn signals... Red signals are illegal in Europe but many, if not most American cars use red rear signals. Amber signals are not illegal here. Most Japanese cars still use amber for their rear signals. The reason many of the newer BMWs, Audis and MBs use the brake light doubling as a turn signal is because these Germans have apparently been designing their turn signals as skinny LED strips, such as the 5
G30 LCI tails and they are apparently too small per DOT regulations here in the US. Instead of designing an entirely new taillight, they just double the brake light as a rear turn signal. US DOT not only has height regulations for turn signals but width as well (newer MB sedans fall short in width) AND the US does not allow animated rear signals, only on the front (Audi has to use the animated signal in congunction with the brake light to be legal here). Even some Lexus models have animated front and rear signals (RX350/450) that are reprogrammed to just blink solid for the US...learned this off my wife's car.

A lot! I am feeling too guilty to list. I am including my Dinan exhaust that is on order in that which is $4,000 grand, Dinan Springs $$1,800, LCI $1,400, Spacers $500, touch climate control panel $300, Dinan Tune $2,000. I think I am close to $11,000, miscellaneous M-Performance Mats, Diffuser, BMW OEM Puddle light Projectors, spacers.......

The irony is I am looking at a 2020 M5C this weekend. Most of my $12,000 is transferable or easily sell-able. The Dinan Exhaust and Springs have not shipped, so they are cancel-able off the $12,000.

BUT, the LCI's are moving over day of delivery if it works out. 50/50 in reality of it working out, but I know myself, casual looking turns into deposit quickly.

I know the Euro LCI's are not kosher in the US, that's my point. Thin blinker, amber blinker....they are not approved.

[SctsOut06]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

A lot! I am feeling too guilty to list. I am including my Dinan exhaust that is on order in that which is $4,000 grand, Dinan Springs $$1,800, LCI $1,400, Spacers $500, touch climate control panel $300, Dinan Tune $2,000. I think I am close to $11,000, miscellaneous M-Performance Mats, Diffuser, BMW OEM Puddle light Projectors, spacers.......

The irony is I am looking at a 2020 M5C this weekend. Most of my $12,000 is transferable or easily sell-able. The Dinan Exhaust and Springs have not shipped, so they are cancel-able off the $12,000.

BUT, the LCI's are moving over day of delivery if it works out. 50/50 in reality of it working out, but I know myself, casual looking turns into deposit quickly.

I know the Euro LCI's are not kosher in the US, that's my point. Thin blinker, amber blinker....they are not approved.

Following specifically to see if you get the M5C!! 2020 as well.

Best friend has one and it's always a joy to drive when he lets me!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by SctsOut06

Following specifically to see if you get the M5C!! 2020 as well.

Best friend has one and it's always a joy to drive when he lets me!

We will see. The stars have to align on trade, final price and overall condition. I love my car and it's absolutely perfect. Literally not a mark on it. This M5C has to be PPF'd from new and the silverstone interior has to be free from blue Jean stains.

Worth a look. They will have to give me close to $60k for mine for me to consider. Probably wishful thinking. I can order a new one for $124k.

This is what I do. If I had half the money I spent on BMWs I'd be retired.

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-preowned-search.html

[Sxs1687]

Ooh that M5C is a mean machine. I always felt the ride was just too stiff for a daily but this may not be your daily. I believe someone was saying they changed the springs or something on the LCI M5Cs to soften the ride a bit.

Btw, dinan springs? Didn't you say you wouldn't be lowering your car ever?

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

We will see. The stars have to align on trade, final price and overall condition. I love my car and it's absolutely perfect. Literally not a mark on it. This M5C has to be PPF'd from new and the silverstone interior has to be free from blue Jean stains.

Worth a look. They will have to give me close to $60k for mine for me to consider. Probably wishful thinking. I can order a new one for $124k.

This is what I do. If I had half the money I spent on BMWs I'd be retired.

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-preowned-search.html

Silverstone would definitely be my color of choice. The denim stains are overblown. I have a close family member with a g80 with silverstone merino- leather cleaner once every month is more than enough to keep it looking good as new, same as my ivory nappa.

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

We will see. The stars have to align on trade, final price and overall condition. I love my car and it's absolutely perfect. Literally not a mark on it. This M5C has to be PPF'd from new and the silverstone interior has to be free from blue Jean stains.

Worth a look. They will have to give me close to $60k for mine for me to consider. Probably wishful thinking. I can order a new one for $124k.

This is what I do. If I had half the money I spent on BMWs I'd be retired.

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-preowned-search.html

60k for a 2018 as a trade-in? I think the dealerships are selling them in the 50s. Unless they tell you they will give you 60 and discount the M5C less. Don't think it will be worthwhile. Might as well get a brand new one than a used 2020, especially as its one iteration behind and you already have done some work to yours.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

Ooh that M5C is a mean machine. I always felt the ride was just too stiff for a daily but this may not be your daily. I believe someone was saying they changed the springs or something on the LCI M5Cs to soften the ride a bit.

Btw, dinan springs? Didn't you say you wouldn't be lowering your car ever?

Part of my "exploratory" trip to the dealer to see this car Sunday is to drive an M5C. I never have so I really want to see what this super stiff hard ride is all about. You are right, it's not my daily, but I still want it to be comfortable.

I've wanted the Dinan springs for a while. I may have said that a long time ago, but the thought of a conservative "0.75 drop would really perfect the stance with the spacers. I've procrastinated for a while because it's a pretty invasive install with a lot of labor $$. The other thing is if I have one complaint about the car, I wish it had just a bit less body roll.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by BMW012

60k for a 2018 as a trade-in? I think the dealerships are selling them in the 50s. Unless they tell you they will give you 60 and discount the M5C less. Don't think it will be worthwhile. Might as well get a brand new one than a used 2020, especially as its one iteration behind and you already have done some work to yours.

Yeah, I know it's somewhat of a pipe dream, but I've made some pretty unthinkable deals in the past, so you never know. The other thing, and I know your going to laugh, I won't have the M550 with me for them to evaluate, but I'm going to bust their nuts to give me a high/low based on VIN and my description, which will be and is mint. If the high number is within range, I'll get it out of the garage on the 40 degree day we are supposed to have this week.

It doesn't have to be exactly $60k, but the numbers have to work. Could be a combo of negotiating trade and price. I have to think there is some wiggle room in price. $97k asking is only $25k off MSRP for a two year old car, but it is an M5C.

I'm gonna get an education!