F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior & interior) > Retrofit B-Pillar Ambient Lighting
ARMA SPEED
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-20-2014, 10:29 AM   #1
Tim@codemybimmer
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Tim@codemybimmer's Avatar
Canada
564
Rep
986
Posts


Drives: 2022 X4 M Competition F98 LCI
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Retrofit B-Pillar Ambient Lighting

Hey Guys,

As you know, if you have the Lighting Package (w/ Xenons), it'll have the ambient lighting as well under the doors and the footwells. There also would be lights on the B-Pillar where the airbag badge goes, however that seemed to be limited to the Luxury or Modern line. They set the mood in the cabin a little bit more!



Therefore it seems lame that the Sport Line got the end of the stick on that part, so I was researching whether it was possible to retrofit it.

Parts List (Real OEM) - http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...54&hg=63&fg=30

Airbag Optical Conductor B-Pillar - Black - 63319242154 x 2
Interior Light B-Pillar (Optical Cable with connector) - 61319242163 x 2

Problem is that I haven't had the chance to see if BMW left a free connector that would connect to the rear door optical lights, as the wiring should go from the B-Pillar into the rear door. This is where I assume it'll connect if BMW left a free connector. Though by the looks of the wiring diagram, the B-Pillar lights are connected to the Front Door ambient lighting. Only alternative may be to tap into that wire...

I'll keep you guys updated, but i'll be ordering the parts in the near future. However if any of you have retrofitted these or have any idea if there's a free connector in the B-Pillar wiring, let me know!

Last edited by Tim@codemybimmer; 11-04-2014 at 07:55 PM..
Appreciate 2
N26Ghost496.50
      09-20-2014, 10:35 AM   #2
IndotagSwizz
Major
IndotagSwizz's Avatar
525
Rep
1,231
Posts

Drives: F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Miami

iTrader: (0)

finally someone is going to give this a shot, good luck and keep us posted
__________________
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2014, 06:43 PM   #3
dubdemand
Captain
dubdemand's Avatar
United Kingdom
416
Rep
941
Posts

Drives: F80 Individual
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Hampshire, UK

iTrader: (2)

Look forward to your findings!
__________________
Individual SY F80 / insta:@dubdemand
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2014, 07:41 PM   #4
Tim@codemybimmer
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Tim@codemybimmer's Avatar
Canada
564
Rep
986
Posts


Drives: 2022 X4 M Competition F98 LCI
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Just a quick update,

Spoke with the dealer, since I need to order the parts. Should just be a simple connector in the B-Pillar or somewhere since it interconnects with the Front/Rear door ambient lighting strips.

So will let you guys know when my parts come (2-3 weeks?). See what actual wiring BMW actually left for these kinds of things. There's always the off chance that BMW has different wiring harnesses even if the difference is just the B-Pillar lighting. Heck if you don't have the paddle shifters, it's missing the one wire!

Last edited by Tim@codemybimmer; 09-21-2014 at 06:20 PM..
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2014, 10:22 PM   #5
pohlease
Private
1
Rep
54
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 Sport
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Minnesota

iTrader: (0)

👍very interested in this.
Appreciate 0
      09-21-2014, 10:43 PM   #6
skw
Lieutenant
200
Rep
552
Posts

Drives: M340i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

subscribed...
__________________
Boston CCA 383036
'20 M340i
'18 MB GLS550
'07 4Runner V8 Limited 4WD
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2014, 12:38 AM   #7
euro-r
Private First Class
euro-r's Avatar
34
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: 17' BMW X5 | MSport | MPPK
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (0)

O...i didn't even know the other lines got that. good to know, looking forward to see the solution
Appreciate 0
      09-23-2014, 10:31 AM   #8
MyFastM3
Second Lieutenant
65
Rep
260
Posts

Drives: m3
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Za

iTrader: (0)

Subscribing to this wanted to do this FOR AGES
Appreciate 0
      09-29-2014, 05:54 AM   #9
philiper1
Colonel
philiper1's Avatar
England
771
Rep
2,468
Posts

Drives: F21 M135i LCI
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Norfolk

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
any update on this? waiting impatiently
__________________
Current: F21 M135i Mineral Grey and few options
Previous: F30 320i XDrive, E85 2.5i, E21 323i
Appreciate 0
      09-29-2014, 11:02 AM   #10
Diversion
Private
United_States
5
Rep
69
Posts

Drives: 2013 F30 335i M Sport
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Jacksonville, Florida

iTrader: (0)

In for the updates! I'd definately do this as well. The reason it was omitted from the Sport/M-Sport line is because they have white LED toggle on these.. And this Airbag led light only comes in Amber color!
__________________
2013 F30 335i 6MT M Sport Melbourne Red
2007 Honda Fit Sport 5MT Daily
2013 Honda CBR600RR Repsol #84
Appreciate 0
      10-24-2014, 08:01 PM   #11
RSnic
Major
RSnic's Avatar
United_States
658
Rep
1,478
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340Xi (G20)
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW M340  [0.00]
Have a 2014 no-line 328i; am definitely looking forward to update.

How did it go? What parts are needed? Where do you connect in?

Thanks
__________________
Al

2020 M340Xi| ZDA| ZDY| ZPP| ZPX| 1CR| 1PL| 688| 6NW| 2VFH|
Retired: 2014 328i
BMW CCA
Appreciate 0
      10-25-2014, 09:44 PM   #12
Tim@codemybimmer
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Tim@codemybimmer's Avatar
Canada
564
Rep
986
Posts


Drives: 2022 X4 M Competition F98 LCI
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Well unfortunately haven't had the time to look into it too much. My normal dealer I go to for servicing didn't want to look into it for me, as a result of ownership change. Same went for when I asked them to cut the hole for the Driver's side storage.

Finally had time to go to other dealers for both, and they will all look into it and will cut the hole for the Driver's side storage (for those interested in Canada). I just didn't feel like tearing out the trim of my car haha.

As far as I believe, I've learnt that Luxury and Modern line (not sure No-line) will have the Airbag badge to accommodate the lighting but won't have any wiring if you don't have the lighting package - shop foreman checked when I randomly chose a 320i Modern but didn't realize it didn't have the lighting package.

Therefore I think for people without the lighting (xenon) package will not have the wiring necessary. However I still believe the wiring must exist in cars with the lighting package.

Will try to get the parts this week at the very least, as I believe it is in stock since I enquired about it before and they agreed to order the parts first weeks ago.
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2014, 07:56 PM   #13
Tim@codemybimmer
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Tim@codemybimmer's Avatar
Canada
564
Rep
986
Posts


Drives: 2022 X4 M Competition F98 LCI
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Small update,

Got the parts. Looks like there should be a connector for these lights, but i'm not 100% sure. Will be getting someone to install it on Saturday, along with the Driver's Side compartment.

I'll post pictures of the parts later tonight. Will give a new update when I get the lights in!
Appreciate 0
      11-05-2014, 02:16 PM   #14
Vipor
New Member
Vipor's Avatar
5
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: 2014 F32 Alpine White
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Houston

iTrader: (0)

I presume you are applying this to a 4-door. Any idea of this feature is/was present on a 2-door coupe?
Appreciate 0
      11-05-2014, 03:10 PM   #15
Zirenz2006
Brigadier General
Zirenz2006's Avatar
United_States
1532
Rep
4,553
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: US - NE

iTrader: (0)

I was always curious if this was possible. Will watch for updates.
__________________
Current: 2021 ///M3 Competition Isle of Man Green
Ordered: 2024 ///M2 Zandvoort Blue
Past: 2018 X3 ///M40i | 2012 328i | 2009 335i | 2007 335i Coupe | 2005 545i | 2001 325i
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2014, 10:35 PM   #16
Tim@codemybimmer
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Tim@codemybimmer's Avatar
Canada
564
Rep
986
Posts


Drives: 2022 X4 M Competition F98 LCI
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Well tomorrow's the day we find out... meanwhile I've stumbled across this from a Japanese site (translated) which gives a good idea how the light is supposed to be hooked into the pillars.

https://translate.google.com/transla...spx&edit-text=

They have the Lighting Package, however car didn't have the puddle lights from the door handles. They were able to retrofit that as there were free connectors, however they weren't able to find a free connector for the B-Pillar lighting.

As per the wiring diagram, it connects to the footwell lighting, as well as the front door light strips and the FEM via the passenger side wiring. So I'm assuming the connector may as well be hiding along those lines. Though it is totally possible they make different wiring harnesses for LHD and RHD, or Euro and North America. But definitely seems like different wiring between vehicles with and without Lighting Package.
Appreciate 0
      11-09-2014, 09:28 PM   #17
Dog Face Pony Soldier
2006 TIME Person Of The Year
Dog Face Pony Soldier's Avatar
United_States
9720
Rep
6,445
Posts

Drives: M Sport 335i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 335i  [9.74]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timbits93
Well tomorrow's the day we find out... meanwhile I've stumbled across this from a Japanese site (translated) which gives a good idea how the light is supposed to be hooked into the pillars.

https://translate.google.com/transla...spx&edit-text=

They have the Lighting Package, however car didn't have the puddle lights from the door handles. They were able to retrofit that as there were free connectors, however they weren't able to find a free connector for the B-Pillar lighting.

As per the wiring diagram, it connects to the footwell lighting, as well as the front door light strips and the FEM via the passenger side wiring. So I'm assuming the connector may as well be hiding along those lines. Though it is totally possible they make different wiring harnesses for LHD and RHD, or Euro and North America. But definitely seems like different wiring between vehicles with and without Lighting Package.
Interesting topic (subscribed), but it really doesn't matter much if there is an empty connector since you can just tap the circuit like the 320 owner did in Japan. Good to see the installer had the foresight to include a quick disconnect so the pillar cover can be removed.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2014, 10:15 PM   #18
Tim@codemybimmer
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Tim@codemybimmer's Avatar
Canada
564
Rep
986
Posts


Drives: 2022 X4 M Competition F98 LCI
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by glennQNYC View Post
Interesting topic (subscribed), but it really doesn't matter much if there is an empty connector since you can just tap the circuit like the 320 owner did in Japan. Good to see the installer had the foresight to include a quick disconnect so the pillar cover can be removed.
True, could just tap into the circuit if there is no empty connector - which they found that there is no existing connector in my car currently.

It's more about keeping it clean without splicing wires, the only last thing to see is if this one part is the key to a clean install without splicing:

Repair Cable B-Pillar - 61129335592 x 2

I'll report back however as of current, wiring does not exist and the best alternative is to tap into the rear door ambient lighting as per the owner in Japan. So if it turns out the cable does not have anything, then I will probably end up tapping the wires and put them in, given I have the parts anyways.
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2015, 10:28 AM   #19
QUiKSR20
Major
QUiKSR20's Avatar
United_States
362
Rep
1,402
Posts

Drives: 13' F30 328i 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: NJ

iTrader: (17)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timbits93 View Post
True, could just tap into the circuit if there is no empty connector - which they found that there is no existing connector in my car currently.

It's more about keeping it clean without splicing wires, the only last thing to see is if this one part is the key to a clean install without splicing:

Repair Cable B-Pillar - 61129335592 x 2

I'll report back however as of current, wiring does not exist and the best alternative is to tap into the rear door ambient lighting as per the owner in Japan. So if it turns out the cable does not have anything, then I will probably end up tapping the wires and put them in, given I have the parts anyways.
I know this is an old thread but did anyone ever complete this task? Would be cool to add if the wiring is there. I have the lighting package
__________________
'13 F30 328i Sport 6MT | '18 G01 X3 xDrive30i | '95 E36 325i Vert 5MT
92 Sentra SE-R SR20DET DET Build Thread
89 E30 325is [sold & missed]
Appreciate 0
      11-20-2015, 07:21 PM   #20
RSnic
Major
RSnic's Avatar
United_States
658
Rep
1,478
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340Xi (G20)
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW M340  [0.00]
Also, am most interested in whether you MUST have one of the Lines (Modern, Luxury or Sport), as my car is a No line (basic)

Please let us know.
Thank you very much
__________________
Al

2020 M340Xi| ZDA| ZDY| ZPP| ZPX| 1CR| 1PL| 688| 6NW| 2VFH|
Retired: 2014 328i
BMW CCA
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2015, 08:13 AM   #21
Tim@codemybimmer
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Tim@codemybimmer's Avatar
Canada
564
Rep
986
Posts


Drives: 2022 X4 M Competition F98 LCI
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by QUiKSR20 View Post
I know this is an old thread but did anyone ever complete this task? Would be cool to add if the wiring is there. I have the lighting package
There wiring is unfortunately NOT there. Had to piggy-back it off of the rear lighting wires.





Otherwise it adds some ambiance to the cabin. Now just waiting for my LCI HVAC trim piece and it should complete the look
Appreciate 3
      11-25-2015, 02:53 PM   #22
roxxor
Major
roxxor's Avatar
1120
Rep
1,124
Posts

Drives: 2024 iX50
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida

iTrader: (7)

My parts for this finally arrived last week, might try to throw mine in over the coming weekend. And I already did the LCI Climate Surround swap as well, it looks nice!!
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 10:12 AM.




f30post
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