[AlpineG30]

Hey all, new to the f30 forums, but not new to BMW after having three E90s, but new to the f series generation. My 328d is a pre-LCI Model, and I have the opportunity to get some LCI OEM tail lights for cheap, however, I'm worried about the issues regarding coding and fitment and the issues about wiring the inner turn signals to function, so besides the housings themselves, what else will I need wiring wise? Does anyone sell retrofit harnesses? I'm familiar with INPA and Ncs Expert, but I don't think that applies to F30s... any help would be greatly appreciated.

[obert]

I just did this to my 2013 328 sedan. I used BimmerCode for coding and if I can do it anyone can. Just have to look up how to do it and follow instructions. There are videos on YouTube.

I bought new drip rails as well. I will try to put links here to help show you what I bought.

Drip rail issue thread

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1699363

This is the harness I bought. It’s expensive but made the installation super easy.

https://europeanautosource.com/bmw-l...-3-series.html

Good thread for information.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1180852

Had a little water leak but was fixed easily.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1717758

Here is a google search with lots of info. There is a difference installing these between OEM and Depo lights.

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...e-gws-wiz-serp

[f30jay]

Is it just me or does anyone else like the pre LCI better?

[davidr3]

Just you bro, I bought LCI sequentials and they're the sickest things ever
OP, if you buy them elsewhere like online they come ready with the harness and much less work.

[upsidedownfunnel]

I installed the OEM LCI headlights. You can find an OEM retrofit harness kit for much less than $100. Part is 61122410220. Search online and you can find them for well under $100 and they are Genuine BMW OEM parts.

If you're comfortable with coding, you just have to code a bunch of stuff and you can do this with Bimmercode, though I used E-sys. Bimmercode is a smartphone app and E-sys is Windows PC software. To code you'll also need an ENET cable and if you're using Bimmercode an iOS network adapter to connect the ENET cable. Bimmercode also supports Bluetooth but I'd recommend using the ENET cable. I've attached a few files that should help you with wiring up the harness and coding the correct settings. You just need to do a little online research.

I was able to get everything hooked up without a hitch. It took about an hour to do the wiring start to finish and another 30-60 minutes to get the lights installed. I'm fairly comfortable with wiring work, but this doesn't require much experience. You just have to be careful when removing pins from the old harness to put in the new harness. A pick tool should help you with that.

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by davidr3

Just you bro, I bought LCI sequentials and they're the sickest things ever
OP, if you buy them elsewhere like online they come ready with the harness and much less work.

How did you get the LCI lights work in sequential format? The OEM version did not have this feature.

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by zamboni

How did you get the LCI lights work in sequential format? The OEM version did not have this feature.

They were sold as sequentials, essentially there's a wire that runs from the outer light to the inner light that fits snug behind the trunk trim pieces to allow for the sequential lights to communicate. No coding required, came with all harnesses.
here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[obert]

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by davidr3

They were sold as sequentials, essentially there's a wire that runs from the outer light to the inner light that fits snug behind the trunk trim pieces to allow for the sequential lights to communicate. No coding required, came with all harnesses.
here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the update and good to know that you're able to make it work like Audi, not a fan of sequential turns.

[upsidedownfunnel]

IMO, I don't think the sequential looks particularly good. Sequential tail lights usually use at least 3 or more segments that are equally sized so you can get a sense of movement. Having two differently sized lights blinking light like that just looks like it's broken or connected incorrectly.

[Elvisfan]

Originally Posted by f30jay

Is it just me or does anyone else like the pre LCI better?

I don’t care one way or another. Of course the later ones are from 17 and above. Back in the old days, the year used to be stamped on the taillights. That would be like swapping them out so people would think you have a newer car. As far as the looks. It doesn’t matter one way or another.

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel

IMO, I don't think the sequential looks particularly good. Sequential tail lights usually use at least 3 or more segments that are equally sized so you can get a sense of movement. Having two differently sized lights blinking light like that just looks like it's broken or connected incorrectly.

You're looking at the sequential mod, the actual sequential lights are in different pieces and are actually sequential. I recorded it and put it in slow mo

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by zamboni

Thanks for the update and good to know that you're able to make it work like Audi, not a fan of sequential turns.

To each their own, I know some people will buy the sequential turn signals on their mirrors and some may want to match that.

[im_an_alien]

Tacky imo... This is sequential..

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by im_an_alien

Tacky imo... This is sequential..

Totally aggreged it's a BMW not Mustang or Audi.

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by zamboni

Totally aggreged it's a BMW not Mustang or Audi.

Honestly, I bought them for me. It's your car do what you want. You guys are diving into a subject that has no business being dived into. You can go without all the extra details of wiring. He can buy the aftermarket ones without sequential.

& FYI sequentials are becoming more popular, Tacomas & tons of other cars are beginning to run them. Limiting them to one or two car brands is ignorant.

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by im_an_alien

Tacky imo... This is sequential..

Here's mine. Set playback speed to 0.25 and be the judge.
Not defending them, it's just they're different from the sequential blinker mod.

[mia_chem]

Originally Posted by davidr3

Here's mine. Set playback speed to 0.25 and be the judge.
Not defending them, it's just they're different from the sequential blinker mod.

The proper sequential looks good, how difficult was the install? was yours prelci before?

[AlpineG30]

I appreciate everyone's responses, this gave me a much better idea of what I was getting into. In my opinion, everyone's car is their own and I respect whatever they want to do, personally, not a fan of the sequential tail lights, they don't look bad, they just aren't my taste. I think the pre-lci tails look just as good as far as parking lights go, but the halogen brake lights and turn signals make the car look cheap and dated in my opinion, I think what I'm going to end up doing is throwing the OEM taillights up on marketplace and see if anyone wants to trade me DEPO taillights mostly because those come pre wired and I prefer the orange Euro style turn signals over the red.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by obert

el stupido

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by mia_chem

The proper sequential looks good, how difficult was the install? was yours prelci before?

Was pre-LCI previously. Install wasn't hard at all. Each light comes with a harness that is either for 2016+ or 2012-2015. Pre-LCI uses the 2012-2015 and the rest is just removing the trunk areas panels which can be viewed in a youtube video. Literally nothing more then a few of those expanding rivets and weather liners.

[thompsac25]

I did install DIY videos on my channel. Went from Pre-LCI to LCI blacklines from Unique Style Racing. Pretty simple install. Only additional wiring to do is for the inner trunk turn signals that have to be tapped into the outer turn signals. Otherwise, plug n play!