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      05-08-2019, 02:21 PM   #1
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How to: B Pillar light retrofit.

I have made a little tutorial video for those who are looking how to retrofit B pillar ambient light.
It is not that hard, actually it's very easy.

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      05-08-2019, 11:27 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ace320 View Post
I have made a little tutorial video for those who are looking how to retrofit B pillar ambient light.
It is not that hard, actually it's very easy.
Out of curiosity, is there a BMW OEM Part for the lights?

I just will not put any aliexpress part in my car where an airbag is involved. I'm not willing to bet my life on aliexpress.
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      05-09-2019, 12:14 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IK6SPEED View Post
Out of curiosity, is there a BMW OEM Part for the lights?

I just will not put any aliexpress part in my car where an airbag is involved. I'm not willing to bet my life on aliexpress.
Since Airbag curtain is coming from the roof, and this is just lights hooking to the door connector, I think you should be pretty safe here...
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      05-09-2019, 04:30 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IK6SPEED View Post
Out of curiosity, is there a BMW OEM Part for the lights?

I just will not put any aliexpress part in my car where an airbag is involved. I'm not willing to bet my life on aliexpress.
This retrofit was already discussed at length in 2014

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...b+pillar+light

OEM parts:

Airbag Optical Conductor B-Pillar - Black - 63319242154 x 2
Interior Light B-Pillar (Optical Cable with connector) - 61319242163 x 2
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      05-09-2019, 12:59 PM   #5
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The actual airbag is not in the B pillar, it's in the roof, you are 100% safe.

I wouldn't do it if it wasn't safe.

Also, it's just pair of LED's in the plastic cover.
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      05-20-2019, 01:29 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ace320 View Post
I have made a little tutorial video for those who are looking how to retrofit B pillar ambient light.
It is not that hard, actually it's very easy.

very nice and fully step-by-step installation
but could you explain how did you get pins out?
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      05-20-2019, 06:56 PM   #7
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Nice. Added to the list.
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      05-21-2019, 05:23 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doumyouji View Post
very nice and fully step-by-step installation
but could you explain how did you get pins out?
When you look at the plastic connector body, on one side you will see the 'windows' @ each pin location. In the window you will see the pin that is inserted with a small metal spring lock tab that is on the pin.

Push IN on the tab thru the window with a small jeweler screwdriver while at the same time pulling on the wire. Pin will slide out of the connector body.

To replace pin, line up pin so spring lock tab is on correct side & slide pin into hole until you hear a slight click and the pin will not pull out

Done
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      05-21-2019, 05:25 AM   #9
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Has anyone done this mod on a F32?

I would assume that the wire bundle running along floor to rear quarter panels 'should' have the same wires available that go to the Ambient lighting in quarters?

Gonna do this mod on my F32 same time as I swap out for my new M4 Seats
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      06-23-2019, 09:07 PM   #10
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OK, finally got around to installing my new M4 Seats so I got a chance to do the Ambient Pillar Light mod in my F32

*You can get the rear quarter panels off by simply removing the rear seat cushion, side bolsters, & upper seat belt covers normally

Once the rear seats are out:
  • Pop off rear quarter panels
  • Once panels are off you can see the bottom (2) connection points of the upper pillar covers-get your door panel tool behind each & pop out
  • Slide upper pillar cover down & pull out (there are (2) tabs @ the top that lock into key slots in car body)
  • Snap out the old 'Airbag' trim piece & snap in the new trim piece for lights
  • Plug LED end of wire harness into socket on trim piece (tabs will only allow it to install one way, but ensure the LED's are facing the clear plastic liner of trim piece)
  • Fasten metal clips of wire harness in (3) places on interior ribs of upper pillar cover so plug end of wires exits bottom of cover
  • I then assembled a wire harness using the socket end + pins w/wire leads to match light wire harness using parts listed below. Make sure to mark wires with '1' '2' '3' to match the #'s listed for the wires on the wire harness plugs. This is important so you will have proper orange/white light when requested
  • Plug the female connector of these new wire harness into male of lighted wire harness
  • Find the same (3) wires feeding the quarter panel ambient lights & connect each of the wire leads from above using the quik connects to corresponding '1' '2' '3' wires (note: '1' wire is closest to key of connectors)
  • Wrapped these connections all in cloth tape
  • Re-install upper pillar trim
  • Re-install rear quarter panel
  • Done!

Parts list:
  • Airbag Optical Conductor B-Pillar - Black - 63319242154 x 2
  • Interior Light B-Pillar (Optical Cable with connector) - 61319242163 x 2
  • Self Strip 2 Pin Adapter - 61138364566 x 6
  • Universal Pin Terminal Uncoded - Pk Of 10 - 61136931929KT (only need 2)
  • Pin Contact With Wire Lead - Pk of 10, 0.2 - 0.5mm - 61130005198KT (only need 6)

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