Tail Light Install - motoring|underground

Pir8 97 · #1 07-23-2009, 12:16 PM

Let me start by saying this is one of the easiest projects I've done to my car. Removing and installing the tail lights in an R53/R50 requires one tool, no adhesives and about 15 minutes of time.

Here's the before picture:

Here are the new lights and the only tool needed - a 10 mm wrench. I used a gearwrench since the ratcheting action kept me from having to pull the wrench off the nut with every turn.

Step 1: open the hatch and remove the cover from one of your side compartments

This picture shows the passenger side compartment in my car. The mess of wires are from my XM & iPod adaptors. Notice the threaded stud and 10mm nut the arrow is pointing to...

Step 2: remove the 10mm nut as shown below

Step 3: push the light from the back to loosen it. It may take pushing from different sides and some wiggling to get it loose. There are two clips on the outside of the lights. You'll need to use your fingers to compress the clips and release the light.

This picture illustrates the clips. The light is turned 90deg counterclockwise in this picture. You can also see the threaded stud (under the wires) the 10mm nut was on.

Step 4: once the light is free from the car you'll need to disconnect the wiring harness

Step 5: plug the wiring harness into the new light (note: '02-'04 wiring harness is compatible with '05-'06 lights & vice versa, however '02-'04 lights do not have reverse lights)

Step 6: line the new light up with the tail light hole... start with lining up the threaded stud. Push the light straight in until it snaps in place.

Step 7: test your new lights and then step back and admire your work

Now, does anyone have an R53 bumper cover that doesn't have the stupid reflectors they would like to donate to me?

***As always, I am not a certified mechanic or even someone who should be taken seriously. Motoring | Underground and I are not responsible if you screw up your car, lights, etc.***

thebestever · #2 07-23-2009, 12:59 PM

nice write up! and unfortunately i don't have a bumper for you. thank you for doing this though!

goin440 · #3 07-23-2009, 01:11 PM

You could continue the black out with the chrome inner ring: How To

TWISTER · #4 07-23-2009, 01:14 PM

Nice!

Pir8 97 · #5 07-23-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goin440

You could continue the black out with the chrome inner ring: How To

Thanks, but I want to keep a little bling

Tata Steva · #6 07-23-2009, 01:29 PM

I also just did this mod on my 2006 MC. I went for aftermarket clear tails from standard OEM. Now, aftermarket tails did not come with bulb harness and chrome bulbs.
Issue with putting clear tails on 2005/2006 is that position of the bulbs is different and requires swapping the whole unit, not just clear housing...
So, I had to get bulb harness for pre 2005 (from dealer). From there, it was "plug and play"

I also ordered chrome finish amber and red bulbs for legal issues.

See the result:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I did put red reflectors on the lower edge of the bumper trim. This is not bad for now. I do like the look. Again, this is strictly for legal reasons...

Next is the clear lower (reverse/fog) light. Anybody has an extra one unused? Donation? Anybody?...

FERNO · #7 07-27-2009, 02:21 AM

nice write-up.

Where'd you source the red tails and how much where they? My 02 R53 has the amber turns and I would love to be rid of them.

4Boogie · #8 07-27-2009, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FERNO

nice write-up.

Where'd you source the red tails and how much where they? My 02 R53 has the amber turns and I would love to be rid of them.

I picked them up for him at a salvage yard in Marion, S.C. they were $65

Pir8 97 · #9 07-27-2009, 06:51 PM

-=gRay_rAvEn=- · #10 08-06-2009, 02:11 PM

Different twist on the swapping out 03 tails for 05/06 tails..............

I added the rear brake light mod / then put in a huge 1.5 inch RED LED in the rear back up lens of the 06 tail light housing, and replaced my 03's that had the egg yolk yellow directionals.

Now when I use my brakes, not only does the red 06 tails work, but the Super bright red LED in the chrome / clear back up reflector comes on too

Red LED not installed yet in this photo...............but you get the idea.

Will take pic at night and update this mod.....

goin440 · #11 08-06-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pir8 97

Thanks, but I want to keep a little bling

Swooper · #12 08-14-2009, 01:20 PM

hey guys... jus tryin to get a few little things done on the car -
is the 09 (R57) install just as easy as the rest?

I was looking into getting these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=380149166329

unless somebody has another option/idea for me....

Rally · #13 08-14-2009, 01:44 PM

My suggestion is to get taillights that will fit your car

Those won't fit the new bodystyle. As far as I know, no one makes aftermarket r56/57/55 lights yet.

Pir8 97 · #14 08-14-2009, 02:06 PM

An interesting note to my install... My wife told me this morning that one of my reverse lights is out. I said that only the middle light at the bottom should work, but she said one of the tail light reverses works. I was so thrown off that I didn't think to ask if my main reverse light worked.

Now I have to figure out if the wiring harness is set up so that both of the new reverse lights are supposed to work and I have one out or if only one works and I have to do some retro fitting to get the other to work.

If anyone has some insight on this I would like to hear it.

EDIT: I just checked it... the main reverse works. The driver side reverse comes on with the lights even when not in reverse. I'm going to have to pull that bulb.

Swooper · #15 08-14-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rally

My suggestion is to get taillights that will fit your car

Those won't fit the new bodystyle. As far as I know, no one makes aftermarket r56/57/55 lights yet.

so im the asshole who believes it when it says 2009?

thats dumb. im impatient. lets get a move on, people! i need stuff to do!