e85 Rear Light upgrade - pre-facelift to post facelift

[kenny11]

Hey,
Wonder what the cost is to do this right.
I understand the cost for the bumper, surrounds and rear lights but from looking into it there is also....
1/ light control unit
2/ a software update
3/ run some additional wires from the light control unit to the rear lights

Can this be an expensive job?

Im based in shropshire and wondered if any one had this done in the UK (ideally close ot myvacinity) to meet up and chat about it or even recommendation of some one to go to

 

[paulc_bkk]

There’s an excellent thread on this topic

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=17666

Based on my understanding, you don’t really need the facelift light module to make this work - the wiring modification gets around that need

I’m not sure if the light module would make the upgrade plug & play in terms of wiring, but the light module is one of the places that the car ID stuff such as vin, mileage, order number etc is stored so a 2nd hand module would need to be re-coded to match the car ID in other modules otherwise you will have the 'tamper dot 'on the dashboard cluster

I have a facelift rear bumper in my spare room, and I have facelift lights and surrounds in a box in the UK - I’m hoping to get them sent over to me (in Thailand) soon. I actually got a facelift light module too, but as posted above it’s not strictly necessary.

Probably budget for around £300-600 depending on the condition of parts, whether the bumper needs painting, and if you pay for the coding to the module or not

* edited for minor typos

 

[kis]

Recently done this myself, no need for a new module, can be coded quite simply using NCS (plenty of people around on here that can help). My understanding is that the voltage needs to be increased and voltage checks need to be de-activated. So if you don't do this you'll have a 'check light' on your dash as it thinks one of your bulbs have blown. For what it's worth I did the upgrade and ran with the lights un-coded for a short time (until I could get to a member for him to code it). So coding, yes. Software update, no.

No need for new wires, but you can add them if you want duel fogs or duel reverse lights (not necessary).

Cost? Other than raw materials then its free. If you need to pay for the coding then that should be your only extra cost. Feel free to contact me if you need any more help on the conversion

 

[kenny11]

Recently done this myself, no need for a new module, can be coded quite simply using NCS (plenty of people around on here that can help). My understanding is that the voltage needs to be increased and voltage checks need to be de-activated. So if you don't do this you'll have a 'check light' on your dash as it thinks one of your bulbs have blown. For what it's worth I did the upgrade and ran with the lights un-coded for a short time (until I could get to a member for him to code it). So coding, yes. Software update, no.

No need for new wires, but you can add them if you want duel fogs or duel reverse lights (not necessary).

Cost? Other than raw materials then its free. If you need to pay for the coding then that should be your only extra cost. Feel free to contact me if you need any more help on the conversion

Lifesaver 'kis'. So, your saying its just as easy to swap the parts and itll work all okay ( just a 'check light' on the dashboard)?
Any pictures of your before and after as mine is also the 3L in silver).

 

[kenny11]

There’s an excellent thread on this topic

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=17666

Based on my understanding, you don’t really need the facelift light module to make this work - the wiring modification gets around that need

I’m not sure if the light module would make the upgrade plug & play in terms of wiring, but the light module is one of the places that the car ID stuff such as vin, mileage, order number etc is stored so a 2nd hand module would need to be re-coded to match the car ID in other modules otherwise you will have the 'tamper dot 'on the dashboard cluster

I have a facelift rear bumper in my spare room, and I have facelift lights and surrounds in a box in the UK - I’m hoping to get them sent over to me (in Thailand) soon. I actually got a facelift light module too, but as posted above it’s not strictly necessary.

Probably budget for around £300-600 depending on the condition of parts, whether the bumper needs painting, and if you pay for the coding to the module or not

* edited for minor typos

Thanks Paul,
as for the raw material I also have the facelift bumper, surrounds and tail lights sitting in my garage.
By the sounds of it as to what you and 'kis' are saying, ill just switch the parts for now and stick with the 'check light' error.

 

[kis]

Some pics... sadly none of the completed thing... but we all know what that looks like anyway :wink:

 

[IAmOrion]

Just to add some costings... (I've also done this conversion on mine! Pre-FL to FL)

I paid £250 for the Facelift rear lights (Pair) inc light surrounds. That seems to be about the going rate still - much more expensive than Pre-FL lights that I've seen (and previously sold myself) for £30 - £50 for a pair

I also paid £250 for a Z4M (Facelift [I don't even know if there was a pre-fl z4m]) rear bumper including PDC.

As kis already mentioned, you don't need any new modules... you WILL need to drill out or dremel some of the chassis so that the lights fit - this is due to a couple of bulb holders in slightly diff location, but easy enough to line up and do it. If swapping bumper, you'll need to either replace the rear brace or again use a dremel and do some cutting

After that it's coding time... the software you can d/l free, the cable is about £15 (K+D Can Cable) - although again, as kis mentioned, ask around, there maybe someone in your area with the equipment and software (I'm in Cambridge CB22 and have it). You also need to run an additional wire for the second reversing light (Pre-FL only had reverse light one side, FL has reverse on both - so you have to tap into reverse and run over to other side)

Before



After

 

[Natishin]

Hey there, I'm sorry I don't get it. I bought a 2003 3.0i over a 2006 3.0, simply because I preferred the original styling. In the future, when and if I decide to upgrade I want to offer an original 2003 to the marketplace vs a Frankenstein Z4.
Just sayin.....
Cheers from Canada!

 

[IAmOrion]

Hey there, I'm sorry I don't get it. I bought a 2003 3.0i over a 2006 3.0, simply because I preferred the original styling. In the future, when and if I decide to upgrade I want to offer an original 2003 to the marketplace vs a Frankenstein Z4.
Just sayin.....
Cheers from Canada!

Each to their own as they say

 

[kenny11]

Just to add some costings... (I've also done this conversion on mine! Pre-FL to FL)

I paid £250 for the Facelift rear lights (Pair) inc light surrounds. That seems to be about the going rate still - much more expensive than Pre-FL lights that I've seen (and previously sold myself) for £30 - £50 for a pair

I also paid £250 for a Z4M (Facelift [I don't even know if there was a pre-fl z4m]) rear bumper including PDC.

As kis already mentioned, you don't need any new modules... you WILL need to drill out or dremel some of the chassis so that the lights fit - this is due to a couple of bulb holders in slightly diff location, but easy enough to line up and do it. If swapping bumper, you'll need to either replace the rear brace or again use a dremel and do some cutting

After that it's coding time... the software you can d/l free, the cable is about £15 (K+D Can Cable) - although again, as kis mentioned, ask around, there maybe someone in your area with the equipment and software (I'm in Cambridge CB22 and have it). You also need to run an additional wire for the second reversing light (Pre-FL only had reverse light one side, FL has reverse on both - so you have to tap into reverse and run over to other side)

Before

IMG_0150.jpg

After

D9DAD571-F1AD-47F7-B631-0745CE8D50C9.jpg

Thanks IAmOrion for more info.
Your update looks good, really does help to modernise the car.
Wish i went for a z4 m bumper, ony managed to get the standard facelift bumper in the same colour.

Also im on the lookout for a clear 3rd brakelight (did see the £20-30 ones on ebay, nots sure if they would do the job), where did you get yours?


From looking at this post i managed to test the rear light from playing with the connector pins...
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=17666&start=30
Worked a treat.
Obviously the flickering from the led strip but it looks so good.

Im all the way up in shropshire and would have definately taken you up on your offer if I was closer.
Thanks for the info on this, may put a post out for someone closer as you and kis have mentioned.
Do i need to run the reverse light for the right hand side?

 

[IAmOrion]

Thanks IAmOrion for more info.
Your update looks good, really does help to modernise the car.
Wish i went for a z4 m bumper, ony managed to get the standard facelift bumper in the same colour.

Also im on the lookout for a clear 3rd brakelight (did see the £20-30 ones on ebay, nots sure if they would do the job), where did you get yours?


From looking at this post i managed to test the rear light from playing with the connector pins...
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=17666&start=30
Worked a treat.
Obviously the flickering from the led strip but it looks so good.

Im all the way up in shropshire and would have definately taken you up on your offer if I was closer.
Thanks for the info on this, may put a post out for someone closer as you and kis have mentioned.
Do i need to run the reverse light for the right hand side?

I've recently purchased a 3rd Clear brake light from here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32904717645.html



I just did a quick eBay search and they all seem to be the same light (I Imagine all the seller are buying from one main supplier anyways) so go with whatever you prefer albeit eBay or AliExpress. I only saw 1 in the UK (claiming to be anyways) but it's still a Chinese seller drop shipping - but the sellers in China today at least, are cheaper than I paid from AliExpress but only by about £3-£4

I've yet to test it's actual fitment since I bought it with a project in mind (See my thread here: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=116841)

But generally speaking I've heard they're good, a fair few people have used them (Not necessarily that specific seller, but just ones purchased via AliExpress - they're pretty much all the same on that site regardless of seller)

Regarding the reversing light - Yes, you need to tap in to the reversing light on the LEFT side (from behind, facing the rear of the car) - wether you cut and solder or use a scotchlok is your choice - but you then need to run the wire over to the RIGHT hand side. You will need to figure out how to connect it to the appropriate pin since the factory plug does not have a pin there - it's an empty socket/slot from memory. I was lucky enough to get a hold of an oem connector but tbh a male (or female, I can't remember it the socket is female or male) blade connector should suffice - just check sizes first. I ran my wire behind the plastic panel that holds Blue box with the the jack/toolkit thing or whatever's in it (I've never actually opened the blue thing since I've owned my car )

 

[kenny11]

Thanks IAmOrion for more info.
Your update looks good, really does help to modernise the car.
Wish i went for a z4 m bumper, ony managed to get the standard facelift bumper in the same colour.

Also im on the lookout for a clear 3rd brakelight (did see the £20-30 ones on ebay, nots sure if they would do the job), where did you get yours?


From looking at this post i managed to test the rear light from playing with the connector pins...
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=17666&start=30
Worked a treat.
Obviously the flickering from the led strip but it looks so good.

Im all the way up in shropshire and would have definately taken you up on your offer if I was closer.
Thanks for the info on this, may put a post out for someone closer as you and kis have mentioned.
Do i need to run the reverse light for the right hand side?

I've recently purchased a 3rd Clear brake light from here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32904717645.html

Screenshot 2019-08-16 at 09.59.44.png

I just did a quick eBay search and they all seem to be the same light (I Imagine all the seller are buying from one main supplier anyways) so go with whatever you prefer albeit eBay or AliExpress. I only saw 1 in the UK (claiming to be anyways) but it's still a Chinese seller drop shipping - but the sellers in China today at least, are cheaper than I paid from AliExpress but only by about £3-£4

I've yet to test it's actual fitment since I bought it with a project in mind (See my thread here: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=116841)

But generally speaking I've heard they're good, a fair few people have used them (Not necessarily that specific seller, but just ones purchased via AliExpress - they're pretty much all the same on that site regardless of seller)

Regarding the reversing light - Yes, you need to tap in to the reversing light on the LEFT side (from behind, facing the rear of the car) - wether you cut and solder or use a scotchlok is your choice - but you then need to run the wire over to the RIGHT hand side. You will need to figure out how to connect it to the appropriate pin since the factory plug does not have a pin there - it's an empty socket/slot from memory. I was lucky enough to get a hold of an oem connector but tbh a male (or female, I can't remember it the socket is female or male) blade connector should suffice - just check sizes first. I ran my wire behind the plastic panel that holds Blue box with the the jack/toolkit thing or whatever's in it (I've never actually opened the blue thing since I've owned my car )

I went on your recommendation and got myself one thanks.
I did see that video of your third brake light on her before....that's crazy, took some work that I can imagine. Would be good to see that in person.

May try my hand at the reverse light if you recommend

 

[kenny11]

Cheers for the help guys, spent Saturday on it and I've wound the years forward to 2008.
Took a bit of tweaking but got there in the end.
Next to find that NCS expert to sort the flickering and the check light.
You did mention the software was free? Where can I download it from or is it rather complicated to figure out......aka could I do more damage than good?

 

[IAmOrion]

Cheers for the help guys, spent Saturday on it and I've wound the years forward to 2008.
Took a bit of tweaking but got there in the end.
Next to find that NCS expert to sort the flickering and the check light.
You did mention the software was free? Where can I download it from or is it rather complicated to figure out......aka could I do more damage than good?

Looks great!!

Now, that depends entirely on your computer skills! I can give you a link to download software tomorrow when I’m on laptop (I’m on phone atm). I have the all the details you need, I’ll send it all tomorrow and you can have a read through. For arguments sake you may as well invest in a £15 k+d can cable if you haven’t already - the you can do it yourself and the software is good to have regardless (I have the latest ISTA/NCS Expert/INPA etc etc so can send you links via PM)

EDIT: PM Sent

 

[kenny11]

Cheers for the help guys, spent Saturday on it and I've wound the years forward to 2008.
Took a bit of tweaking but got there in the end.
Next to find that NCS expert to sort the flickering and the check light.
You did mention the software was free? Where can I download it from or is it rather complicated to figure out......aka could I do more damage than good?

Looks great!!

Now, that depends entirely on your computer skills! I can give you a link to download software tomorrow when I’m on laptop (I’m on phone atm). I have the all the details you need, I’ll send it all tomorrow and you can have a read through. For arguments sake you may as well invest in a £15 k+d can cable if you haven’t already - the you can do it yourself and the software is good to have regardless (I have the latest ISTA/NCS Expert/INPA etc etc so can send you links via PM)

EDIT: PM Sent

Cheers, really appreciate your help!. Im a front end developer so the asumption is Im fairly competent haha.
Yes worth having a look and the documentation that comes with it.

Thanks again

 

[IAmOrion]

Cheers, really appreciate your help!. Im a front end developer so the asumption is Im fairly competent haha.
Yes worth having a look and the documentation that comes with it.

Thanks again

Ah ok - Fingers crossed you'll pick it up quick enough then

Here's a spreadsheet for the stuff that can be coded:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OWUI-sGCMTwJyml3w06afIKz-jLecbjmLtiEQkNmkGg/edit?usp=sharing

Note - you want rows 2 - 11 for the facelift lights stuff