2000 540i Euro Taillights

[ForTheBuild]

So I'm hoping to get Euro Spec tail lights for my 2000 540i as I think they look much better than stock, however, I can't find any kits for anything pre-facelift (2001). All the 97-2000 Hella kits are no longer for sale wherever I look. Anyone know of a place to still find the Hella lights or another solid brand?
Example: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-hella-pa...rce&utm_term=1

Thanks!

[seagreen323i]

Every e39 after 2000 had those taillights, look up face-lift taillight retrofit.

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[Nfs021]

I think you can still retrofit them. Have to literally "Hammer in" some of the body to make them fit. BMW does offer connector adapters for easy plug-n-play. However you can replace the LCM to a later unit from a face lift car. Of course it requires coding in order for things to work properly.

[TiesTorN]

he doesn't need to replace lcm, most 2000 cars have lcm3a which support celis tail light.

us taillights look better imo, if I had the chance I'd buy them here.

[ross1]

he doesn't need to replace lcm, most 2000 cars have lcm3a which support celis tail light.

us taillights look better imo, if I had the chance I'd buy them here.

Thought of you when hearing of the earthquakes. Was it near?

[TiesTorN]

Thought of you when hearing of the earthquakes. Was it near?

nope it's far away from my area, didn't even notice it while it was happening. but it's very bad, thousands died and still counting...

[crdiscoverer]

us taillights look better imo, if I had the chance I'd buy them here.

Glad you're safe, pal. Terrible for your country though.

Wondering why you say the US tails look better? The only difference is a set of 4 small LEDs on the sides for regulatory purposes and the lack of fog light for US ones. I have both versions right in front of me and they are identical otherwise. The yellow/white turn signal was not market-dependent if that's what you meant.

[seagreen323i]

If you really want a set next time I'm in the junkyard I'll grab some for you. Just pay shipping and the few bucks it'll cost to buy them.

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[TiesTorN]

Glad you're safe, pal. Terrible for your country though.

Wondering why you say the US tails look better? The only difference is a set of 4 small LEDs on the sides for regulatory purposes

thanks.

exactly that dunno how to describe it but to me sides look very "empty" (or dull?) without those. I like them. besides, those regulator things (retrofit boxes) are not needed for us taillights, which is a plus. only lcm needs to be coded. no idea why there is no fog light on US ones tho, they are definitely needed in bad weather.

[BimmerBreaker]

I have a set of facelift e39 sedan tails (US spec) I could sell, not sure what they go for these days but wouldn't need a lot for em, have boxes of stuff I need to go through and list on eBay just haven't had time...

[JimLev]

Good luck.
I’ve tried to sell my ‘00 pre-facelift tail lights in the past, they are 99.9% perfect, including the assy that holds the bulbs. Nobody was interested.

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

I had a brand new set of US tail lights that I kept in a box for 15 years, when I found them, I threw them on Craigslist for $50, took about two months, got a buyer that wanted the original lights on his car, dude was happy as hell when he saw them. So, they’re out there, just gotta reel in that fish.

[BMW540san]

These have been NLA for a few years now and I grabbed brand new set from someone on this forum who had them in the box and never used them.
I have to say it's one of my favorites upgrades as it really refreshes the rear end.
Great quality and had them now for 4 years with no issues.
"Massaging" body work was little unnerving but not too difficult.

[TiesTorN]

btw I didn't like those retrofit boxes taking up space in spare tire compartment so I relocated them in both sides of the trunk one above the battery and one above the dsp amp. "why" u ask? because I never keep spare tire in there, it's useless imo. I just use that space as a secondary (hidden) trunk and I like to keep it as empty as possible.

[BMW540san]

btw I didn't like those retrofit boxes taking up space in spare tire compartment so I relocated them in both sides of the trunk one above the battery and one above the dsp amp. "why" u ask? because I never keep spare tire in there, it's useless imo. I just use that space as a secondary (hidden) trunk and I like to keep it as empty as possible.

I really can't see how full size spare tire can be useless but you're welcome to your opinion.
Hella designed those to fit under the spare tire and I believe one of reasons is heat disippation.
Anyway, I really like this upgrade and how well they designed the whole kit.

P.S.

Terrible thing that happened in your Country, trully awfull.

[crdiscoverer]

Mine also has the retrofit kit and the PO had it installed by the dealer back when the car was still in Belgium. They put the modules in between the rear fenders and carpet, way back there. I guess back then dealers were skipping the spare tire bracket too. Never had any issues with heat or failing tails.