Changing Gear stick/knob and Rear Tail Lights

[Horizon]

[quote="x5e53"]
Matches the original theme.

Did it come with the Gaiter? If not, I am assuming you used your original one - if so, does the gaiter fit the new gear stick properly?
Is it zip-tied on?
[/quote]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZDR6CMB3XI

Same gaiter, only the gear knob and a wiring loom adapter re different, see the video I've attached, step by step fitting instructions.
Mine has the working side button not one on the back, must be the latest version.

[dark_stranger]

I believe anything passed 03, has a slight different light setup and the cluster on the lights has the be changed, plus you have to fit a capacitor or something to stop the flickering. Check out xoutpost as there is a big thread I fitting rear LEDs. I contacted an eBay seller and asked if his would fit an 04 plate and he said no, so I mentioned the workaround and he agreed, but sad he would not accept returns if faulty.

[jagr]

This is my Gear Knob from Bimmian:

[TheHerd]

Hi All,

FYI, I've managed to find a local UK supplier (Tuning FK Automotive) and have bought this set. Hope the quality is good and smoked colour is not too dark. Only way to know is to bite the bullet and get a set. Will keep you posted.

http://www.carparts-tuning.co.uk/Lighting-Tuning/Taillights/Led-Taillights-BMW-X5-Typ-E53-Yr-98-02-black-red.html?sid=f671ea2867a92821cacc6ee94098c766&listtype=search&searchparam=bmw%20e53%20led

DHL 2-5 days delivery so should have them early next week I guess....

[ianst0028]

let me know how you get on with these ?? my back lights let the whole car down and i've been looking for replacements

[dark_stranger]

[quote="TheHerd"]
Hi All,

FYI, I've managed to find a local UK supplier (Tuning FK Automotive) and have bought this set. Hope the quality is good and smoked colour is not too dark. Only way to know is to bite the bullet and get a set. Will keep you posted.

http://www.carparts-tuning.co.uk/Lighting-Tuning/Taillights/Led-Taillights-BMW-X5-Typ-E53-Yr-98-02-black-red.html?sid=f671ea2867a92821cacc6ee94098c766&listtype=search&searchparam=bmw%20e53%20led

DHL 2-5 days delivery so should have them early next week I guess....
[/quote]

Any update?

[x5e53]

I Just went with the standard filament bulb ones in the end. Less hassle and still conforms with the Car's Check Control

[TheHerd]

Hi all,

My replacement tail lights arrived as promised and got around to fit them last week. As stated above (with link) I ordered them from Tuning FK Automotive UK who import them from Germany. Similar to threads on xoutpost.com, I uncovered that these units are also manufactured by SONAR.

It was a really quick and easy install. On first test I noticed that the LEDs in tail light mode had a very slight flicker. After some reading elsewhere on this forum and xoutpost.com I sorted this out with a 4700uF 16v capacitor per side. No more flicker and the tails run slightly brighter now too. The capacitor needs to be installed between the green and black cables on the replacement tail light side (wires leading into tail light section). Initially I connected the cap to the red and black wires (assuming positive and negative) but all I got was extremely bright tail lights which makes the brake light (when engaged) very difficult to distinguish). Swapping it out to the green/black wires sorted this out.

The fit and finish is really good and after not being too sure if I should go with the smoked or clear, I believe the smoked lights work well with the space grey exterior colour of my X5.

Here are some pics:

[Hagar66]

They look great and really fit in with the colour. Thanks for the write up as fancy them when i get my X5

[scz4]

Those rear lights look great! Quite fancy them myself, but it says 1998 to 2002, that can't be right? Didn't think E53's could be had that old? Mine is a 2005, so it doesn't look like a kit is made for that age.

Also, where did you buy the capacitors from? Ayy pictures of them fitted? I hate messing around with electrics, but if it's easy enough I'd be keen to order a set.

Thanks in advance.

[Richard137]

[quote="jagr"]
This is my Gear Knob from Bimmian:




[/quote]

Been looking at one of these for a little while, but worried about difficulty level in fitting (I have 2006 E53), are you able to enlighten please?

[jagr]

[quote="Richard137"]
Been looking at one of these for a little while, but worried about difficulty level in fitting (I have 2006 E53), are you able to enlighten please?
[/quote]

It is very easy to fit.

When you buy the gear knob you get a little loom that just piggybacks the existing wiring.

To fit:
Move gear knob into neutral
Pull up firmly
Remove boot cover (just clips in)
Remove selector plate (again just clips in)
Disconnect the two wiring connectors
Plug new wiring in (colour coded)
Reconnect wiring (piggyback looms)
Refit

[Richard137]

Looks like I have my next idea planned then, Thank you.  ::) ::)

[TheHerd]

[quote="scz4"]
Those rear lights look great! Quite fancy them myself, but it says 1998 to 2002, that can't be right? Didn't think E53's could be had that old? Mine is a 2005, so it doesn't look like a kit is made for that age.

Also, where did you buy the capacitors from? Ayy pictures of them fitted? I hate messing around with electrics, but if it's easy enough I'd be keen to order a set.

Thanks in advance.
[/quote]

My X5 is a 2006 so they'll definitely work on your 2005 too, no problems!
I bought the capacitors from Maplins. I'll upload some photos of them installed as soon as I get a chance.
Happy to help you if need be, no worries...