I’ve always preferred the look of smoked tail lights, but oftentimes the results are unflattering. I didn’t want VHT Nightshade anywhere near my BMW. Then I found out that BMW sells OEM tinted LCI taillights overseas. The only reason they aren’t offered in America is because they aren’t DOT-approved. Half of my car is no longer DOT-approved, so I decided to order them anyways.
I got mine from individual-car-consulting (Germany) on eBay, but now they can be purchased in the U.S. from ECSTuning. After about 4 weeks, they finally arrived! I couldn’t wait to install them.
Taillights OFF – LCI Blacklines (left) vs. OEM pre-LCI (right)
Taillights ON – LCI Blacklines (left) vs. OEM pre-LCI (right)
The install was very straight forward and only took about 30 minutes from start-to-finish. The LCI Blacklines were actually brighter than my OEM taillights. I’m very happy with the purchase and believe they’ve transformed the rear-end of the car.
Click the link below to see more comparison pictures.
OEM pre-LCI – Taillights OFF
LCI Blacklines – Taillights OFF
OEM pre-LCI – Taillights ON
LCI Blacklines – Taillights ON
OEM pre-LCI – Taillights ON
LCI Blacklines – Taillights ON
What are your tire sizes? I need to replace my OEM 215/40/18 front and 245/35 rear and would love to bump up the sizes as much as possible without rubbing or compromising handling.
thanks
J
A popular upgrade for stock wheels are 225/40/18 and 255/35/18. You could probably get away with 235/40/18 and 265/35/18, but I wouldn’t recommend it on the skinnier OEM wheels.
Looks nice. Is it plug and play? any modification? Do you need to disconnect battery to do install? Looks nice.
Joe, they were direct plug-and-play. I did not disconnect the battery while installing, but you can if you are worried about it.
Just installed the Blackline. Almost not satisfying install… To easy… Effect is outstanding though.
Your license plate is awesome btw.
Noel, right on! Very straightforward installation process. I agree, they look great. Thanks!
Can I ask you a questions about install?
My dealer is telling me these lights need a bracket and coding and will cost ~1000 for the lights etc.
My car is a 128i 2008
Hey Guys,
I just bought a 128i 2008 and the performance shop told me they are not plug and play and that it would need a bracket and coding.
Can some one just comment on this please.
These blackline taillights from ECSTuning are plug-and-play compatible with ANY 1-series.
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135i-N54_3.0L/ES2550272/
As long as the you order part number 63212225282, they will work.
Hey man! Saw your post and I was sold on these blacklines. Ordered em form Schmeidmann and they should get here this week. Do you know why they dont meet DOT requirements?
I’m not sure exactly why they aren’t DOT approved. I would guess because of the tinted lenses. Either way, I don’t think you’ll catch much flak for having them.
All of my questions senhted-ltatks!
Glad I could help!
Hi gues, i have a e82 135i, may i know wat is the part number for the black lines lci …. please help
Here is the BMW OEM part number: 63212225282