HID backup light mod-gotta do something in winter(

**JimLev** · 02-01-2011 11:22 AM

OK, so I might take some heat for this one but with 25% tinted windows it's hard to see when backing up at night.
I have to give Randall (Spray 540) credit for this mod, he did it first and email me his link on youtube. He's the guy that was molding and machining parts when he went to the U of Salt Lake or some college in Utah.
The HID kit came from eBay, $35 shipped, the other parts I had in my collection of "good stuff" not ready to be tossed out.
This would be much harder to do requiring some hefty cutting if done to the OEM tail light assy. With aftermarket smoked lenses it was pretty easy to do.
This replaces the 21 watt lamps with 35 watt HID bulbs, they generate more heat, but after having them on for 2 minutes I could still keep my hand on the plastic lens. Don't think I'll ever need to backup for more than 2 min. Warm up time for the HID's to get to full intensity is 3-4 seconds.
Randall also installed a switch in the cabin to turn on the HID's while driving forward, for the cars behind you that won't turn off their high beams. Sounds like a good option, only requires that you ground one wire that connects to the instrument cluster.

**pm179** · 02-01-2011 11:42 AM

... please let me know when your turn key retail package comes out and sign me up to be your first customer ;-)

Tint & a long dark driveway has me wishing for brighter backup light all the time

Michael in MD
CCA #442539

2003 540i 6-speed M Tech II sport
Sterling Gray / Black Leather
Cold Weather Package
Electric Rear Sunshade
Premium Sound
Gas Guzzler
Build Date 5/03

35% 3M Tint

ASA 17" AR1's Black w/ Machined lip
Pirelli 210 Zero winter wheel & tire package

CDV Deleted
All fluids replaced @ 37k
Passed emissions 01/24/11

[Grinning from ear to ear]

**540nj** · 02-01-2011 11:45 AM

something tells me the friendly state inspection guys wouldn't know what to do when they check this out every two years.

I do like the "flashing the high beam guys" idea. Or just leave them on and pretend you're one of those audi/jag/MB guys with the rear-fog-lights-always-on-in-any-weather attitude.

dave

**JimLev** · 02-01-2011 11:49 AM

"Drive It Like You Stole It, A Sickness for Quickness"
The Bottle Rocket "King of Spray" 2 Stage Nitrous Oxide
Dare to be different and stand out among the crowd of me-to-cars!
No guts, no glory! Tire smoke, not traction control!
Zionsville all aluminum radiator to replace the 3 leak prone Nissens Radiators!

NOS Progressive 2 Stage Controller with port injection
Snow's Performance Methanol/Water Injection
Dinan downloads, VAC Under Drive Pulleys
Dinan Carbon Fiber CAI
Dinan Front Strut Bar
Electric Cooling Fan w/PWM controller
NGK Iridium Plugs
DDE Enhanced Angel Eyes, Smoked Lenses
Koni FSD's/H&R Springs, BAV Brass Caliper Bushings
Eisenmann Race Exhaust (from H8-Rain's car)
///M5 3.15 LSD
///M5 Sway Bars, Front & Rear
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Sway Bar Bushings
///M5 Gauge Cluster Rings ///M5 Lip Spoiler
///M5 Mirrors and Switches
Leather Z weighted shift knob (thanks H8-Rain)
Rogue “Octane” Short Shift kit w/WSR
Rogue Tranny Mounts
StopTech Brake Lines Front & Rear
Axxis Deluxe Plus pads Front & Rear
Staggered M Parallel 66, Xenons
Modified CDV, UGDO
Euro Storage Tray (thanks Zombywolf)
Redline in Diff and Tranny
Passport 8500 X50, Escort ZR3 Laser Jammer
G-Tech/Competition Pro Data Logger
Auto Enginuity OBD-II Scan Tool
25% Tint, X-Pel, LoJack
PIAA Driving Lights
BMW CCA Member Boston Chapter

**JimLev** · 02-01-2011 11:54 AM

Too many ideas and not enough time to do all of them. Got 3 more mods coming in the next few weeks if it will stop snowing and I can spend more garage time and get out from behind the snowblower.
There should be enough info for you to do it, if you have aftermarket tail lights.

**lezonebay** · 02-01-2011 12:13 PM

as backup bulb from JC Whitney. It worked fine and gave me the needed extra boost.

I did not worry about the burning of the tail light as I used it for backing into a garage/driveway and that was it. It was only ON for a 25-40sec not enough to melt.

Now, I did better, I installed 3 large lights above the garages with motion and darkness sensor. They have the fluorescent bulb 23W=75W with bright light version (the bright light version makes a huge difference, as the soft white is horribly dim)

There is no need for anything just slide the car into the driveway, and boom... instant daylight !

1997 BMW 840CiA
1990 BMW Z1
1999 BMW 528iT (Hauler mobile)
2002 Astro Van AWD
2003 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast Package
1987 BMW 535i with 5spd manual (for sale)
1992 BMW 735iL (needs head and interior)
1977 BMW 320i (project racecar)
2007 Mazda CX9 AWD (Wife mobile)
1998 Yamaha Blaster+Breeze

1995 850CSI CD00177 (SOLD)

**fritracer** · 02-01-2011 12:19 PM

any car or truck. Great idea. I think I'll try this on the motorhome since backing that thing at night is a biotch, even with the back up camera.Fritracer
Cincinnati, OH
2000 540ia Sport Package 9/99 Silver/Black
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 420 stroker w/6 Pak 430 HP,
510 lbft torque

**fritracer** · 02-01-2011 12:20 PM

had to shovel or snow blow. The shoulder surgery got me out of that; son and daughter areen't happy now since they have to do it (it's about time).Fritracer
Cincinnati, OH
2000 540ia Sport Package 9/99 Silver/Black
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 420 stroker w/6 Pak 430 HP,
510 lbft torque

**pm179** · 02-01-2011 01:03 PM

... because that is what I have ;-)

I may try swapping in a halogen bulbs as Laszlo suggests because my "dark driveway" problem is way after leaving the garage (I have lights installed there)

The country gets dark at night lol

Michael in MD
CCA #442539

2003 540i 6-speed M Tech II sport
Sterling Gray / Black Leather
Cold Weather Package
Electric Rear Sunshade
Premium Sound
Gas Guzzler
Build Date 5/03

35% 3M Tint

ASA 17" AR1's Black w/ Machined lip
Pirelli 210 Zero winter wheel & tire package

CDV Deleted
All fluids replaced @ 37k
Passed emissions 01/24/11

[Grinning from ear to ear]

Spray540i · 02-01-2011 02:34 PM

I did this install on CELIS tail lights. Mine was only 1/2 a step different from JimLev. I hollowed out the OEM light fixture -the only difference.

Since I used the OEM fixture, reversing the mod is as easy as pulling out the HID bulb, killing the power to them temporarily (pull their fuse) and insert stock bulbs. You would need another set of fixtures though, since these are now ruined for normal bulbs.

I'm glad JimLev made a DIY writeup, cause I was feeling far too lazy to do it. I did make some videos though where you can see the difference in installation.

Install Vid

Warm up Vid

Halogen vs HID Vid

**M_Six** · 02-01-2011 02:56 PM

My Mom still has the same one she's had since I was in grade school. That was a looooong time ago.______________________________________________ ______________

Mark

"Things break; it's scientific." - D. Byrne

**JimLev** · 02-01-2011 03:09 PM

Only needed to have a rear plate (MA was trying to save $$ by going to 1 plate).
It looks pretty beat now, I can't get a replacement. The registry said my choices are keep it or get new plates, front and back.
I'll keep it, a front plate does nothing for the looks of most cars.

**Whorse** · 02-02-2011 08:17 AM

Omg the world IS coming to an end! lol

What aftermarket tail lenses did you use?

Andreas
Queens NY
BMWCCA# 186796
86 325es (wrecked by careless driver)
87 325 300k (project for life)
00 540is 6spd 180k (daily driver)

**JimLev** · 02-02-2011 10:36 AM

The quality is actually very good, exact fitment. There was a sticker on them, made in Taiwan.
IIRC the pair was about $100, I see them now going for ~$60.
I still have the original Hella lights if that makes you feel better...LOL

**Hitdog40** · 02-02-2011 11:30 AM

If your looking for things to do, I have a car in the garage that could probably use a thing or 2. Sandwich is not that far.

(Step away from the bumpers) please.

'03 540i/6
Sterling Gray/Black
CDV Delete c/o JimLev
BMWCCA Member - Boston Chapter

**JimLev** · 02-02-2011 12:05 PM

"Drive It Like You Stole It, A Sickness for Quickness"
The Bottle Rocket "King of Spray" 2 Stage Nitrous Oxide
Dare to be different and stand out among the crowd of me-to-cars!
No guts, no glory! Tire smoke, not traction control!
Zionsville all aluminum radiator to replace the 3 leak prone Nissens Radiators!

NOS Progressive 2 Stage Controller with port injection
Snow's Performance Methanol/Water Injection
Dinan downloads, VAC Under Drive Pulleys
Dinan Carbon Fiber CAI
Dinan Front Strut Bar
Electric Cooling Fan w/PWM controller
NGK Iridium Plugs
DDE Enhanced Angel Eyes, Smoked Lenses
Koni FSD's/H&R Springs, BAV Brass Caliper Bushings
Eisenmann Race Exhaust (from H8-Rain's car)
///M5 3.15 LSD
///M5 Sway Bars, Front & Rear
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Sway Bar Bushings
///M5 Gauge Cluster Rings ///M5 Lip Spoiler
///M5 Mirrors and Switches
Leather Z weighted shift knob (thanks H8-Rain)
Rogue “Octane” Short Shift kit w/WSR
Rogue Tranny Mounts
StopTech Brake Lines Front & Rear
Axxis Deluxe Plus pads Front & Rear
Staggered M Parallel 66, Xenons
Modified CDV, UGDO
Euro Storage Tray (thanks Zombywolf)
Redline in Diff and Tranny
Passport 8500 X50, Escort ZR3 Laser Jammer
G-Tech/Competition Pro Data Logger
Auto Enginuity OBD-II Scan Tool
25% Tint, X-Pel, LoJack
PIAA Driving Lights
BMW CCA Member Boston Chapter

**Bimmer5Michael** · 02-02-2011 01:35 PM

some used to rig up in the Navy...had to step up to 24 volts though
Michael - Chattanooga Tennessee
BMWCCA 65795

00 540 Sport / 6 speed, SaharaBeige Metallic / SamanaBeige II Montanna Leather, 35% tint, Xenons, DSP, CD Changer, Auto dimming rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers, fold down rear seat, Style 32 staggard wheels, Hankook Ventus V4 ES 245/45/WR17/95W Fronts and 275/40/WR17/98W Rears. 152,900 Smiles and climbing!

08 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 C Anniversary Edition Number 0064/3200 Copper and Vivid Black (FOR SALE)
16,800 miles

2006 GMC Sierra SLT all options

1988 GMC Safari 400,000 miles plus and still going

Other BMWs hanging around usually needing attention
06 E90 330i sport pkg +all options
98 E36 328i 5 speed Sport/Premium PKG
00 e46 323ia Premium Pkg
04 X3 sport/premium 3.0 six speed (back again)

**Hitdog40** · 02-02-2011 02:49 PM

'03 540i/6
Sterling Gray/Black
CDV Delete c/o JimLev
BMWCCA Member - Boston Chapter

**JimLev** · 02-02-2011 04:10 PM

"Drive It Like You Stole It, A Sickness for Quickness"
The Bottle Rocket "King of Spray" 2 Stage Nitrous Oxide
Dare to be different and stand out among the crowd of me-to-cars!
No guts, no glory! Tire smoke, not traction control!
Zionsville all aluminum radiator to replace the 3 leak prone Nissens Radiators!

NOS Progressive 2 Stage Controller with port injection
Snow's Performance Methanol/Water Injection
Dinan downloads, VAC Under Drive Pulleys
Dinan Carbon Fiber CAI
Dinan Front Strut Bar
Electric Cooling Fan w/PWM controller
NGK Iridium Plugs
DDE Enhanced Angel Eyes, Smoked Lenses
Koni FSD's/H&R Springs, BAV Brass Caliper Bushings
Eisenmann Race Exhaust (from H8-Rain's car)
///M5 3.15 LSD
///M5 Sway Bars, Front & Rear
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Sway Bar Bushings
///M5 Gauge Cluster Rings ///M5 Lip Spoiler
///M5 Mirrors and Switches
Leather Z weighted shift knob (thanks H8-Rain)
Rogue “Octane” Short Shift kit w/WSR
Rogue Tranny Mounts
StopTech Brake Lines Front & Rear
Axxis Deluxe Plus pads Front & Rear
Staggered M Parallel 66, Xenons
Modified CDV, UGDO
Euro Storage Tray (thanks Zombywolf)
Redline in Diff and Tranny
Passport 8500 X50, Escort ZR3 Laser Jammer
G-Tech/Competition Pro Data Logger
Auto Enginuity OBD-II Scan Tool
25% Tint, X-Pel, LoJack
PIAA Driving Lights
BMW CCA Member Boston Chapter

**Filehorse** · 02-02-2011 05:24 PM

lights that should only be used in bright daylight. Otherwise, you may as well have a white cane sticking from the rear bumper to "feel" your way as you back up in the dark. My E39 has the best backup lights I've ever had on any vehicle. But, as you can attest, there is always room for improvement. As usual, another flawless mod. Nicely done.

Filehorse
Knoxville, TN
BMWCCA #407627

2002 525i Steptronic Sport/Premium | Build Date: 05/02
81,000 Ultimate Driving miles
Xenons
Style 81s | Bridgestone Potenza RE960 AS
Titanium Gray | Gray Leather
35% LLumar ATR LLumaStar tint
Valentine 1 | Hardwired
Steering wheel position memory w/Alzheimers
"Lifetime" ATF replaced at 40,000; Switched to Valvoline MaxLife @ the 80,000 mile service
"LIfetime" Final Drive gear oil replaced at 81,000; Redline 75W-90 GL-5
StopTech SportStop slotted rotors w/Axxis Deluxe Advanced pads
StopTech SS Braided Brake Lines

2001 E46 325i (Jet Black) Forced Retirement 6/28/09

2001 E46 325i (Orient Blue) Forced Retirement 10/09

1989 E30 325i (Alpine White) Retired

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