Firstfives.org

Update- PICTURE shows an LED Hella light, actual item is NOT LED...

Original post - no longer accurate.
Yes, I recognize that! It is one of three "Hella LED MATRIX" versions with adjustable aim to allow directing the beam at drivers behind you. The adjustment accommodates the different angles of ...

dutch wrote: Wed Jun 11, 2025 2:08 pm Thank you for the offer Andy !
On my search I found a generic Hella brake light, ordered it and got it in the mail today... All within 24 hrs...imagine that

Want to share? Others may want to do the same...
Pictures, cost, source?

I have one if you want it... complete with all parts pieces -- screws, clips, wires, etc.
Andy

Did you ever get this fixed?

The same thing happens in 2002 flasher relays, very common. I had to remove and disassemble the relay to diagnose and repair.
The relay had separate internal contacts for the signal bulbs and the indicator bulb. They were pulled in by the coil action, but I had to bend ...

Man, I hate hearing another one bites the dust, but very glad you were not injured.

BMW makes sturdy cars, that is beyond question!

If there's any chance of saving the rear lights, plus whatever connected feed wires you can extract easily from the trunk to the lights, I surely could use them. I ...

Three prong lights are high / low beams, outer position.
Two prong lights are High beams only, inboard of the 'lows.'

You may have bad bulbs, burned out low filament on both sides ... hey, it could happen.

Run wires from the battery (or a charger) to the bulbs, you will know if the filaments ...

Hey, I couldn't resist, what with all the hubbub these days about drugs and athletes and doping and all that.

So, I see it's been a while since this topic got any love, and I love to talk about bright lights.

I have been working with lots of lights from the venerable 2.5/2.8/3.0 CS coupes, to E39 ...

Blaise-
Kinda late, but maybe useful.

Yes, that is correct for the standard BMW wire colors.
Further details-

Left side signals are usually blue w/red marker, right side blue w/black marker.

Left side running lights are usually grey w/yellow marker, right side grey w/white marker.

Brown is ...

My $.02 -- If you can find them, buy bulbs with chrome instead of brass coated bases.
BMW's $.02 as well, but they are nickel plated, not chrome. The bulbs NOT to use are brass (stated as copper on the E12 newbie FAQ page).

And I have a ton of these, the high output variety. Single and dual ...