Upgrade 01 to LED tail lights

[WoGGo]

Yep they’ll light up. They’ll also just flicker from the “check pulse” for bulb out warning every 30’sec? Can’t remember.. (Trivia: Master Tech told me filament bulbs do it too but it’s imperceptible to human eye).

So I can't run them until I get a new LCM?

[old///MFanatic]

I don’t know about your Australia coding but factory LED tails need to be coded for LEDs or they will flicker when your car sends the “check pulse” through the lighting wiring. Either that or run inline resistors, but those get really hot.
You can easily set it to LEDs with something like “PA Soft 1.4”, granted you have later light module (not the early one).
But yes you can test they light up, but using them not coded for LED would likely get you a ticket with them flashing while driving.

[WoGGo]

You can easily set it to LEDs with something like “PA Soft 1.4”, granted you have later light module (not the early one).

Just to confirm, if you know or if there is a database somewhere stating that which LCMs can be coded for LEDs.. I'm only assuming my 04/01 build cannot.

But yes you can test they light up, but using them not coded for LED would likely get you a ticket with them flashing while driving.

Understood. Definitely don't want to be causing a hazard on the road, let alone ticket.

[old///MFanatic]

Sorry I don't have serial lists or numbers. Someone else may. I do not know about your AUS builds but it goes something like this. The 9/02 or newer cars the module can be recoded for LED tails. If your car is an early production before 10/01 I have never heard of it having the proper LCM. Sounds like you’ll need to source an LCM out of a newer 9/02 to be safe. Cars from 11/2001 to 8/2002 are a grey area in reporting of correct modules.

[K-Dawg]

Just to confirm, if you know or if there is a database somewhere stating that which LCMs can be coded for LEDs.. I'm only assuming my 04/01 build cannot.

According to this, you want to find a newer LSZ/LCM https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...#post-12414486

[WoGGo]

According to this, you want to find a newer LSZ/LCM https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...#post-12414486

From that thread:

You must have a SW level higher than 2.0 for the unit to accept the LED Retrofit. If your switch says SW:2.0, then the retrofit will not work.

Should be easy enough.

Thanks for the help guys!

[WoGGo]

Some good info from that e46 fanatics thread.. someone posted the official BMW Parts and Accessories Installation Instructions - LED tail light retrofit kit.

Had this nugget of info:

[Hammerfang]

What’s the process for an 02/01 production car to not have the tamper dot when converting to LED?

[bavarian3]

What’s the process for an 02/01 production car to not have the tamper dot when converting to LED?

PA Soft 1.4 to code new LCM.