OE Tail Light Manufacturer?

[Robert's_BMW]

I have a 2004 with LED tails and I have 4 bulbs out on the left side. I was just wondering if anyone knows who the OE manufacturer is for those lights. I think it’s ULO but I couldn’t find any concrete source saying it’s OE vs OEM. Is it better to buy OE (if it is ULO) or just find another used one for $80.

[foolio]

If you look up the genuine taillights on FCP Euro, pretty all of them say “save money buy OE ULO”. However, they don’t have the LEDs to reference.

[Bostonbruck]

I thought there was a DIY to fix the LEDs

[Robert's_BMW]

If you look up the genuine taillights on FCP Euro, pretty all of them say “save money buy OE ULO”. However, they don’t have the LEDs to reference.

Yea, I’m pretty sure it is ULO. I found a doc on their website which states, “100% Original Equipment Quality” for the E46 and E46 Facelift, so although vague, combine that with FCP Euro and a few other places listing the non-led lights as ULO, I’m pretty sure they are the OE supplier.

[Robert's_BMW]

I thought there was a DIY to fix the LEDs

I read a few people trying on E46 Fanatics and Bimmerworld and it looks like it has a high failure rate from either trying to solder on the new LEDs, opening the assembly without damage, or sealing the assembly back up. For the work, seems easier to just buy OE.

[heinzboehmer]

I read a few people trying on E46 Fanatics and Bimmerworld and it looks like it has a high failure rate from either trying to solder on the new LEDs, opening the assembly without damage, or sealing the assembly back up. For the work, seems easier to just buy OE.

I've had my fixed tail light on the car for over a year and haven't had any issues. Total cost is like $10 so might be worth trying.

Here's the diy:

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...in-tail-lights

[Robert's_BMW]

I've had my fixed tail light on the car for over a year and haven't had any issues. Total cost is like $10 so might be worth trying.

Here's the diy:

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...in-tail-lights

Great Work. I decided I didn't have the time and/or skill right now to open it up, source LEDs, and fix it; so I found the ULO light on Clearance on ECS Tuning for $78.75 and I already had a $30 credit with ECS, so it was only like $50 for a new OE rear light.

[S3diment]

So it’s essentially better to get ULO and not OE?

[Thoglan]

I reached out to FCP a few months ago and asked if they would stock the ULO version of the taillight as they already had the inner listed as an OE replacement. They confirmed ULO was the OE manufacturer and started stocking the item shortly after. Sadly they are essentially the same cost. Not cheap. Almost worth spending the extra 20 dollars or so and getting genuine bmw with lifetime warranty.

[Tbonem3]

Yes, ULO and they're not much cheaper as Thoglan says. And used ebay pieces aren't either and they're all in poor shape anyway

[SteelGreyM]

I've had my fixed tail light on the car for over a year and haven't had any issues. Total cost is like $10 so might be worth trying.

Here's the diy:

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...in-tail-lights

Good DIY! Used it and worked well.

OP just make sure you test the LEDs as they are directional.

[ugaexploder]

PSA: I just replaced using ULO and fitment was pretty bad on driver side. Ordered a replacement, same thing. Upon closer inspection with trunk raised, you can see how uniform passenger side is vs driver side.

I’m tired of sending stuff back and forth to FCP euro. Just thought I’d report. I would just spend the money and go OE if I could do it over again. I’ve spent that amount already on shipping plus these shitty ULO’s.

[Syfon]

Aren't OE LED tails made by Magneti Marelli?