Customize Your BMW F30 With Aftermarket Tail Lights

Upgrading Your BMW F30 Tail Lights

The sleek and sporty BMW F30 3-series cars have been popular on the roads since their release in 2012. As with any vehicle, owners are always looking for ways to customize or upgrade their rides to make them stand out. One area that offers the opportunity for an eye-catching mod is the tail lights. The standard F30 tail lights simply have the iconic BMW corona rings that illuminate at night. Upgrading to a custom or aftermarket set of BMW F30 tail lights can transform the back end and give your 3-series a unique look.

Benefits of Aftermarket BMW F30 Tail Lights

Some of the benefits of installing BMW F30 tail lights that are aftermarket include:

• More unique, custom appearance that makes your car stand out
• Modern, updated styling from the standard lights
• Various lens colors and designs to suit your tastes
• May incorporate advanced lighting functions like sequential turn signals
• Often made with high-quality durable materials to last

Popular Styles of Aftermarket Tail Lights

When browsing the selection of aftermarket BMW F30 tail lights, you’ll notice there are various popular styles and design trends:

• Blackout or smoked lenses reduce visible light for sinister look
• Altezza lights that have a two-tone effect with the reverse section sunken inward
• Euro style with dynamic signaling functions
• CCFL or LED strips that outline the inner and outer edges of the lights
• Custom colors for the lenses including red, clear, chrome, black, etc.

Factors When Choosing BMW F30 Tail Lights

As you shop for unique BMW F30 tail lights, keep the following considerations in mind:

• Light brightness - Ensure any lights provide adequate illumination so your brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, etc. can clearly be seen.
• Fitment - Confirm that the tail lights specifically note F30 3-series compatibility for proper installation.
• Build quality - Carefully inspect product images and reviews to determine if the housing and lenses will hold up well over time.
• Legality - Make sure any operational functions like turn signals, brake lights, etc. meet your local regulations.
• Price - Custom or aftermarket parts can range from budget-friendly to premium options based on features.

Installing Your New BMW F30 Tail Lights

Once you’ve selected the perfect set of aftermarket or custom BMW F30 tail lights, it’s time for installation. You can always pay a body shop to install the new tail light assemblies for you if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself. However, it can save money to DIY if you have some automotive experience and follow important precautions.

DIY Installation Tips

If tackling the new BMW F30 tail light install on your own, keep these tips in mind:

• Thoroughly read through the entire installation guide before beginning
• Disconnect the battery before doing any work to avoid electrical issues
• Have the proper tools for removing fasteners and prying panels/lenses safely
• Don’t force components if they won’t come off, determine what is still connected
• Test the operation of all lighting functions before reassembling
• Carefully plug in or connect all wiring harnesses and connectors

Professional Installation Alternative

Installing new aftermarket BMW F30 tail lights yourself requires time and skill with auto electrical systems. An easier but more expensive option is having them installed professionally at a specialty shop. Benefits include:

• Experts handle all complex removal and installation work
• Advanced tools and facilities to complete work efficiently
• Verification that lights are working properly post-install
• May offer warranties on parts and workmanship

Just be prepared to pay hourly shop rates and fees for approximately 2-3 hours of labor.

Legal Considerations for Aftermarket Tail Lights

Although aftermarket tail lights allow for extensive custom looks, it is important to keep legal implications in mind. Custom BMW F30 tail lights must meet certain illuminated functions and visibility levels to stay street legal:

• Brake lamps must emit red light visible from 300 feet behind the vehicle
• Rear turn signal lamps flashing amber light visible from 500 feet behind
• White reverse lamps visible from the rear
• May have regulations on lamp wattage and brightness

Modifying your BMW F30 tail lights improperly could result in fines or inability to pass vehicle inspections. Review your local laws carefully during the purchase process to ensure legal compliance.

Achieve the Custom F30 Look You Want

Upgrading the tail lights on your BMW F30 3-series is a great way to instantly change its style. The options for customizing the rear lighting assemblies are endless. Just ensure you have the proper BMW F30 tail lights for the look you want installed properly while meeting regulations. Then you can cruise around town in your unique F30 that turns heads wherever you go!

FAQs

Do aftermarket tail lights void my BMW warranty?

Installing aftermarket parts does not automatically void the warranty, but any subsequent issues caused by the tail lights may not be covered under warranty. Have a shop verify compatibility to be safe.

Can tail lights affect the electrics or safety systems?

Yes, incompatible lights or poor wiring connections can backfeed power and cause electrical shorts or system faults. A professional installation helps prevent issues.

Will blacked-out tail lights be too dark to signal properly?

Some dark tinted lenses can inhibit brightness. Check reviews and regulations to make sure functionality and visibility meet standards before purchasing.

How difficult is it to install these lights myself?

DIY installation is intermediate difficulty. It requires removing trim pieces, disconnecting lights, swapping parts, testing operation and more. Having auto electrical experience helps.