BMW 135i (E82) – Blackline Tail Lights Install

I’ve always preferred the look of smoked tail lights, but hate “murdered out” or black tail lights. I didn’t want VHT Nightshade anywhere near my BMW. Then I found out that BMW sells OEM tinted LCI taillights overseas.

I ordered the OEM Blackline tail lights from ECSTuning. I couldn’t wait to install them.

Pre-LCI vs Blacklines - off Taillights OFF – LCI Blacklines (left) vs. OEM pre-LCI (right)

Pre-LCI vs Blacklines - on Taillights ON – LCI Blacklines (left) vs. OEM pre-LCI (right)

The install was very straight forward and only took about 30 minutes from start-to-finish. The LCI Blacklines were actually brighter than my OEM taillights. I’m very happy with the purchase and believe they’ve transformed the rear-end of the car.

BMW 135i - Blackline Taillights

Click the link below to see more comparison pictures.

OEM Taillights - offOEM pre-LCI – Taillights OFF

LCI Blacklines - offLCI Blacklines – Taillights OFF

OEM Taillights - onOEM pre-LCI – Taillights ON

LCI Blacklines - onLCI Blacklines – Taillights ON

BMW 135i - OEM pre-LCI taillightsOEM pre-LCI – Taillights ON

BMW 135i Blacklines InstalledLCI Blacklines – Taillights ON


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17 Replies to “BMW 135i (E82) – Blackline Tail Lights Install”

  1. What are your tire sizes? I need to replace my OEM 215/40/18 front and 245/35 rear and would love to bump up the sizes as much as possible without rubbing or compromising handling.

    thanks
    J

    1. A popular upgrade for stock wheels are 225/40/18 and 255/35/18. You could probably get away with 235/40/18 and 265/35/18, but I wouldn’t recommend it on the skinnier OEM wheels.

  2. Just installed the Blackline. Almost not satisfying install… To easy… Effect is outstanding though.

    Your license plate is awesome btw.

    1. Can I ask you a questions about install?
      My dealer is telling me these lights need a bracket and coding and will cost ~1000 for the lights etc.

      My car is a 128i 2008

  3. Hey Guys,

    I just bought a 128i 2008 and the performance shop told me they are not plug and play and that it would need a bracket and coding.

    Can some one just comment on this please.

  4. Hey man! Saw your post and I was sold on these blacklines. Ordered em form Schmeidmann and they should get here this week. Do you know why they dont meet DOT requirements?

    1. I’m not sure exactly why they aren’t DOT approved. I would guess because of the tinted lenses. Either way, I don’t think you’ll catch much flak for having them.

  5. I want to install these on my pre LCI 128i. When I go through ECS’ website they say that some coding may be required for both the 128 and 135. Did you have to do any coding for your install?

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