Options for Replacing BMW E46 Taillights

Although they are not as prominent as the headlamps, BMW E46 taillights play an important role in the car’s overall lighting system. They act as signals for the drivers behind, which are integral to avoiding rear accidents. When contemplating on customizing the taillights, it sometimes entails modifying the rest of the rear lighting system as well, to include the third brake lights and the turn signals.

One makeover option for the E46 taillights are the angel eyes or the halo lights. These are ringlets of tiny LED bulbs that are easily installed or clipped around the perimeter of the rear lights. Halo lights are produced more for aesthetic reasons, but they do contribute to increasing the brightness of the taillights. They make the rear lights more visible for the drivers following close behind, so that the other signals are not missed.

The BMW E46 taillights, themselves, can be replaced with OEM or aftermarket bulbs. Because a BMW car often employs a central console that manipulates all components of its light system, E46 owners are limited to purchasing OEM lights to be assured of compatibility. Nowadays, however, aftermarket manufacturers are beginning to come up with better and cheaper versions that rival the original parts.

When dealing with aftermarket companies, it is recommended to find suppliers who are established names in the industry, if only to avoid custom parts that are imitations and of poor quality. Nonetheless, there are a number of promising smaller players, and they are equally trustworthy if close friends and other E46 owners have vouched for these up and coming aftermarket companies.

Light Sources Available for BMW E46 Taillights

There is a wide range of options for people who are looking into improving their BMW E46 taillights. Going through hundreds of them can be frustrating at times, and to avoid such a scenario, it may help to know something about the different light sources for a vehicle lighting system. This may serve as a guide on which particular kind of bulbs will suit one’s needs and the car’s as well.

Thus far, the most common light source for tail lights and for the whole lighting system of a BMW is the halogen. Luminosity is produced through filament bulbs with this type of light source, which is powered by electric spark. Car owners who want to retain the integrity of their BMW tradition of their E46 can replace the taillights with OEM parts. The aftermarket industry produces halogen taillights that are comparable in quality, yet inexpensive.

The next common light source for taillights is the xenon. It is a metal gas that is burned to produce lights more powerful than halogen. Avid customizers prefer xenon lights these days because they are said to be more energy-efficient and longer lasting than halogen. These light sources are available both as OEM and aftermarket BMW E46 taillights, the quality of which will depend on which assembly house they were put together.

The third, and increasing becoming popular, light source is LED, or light emitting diodes. In terms of power consumption, LED bulbs are most efficient thus far. Because they give out more lumens per wattage, they are produced in smaller dimensions. They make for perfect taillights, turn signals, and side markers. Taillights for a BMW E46 are best replaced with LED bulbs if the goal is greater efficiency and rear visibility.