Number plate lights... ticked off the list

MartynFrancis · Post by **MartynFrancis** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 9:51 pm

So, I wanted to update the number plate lights for some time. I've had some Amazon vouchers hanging around so thought I'd take a punt on some that were supposedly for a 1 series for £17.
This is the kit, it appears the item is currently out of stock but this is what I bought....

Anyway, back to business..
This was before...

Bit dull, and boring. So I got them out and found the connectors were nothing like in the kit I bought.... uh oh!

So I put it all back together and gave up. Cracked open a Friday night beer and thought, whatthe hell let's just dismantle the whole original connector and push the pins directly onto the new light fitting......
Voila, they work! Unfortunately i forgot to take some outs of the connectors completely dismantled, but what I did do was wrap a small amount of insulation tape round the two pins to separate them do they didn't touch when pushed on the new fitting.

Really happy with the result and for £17 can't complain in the slightest!

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 10:03 pm

Those connectors with the W5W socket adapter are no good, I had one which shorted and melted. You could probably source a matching socket for the ones on the car and put them on the connector for your units.

That or the BMW LED ones from the 1 series fit with replacement BMW connectors.

MartynFrancis · Post by **MartynFrancis** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 10:14 pm

I probably will at some point, the metal crimps (if that's what they're called) at the end of the cables from the loom felt really nice and snug directly on the new light fittings. Bit of insulation tape was put to stop the two connectors touching, but everything felt really snug, and the fittings themselves it really nicely into the bumper.

biojo · Post by **biojo** » Fri Mar 17, 2017 10:56 pm

I just bought official bmw 1 series ones they was 9 quid each + couple of quid for connectors, which when you unclip the z4s you can clip into new ones onto wires

Been on nearly 2 years now, still working

kis · Post by **kis** » Sat Mar 18, 2017 12:29 am

Is there nothing that's plug and play?

What sort of connectors do you need to switch the 1 Series to suit the Zed?

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Sat Mar 18, 2017 12:42 am

They are keyed to accept a one way connector for use with the LED units as they are obviously polarity sensitive. The Z4 connectors are not keyed in the same way as there was no need with bulbs.

All you do is remove the pins from the old connector, insert them into the new and you're good to go.

biojo · Post by **biojo** » Sat Mar 18, 2017 4:28 pm

its basically the exact same connector, but as said the outer part is keyed (notched) so only fits in one way

all infos here

viewtopic.php?t=74890

the later 1 series has smaller leds and has them small square connectors

kis · Post by **kis** » Mon Mar 20, 2017 9:43 am

Cheers biojo that link helped piece it together.

Scooba_Steve you got a part number? Had a quick look on Real OEM and not sure which variant of 1 Series to search under

mmm-five · Post by **mmm-five** » Mon Mar 20, 2017 12:27 pm

The only issue I have with mine (and most others I've seen), is that they're so bright that you can't see the top of the number plate at night.

Mine (on old plate)...

biojo · Post by **biojo** » Mon Mar 20, 2017 8:26 pm

think its these i got

63 26 7 193 294
http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/63267193294

BMW had them in stock, so just matched size up

These where wrong ones much shorter

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Mon Mar 20, 2017 9:57 pm

For the full LED rear, complement these with brake, indicator and reverse lamps

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com