Question: Is there a way to turn your tail lights into a decorative light at home?

chrisko · 10-08-2015, 06:47 PM

I have my stock 135 tail lights for my car chilling in my house, and I was thinking it might be cool to buy a wiring harness for it and somehow get it connected to an AC plug so I can turn them on with the flick of a switch.

Has anyone heard of this being done? Or have an idea where to begin?

The idea of turning these into a little lamp or something has been on my mind for awhile now.

Thanks!

tc535i · 10-08-2015, 06:51 PM

you could probably do it with a computer power supply, they convert 110AC into 12vdc just like your car uses, and I'm sure the wattage is well within most power supply's range

Mr Tonka · 10-08-2015, 08:29 PM

just get a AC to DC 12v converter. Plug it into a switch operated outlet, wire it to the lights.

808@702 · 10-08-2015, 09:25 PM

Then buy the rear end of a totaled 135...

WreckerX5d · 10-10-2015, 01:16 AM

Just because the car has a 12v battery doesn't mean the lights are operated by 12v. Figure out what voltage and amps each light bulb requires to run.

I believe I found the circuitry behind the light housing:

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-13...ghts/ES207350/

This should give a good understanding on what is required to get this done. It's a simple concept to do but you don't want to take any shortcuts or cheesedick anything when it comes to power.

chrisko · 10-26-2015, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrecker335d

Just because the car has a 12v battery doesn't mean the lights are operated by 12v. Figure out what voltage and amps each light bulb requires to run.

I believe I found the circuitry behind the light housing:

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-13...ghts/ES207350/

This should give a good understanding on what is required to get this done. It's a simple concept to do but you don't want to take any shortcuts or cheesedick anything when it comes to power.

Yeah, it'll take a bit of power research to make sure that's all right. I'm having trouble finding the damn wiring harness though. I have the whole assembly with bulbs already in, but I can't find the wiring online. I came close a few times but pretty much led me to dead ends—kind of just gave up now haha.

Might swing by a dealership and just ask the parts department.

10-08-2015, 06:47 PM	#1
chrisko Second Lieutenant 43 Rep 297 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (2) Garage List 2021 M2 Competition [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [10.00] 2003 Subaru 2.5 WRX ... [10.00]	Question: Is there a way to turn your tail lights into a decorative light at home? I have my stock 135 tail lights for my car chilling in my house, and I was thinking it might be cool to buy a wiring harness for it and somehow get it connected to an AC plug so I can turn them on with the flick of a switch. Has anyone heard of this being done? Or have an idea where to begin? The idea of turning these into a little lamp or something has been on my mind for awhile now. Thanks! __________________ 2021 M2 Comp \| STEK Stealth Wrapped \| PSM V2 Trunk Spoiler 2022 X3 M Comp \| (SOLD) 2016 M3 \| AWE Switchpath Diamond Black 102mm (SOLD)
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-08-2015, 06:51 PM	#2
tc535i Lieutenant Colonel 222 Rep 1,818 Posts Drives: 2007 335i, 2001 330i, 1995 M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: West Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	you could probably do it with a computer power supply, they convert 110AC into 12vdc just like your car uses, and I'm sure the wattage is well within most power supply's range
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2015, 08:29 PM	#3
Mr Tonka is probably out riding. 6061 Rep 2,292 Posts Drives: Something Italian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sweatypeninsula iTrader: (0)	just get a AC to DC 12v converter. Plug it into a switch operated outlet, wire it to the lights. __________________ "There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice. -Charles de Secondat"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2015, 09:25 PM	#4
808@702 8th BMW, 520th Surfboard 513 Rep 1,215 Posts Drives: My girlfriends crazy! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nv. and Honolulu, Hi. and Seattle Wa. iTrader: (0)	Then buy the rear end of a totaled 135...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-10-2015, 01:16 AM	#5
WreckerX5d Warrant Officer 378 Rep 1,340 Posts Drives: Deezul Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (4)	Just because the car has a 12v battery doesn't mean the lights are operated by 12v. Figure out what voltage and amps each light bulb requires to run. I believe I found the circuitry behind the light housing: https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-13...ghts/ES207350/ This should give a good understanding on what is required to get this done. It's a simple concept to do but you don't want to take any shortcuts or cheesedick anything when it comes to power. __________________ Deleted, ATM I/C and tuned by B.R.R.
	Appreciate 0 Quote