Very good information for the different versions and Hella aftermarket lights. Not sure about how the weather seal foam degrades on BMW parts, but be prepared to add or redo the rear lamp cluster's seal. My previous car's was already partially brittle and even stuck dead on to the body, which got torn and had to be redone.
So I can only say you are incorrect. From what I've gathered the retrofits are modeled after the European design. The euro lights only had the horizontal LEDs on the back and the US OEM lights had an additional 5 small LEDs vertically stacked on the side of the light in order to meet DOT standards. Retrofit LEDs run 10v and need ballasts, the standard non retrofit LEDs run on 12v and you just need an adapter. It will say 12v on the bottom lip of the light. Lastly I hold in my hand a standard 12v OEM LED taillight that needs no ballasts and has not 1 but 2 red wires on the back part... If its got 1 wire its a retrofit. but you can also look for the side LEDs. The reason that LED has 2 yellow wires on it is because its neither OEM or retrofit... Its a trash DEPO light, that's also why it leaks water where as OEM and retrofit lights do not. OEM and retrofit lights will say Hella on them and the depo lights will not. also Depo lights are plug and play and don't need the ballasts either but wont last more than a year in the sun. It always fascinates me how someone can confidently attempt to educate others on a subject that there uneducated in themselves.... Shame on you.
Ok this is interesting.. I got the hella retrofit kit(with ballasts) on my 99 540.. it came with the clear tails and looked very crisp. After years one of them corroded so I ordered the hella amber celis set off ebay for a new look. The celis strips are no where as bright.. Connections are fine. wasnt sure if I needed a different LCM. My question is: If i have the ballasts already should I look for a new set with the single or double connection. I dont like them being dim. Thanks. I will check the sets today if they are single or double.
