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BIMMERPOST Universal Forums Off-Topic Discussions Board Question: Is there a way to turn your tail lights into a decorative light at home?

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      10-08-2015, 06:47 PM   #1
chrisko
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Lightbulb 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!
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      10-08-2015, 06:51 PM   #2
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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
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      10-08-2015, 08:29 PM   #3
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just get a AC to DC 12v converter. Plug it into a switch operated outlet, wire it to the lights.
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      10-08-2015, 09:25 PM   #4
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Then buy the rear end of a totaled 135...
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      10-10-2015, 01:16 AM   #5
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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.
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      10-26-2015, 01:54 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrecker335d View Post
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.
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