Short Review - DEPO LCI replica tail lights

[Ryan_M]

Hey guys, thought I'd share my new purchase. I have been exploring the idea of getting LCI tail lights for my 2007 for awhile. Given the lack of coding expertise in HK, I gave up the idea and instead opted to tint my tail lights hoping it would give the old girl a bit of a refresh. However, I was never quite satisfied so my search continued until I stumbled upon what appeared to be perfect replicas made by DEPO. Upon further research and a few calls, I took the plunge and I couldn't be happier. While the lights still cost quite a bit, they were still 20-30% cheaper. They were plug and play with no coding required which saved me a lot of headache. The lights had zero flicker at start-up and are very bright at night. The breaklights / blinkers / reverse lights all function as they should. The contouring of the physical dimension of the lights are also identical to the OEM version (LCI version are slightly bigger than pre-lci). For all intents and purposes, they are as good as OEM.

I understand that they come in a tinted variant now, I wish it was available when I bought them. Anyway, photos are below which include comparison pics with a genuine LCI. NB. these were purchased from an Australian vendor on eBay; very easy to search but happy to point you to the direction if need be.

[KayTees]

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

-SNIP-

Didn't know they were so tinted compared to the pre-LCI ones until a friend saw me driving and took this pic behind me. Thinking of tinting them more but concerned about getting pulled over and plus getting rear ended with tinted lights means I'll be at fault.

[blue dragon]

Looks good.

[fourpointeight]

The depo ones look a tad darker in your comparison pics. I love the look. Definitely on my to do list 👍

[Flying Ace]

No coding needed?

[Dr.Duct_Mossburg]

a link to them? I can't find anything except a tinted version.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by Dr.Duct_Mossburg

a link to them? I can't find anything except a tinted version.

Wouldn't you rather spend the extra 20-30% and get German made products for your beautiful X5M instead of Depo junk made in China?

I know for the E46 platform, the Depo lights were prone to inconsistent fitment, fading, yellowing, condensation, etc.

[Dr.Duct_Mossburg]

From what I under stand these are like 250.. the LED ones are 7-800... am I missing something here?

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by Dr.Duct_Mossburg

From what I under stand these are like 250.. the LED ones are 7-800... am I missing something here?

Hmm not sure, I haven't priced them out, only going off what the OP stated -

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

…While the lights still cost quite a bit, they were still 20-30% cheaper…

Tischer has the OEM LCI tails for $675 - not sure what the DEPO are going for.
http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

[RaceTruk]

Originally Posted by jiggz

Wouldn't you rather spend the extra 20-30% and get German made products for your beautiful X5M instead of Depo junk made in China?

I know for the E46 platform, the Depo lights were prone to inconsistent fitment, fading, yellowing, condensation, etc.

bmw doesnt make the OEM taillights either.
They are made by AL automotive lighting corp which is in China.
Depo is in China aswell.
older headlights/taillights were infact pretty different but now with the advancement in technology the new Depo lights are litterally 3d scanned and reverse engineered down to the screw.
The bulb carries are identical, as is the inner structure.
the E70 x5 is assembled in USA. there is hardly anything german besides the badge on them haha

[Dchl21]

depo is actually Taiwanese and the quality is great now days (they were so so back in the days)..

got some LCI depos for my c63 amg before and it was exactly same as oem

[094.8x5]

The BMW tails may be built in China but i'd be willing to bet there is very tight QC by BMW employee oversight,,other products made in China across the street may have no QC at all.....all about chep labor

[RaceTruk]

Originally Posted by Dchl21

depo is actually Taiwanese and the quality is great now days (they were so so back in the days)..

got some LCI depos for my c63 amg before and it was exactly same as oem

my research showed HQ is Taiwanese but factory is China

[RaceTruk]

Originally Posted by 094.8x5

The BMW tails may be built in China but i'd be willing to bet there is very tight QC by BMW employee oversight,,other products made in China across the street may have no QC at all.....all about chep labor

have you seen any F series BMWs?
They have made so many cost cutting decision, I highly doubt anyone is doing quality checks on parts they have other companies OEM for them.
the whole reason they pay for another company to make things is for all services to be handled, from R&D, to QC.
the only thing they do on lighting is design what they want it to look like

[AirJoeZ32]

I have purchased Depo tail light with quality issue for my E92. The surface of the shell has water drop mark. I don't know how to explain in word. I attached picture. I believe I bought the one with defect as it is. I don't think they are all with this problem. I can say the QC of Depo is bad. If you have luck, you might get a good quality one.

[N62B48]

Originally Posted by KayTees

Didn't know they were so tinted compared to the pre-LCI ones until a friend saw me driving and took this pic behind me. Thinking of tinting them more but concerned about getting pulled over and plus getting rear ended with tinted lights means I'll be at fault.

Dont tint it, I did tinted with the lightest tint end up removed the tint.Its too dark.

I customized the lights pattern, instead all the red I changed it to red white, red white something diff.