523i rear lights (Celis or non-Celis?)

[Tom328]

Good day guys,Just acquired a local Auto Bavaria 3/2000 523i (M52TUB25). My predicament is that the lights don't seem to add up together with the rest of the car. Not sure if our local cars differ from overseas.Front - Hella angel eye front lights with white indicator housing (xenon projector), wide chrome kidney grills, pre-facelift bumpers front + back, side linings have the chrome stripSide - orange side signal markersRear - orange rear lights (non-Celis type)As far as my research has taken me, the wide chrome kidney grills are not correct. But I am not sure about the orange rear lights which are non-Celis. I took it off and to my surprise, found two holes drilled below the original holes (picture below). But, further research also showed that retrofitting Celis requires more than the 2 holes. It requires having to shave the rear fog light housing as well. So, the question is, was the car having a Celis rear light? If so, I intend to put it back on Celis. If not, should i just get the white non-Celis rear lamps or should i just go ahead and do a Celis conversion?

 

[alive88]

go ahead n buy a celis version.it will transform ur car. around 1.2-1.4k for celis taillights. available at most known bmw spareparts dealer(bomin, auto bavaria, stuttgart)

 

[bmw7833]

The ex-owner took out the celis rear light and replaced with the non celis set before he sold the car. The 2 small holes definitely for conversion purpose.

 

[siva@e60]

Hi Tom,

U need check it out the imported version year 99 to 2001 i think comes originally with white celis version face lift local CKD from 2001 until last batch of the E39 in 2003 comes amber signal light but if you notice properly the plastic material and reflectors inside very much nicer and looks very clear celis version.

Cheers,