How to Install BMW G30 & F90 LCI Tail Lights

The BMW G30 5 Series already looks sharp, but switching to LCI-style tail lights gives it a modern edge. 

If you’ve ever seen the facelifted F90 M5 or newer 5 Series on the road, you’ve noticed how those lights make the rear end look cleaner and more aggressive. They shift how the whole rear end feels, from a simple luxury sedan to something that looks sharper, newer, and more in line with BMW’s modern lineup.

The good news, upgrading your pre-LCI G30 to these sequential LCI-style tail lights is easier than you think.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what makes these tail lights special, how to install them, what to expect during setup, and how to keep them in perfect shape after the swap.

What the G30 LCI Tail Lights Are

The “LCI” in BMW terms means Life Cycle Impulse, basically a mid-generation facelift. It’s when BMW refreshes a model with updated designs, often including new headlights and tail lights.

For the G30 5 Series (2017–2020), the LCI update came with sleek 3D LED tail lights featuring a fluid, sequential turn signal pattern and sharper inner edges that wrap toward the trunk.

Aftermarket versions, like the BayOptiks BMW G30/F90 Sequential LCI-Style Tail Lights, give you that facelifted look without replacing your entire rear body panels. They’re plug-and-play, error-free, and work with both G30 5 Series and F90 M5 models from 2017–2020.

Key highlights:

• Full LED lighting for better visibility

• Sequential amber turn signals

• OEM-fit design using factory mounting points

• Plug-and-play, no coding or splicing required

• Compatible with both pre-LCI and LCI bumpers

Why Upgrade to LCI Tail Lights

The difference is night and day. Stock pre-LCI G30 tail lights use a simpler LED strip and conventional blink pattern. LCI-style lights are more sculpted and match modern BMWs like the G80 M3 and G20 3 Series.

Here’s why most owners make the switch:

• Better aesthetics: The 3D design gives depth and a premium finish.
  
  

• Better brightness, LEDs are sharper and more visible, especially at night.
  
  

• Sequential signals: Clean, modern motion effect that’s subtle but noticeable.
  
  

• Resale value, Small upgrades like these make the car feel like a newer model.
  
  

• Plug-and-play options, Most kits, like those from BayOptiks, don’t need coding or extra modules.

It’s not just about looks, though. The lighting technology itself is newer, it’s energy efficient, faster to illuminate, and more durable than halogens or old-style LED clusters.

What You’ll Need for the Installation

If you’re comfortable doing light DIY work, installing BMW G30 LCI tail lights is pretty simple.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Tools:

• 8mm socket wrench

• Trim removal tool

• Microfiber cloth

• Electrical tape (optional)
  
  

Parts:

• LCI-style tail light set (left and right, outer and inner pieces)

• Harness adapter (if your set doesn’t come pre-wired)

• Replacement gaskets (optional, if your old ones are worn)
  
  

Most owners go for pre-assembled kits that already include the proper harnesses, so you won’t need to cut or splice any wires.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Plug-and-Play)

Let’s get into the actual install process. This guide assumes you’re working on a 2017–2020 BMW G30 5 Series or F90 M5 with standard pre-LCI tail lights.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Park on a flat surface and turn off the ignition.

2. Open the trunk and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

3. Lay a microfiber towel under the rear bumper to avoid scratches.

Step 2: Remove Trunk Trim

1. Pull up the trunk lining panels to expose the inner tail light mounting bolts.

2. Use a trim tool to remove any clips carefully, don’t rush; they’re fragile.

Step 3: Remove Old Tail Lights

1. Unscrew the 8mm bolts holding the outer lights in place (located behind the trunk liner).

2. Gently push the light assembly outward from inside.

3. Disconnect the factory harness.

4. Repeat for the trunk-mounted inner lights.

Tip: Keep all factory screws and clips; you’ll reuse them.

Step 4: Install New LCI-Style Tail Lights

1. Plug the new light’s harness into the OEM connector, it should click securely.

2. Slide the light housing into position, aligning the pins and tabs.

3. Tighten the bolts gently, don’t overtighten; it can crack the plastic housing.

4. Repeat for both outer and inner lights.

No coding or resistors needed, these BayOptiks tail lights are pre-wired to work with the factory CAN system.

Step 5: Reconnect Battery & Test

1. Reconnect the negative terminal.

2. Start the car and check all lighting functions:
   
   

• Parking lights

• Brake lights

• Reverse lights

• Sequential turn signals
  
  

If any section doesn’t light up, check the connection before closing the trim.

Step 6: Reinstall Trunk Panels

1. Snap the trunk liner back in place.

2. Wipe down the lights with a clean microfiber cloth.

3. Close the trunk and test again from a few angles.
   
   

That’s it, your install’s done.

Compatibility Notes

These LCI-style tail lights fit:

• 2017–2020 BMW G30 & G38 5 Series (530i, 540i, 550i)

• 2018–2020 BMW F90 M5
  
  

They work with both halogen and OEM LED setups, though LED models may have a slightly different connector style, everything’s included in the box.

Always double-check the exact part numbers and wiring details on RealOEM.

Owner Tips from Real-World Installs

A few things owners have learned the hard way:

• Seal check: Before final tightening, make sure the gasket sits evenly to prevent water leaks.

• Error codes: If you see a bulb warning, reset your iDrive lighting settings or check the adapter pins.

• Condensation: If fog appears inside, remove the housing and let it dry for 24 hours before resealing.

• Cable routing: Don’t pinch wires when reinstalling trunk panels, that’s a common mistake.
  
  

One owner on BimmerPost mentioned using a thin layer of dielectric grease on the connectors to prevent corrosion. It’s a small detail, but it helps long-term.

How They Compare: Stock vs. LCI

If you park a pre-LCI and an LCI G30 side-by-side, the difference is clear. The LCI looks newer, tighter, and closer to the newer G60 5 Series design language.

Styling Options and Add-ons

While you’re upgrading, many owners also swap smaller details around the rear end for a cleaner look:

• Carbon fiber mirror caps for visual balance

• Rear diffuser upgrades for a more aggressive stance

• M-Style spoilers to balance the aerodynamics and complete your G30 / F90 profile
  
  

BayOptiks carries all of these, and because they share a similar LED tone and tint, your lighting setup stays consistent across the car

Maintenance Tips

LCI-style tail lights don’t need much upkeep, but here’s what helps them last:

• Clean with pH-neutral car soap, harsh chemicals can cloud the lens

• Avoid pressure washers directly on the seams to prevent water intrusion

• Use ceramic coating on the surface to reduce UV fade

• Don’t use wax or ceramic coating over the LED strip, it can dull the plastic

• Check seals annually for moisture or condensation buildup.
  
  

If a section fails (rare, but possible), most LCI tail light kits come with modular panels, so you can replace one side instead of the entire assembly.

Troubleshooting

If something’s not working after install:

These tail lights are built to be error-free, so any issue is usually just a loose plug.

Safety and Legal Notes

Sequential turn signals are legal in most U.S. states, but always check local regulations.

They must remain amber or red, depending on your region’s law. Avoid tinted overlays that dim brightness, they can reduce visibility and fail inspection.

In some countries, coding the tail lights might be required for proper light intensity. If that’s the case, any BMW shop with a BimmerCode setup can handle it in minutes.

FAQs About BMW G30 LCI Tail Lights

Do I need coding after installing these lights?

No. The BayOptiks G30 LCI tail lights are plug-and-play and work without coding.

Can I install them if my car already has LED tail lights?

Yes, they replace the full assembly, so you just reuse your harness connection.

Can I install them on an F90 M5?

Yes, if it’s a pre-LCI model (2018–2020). The fitment is the same.

Do they affect the car’s battery?

No. LEDs draw less power than stock bulbs, so they’re actually more efficient.

Will they cause dashboard errors?

No error codes appear since the circuit load matches factory specs.

Are they waterproof?

Yes, the lights are fully sealed with OEM-grade gaskets.

How bright are they compared to stock?

Noticeably brighter, especially the brake and turn sections. They’re easier to spot in daylight too.

How long does installation take?

Approximately 45–60 minutes with basic tools.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to BMW G30 LCI-style tail lights is one of the simplest ways to modernize your 5 Series. You get a sharper rear look, cleaner light animation, and better visibility, all in under an hour.

The BayOptiks Sequential LCI-Style Tail Lights for BMW G30/F90 fit perfectly and require zero coding. If you’re planning a full exterior refresh, check out F30 laser-style headlights too, they all follow the same easy plug-and-play setup.

For reference and part lookups, bookmark RealOEM’s G30 tail light page and browse BimmerPost G30 retrofit threads, plenty of owners share visual comparisons and install tricks.

And if you’re new to BMW mods, BayOptiks is one of the few that focuses on OEM-fit, high-quality lighting parts designed specifically for enthusiasts who want modern style without coding headaches.