Get OEM LCI Tails or Depo Replicas? Opinions Please F80

[NYBulldog]

I've seen all the threads I can see about retrofits for the OEM tails and a few Depo installs. The Depo looks like a pretty damn good replica. What is the general consensus or comparison?


The Depo LCI is going for around $400. They come with harnesses.

The OEM LCI is going for around $600 (Used) to $850 (New). And you need the harness for another $120-$150.




If there is a comparison thread already I apologize for the repeat but I don't believe there is.











https://www.uniquestyleracings.com/i...roduct_id=1214








https://europeanautosource.com/bmw-l...-3-series.html

[Tommy L Garage]

I'd say go Depo.

Fronts Id say OEM...rears - DEPO is fine.

If you do decide to go for DEPO, contact KiesMotorsports and tell them Tommy sent you - he will give you an ever better deal

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

I'd say go Depo.

Fronts Id say OEM...rears - DEPO is fine.

If you do decide to go for DEPO, contact KiesMotorsports and tell them Tommy sent you - he will give you an ever better deal

Thanks dude, I really appreciate the opinion and info!

[allinon72]

After many years of modifying vehicles, I won't bother with aftermarket lights anymore. Inevitably, they leak, yellow, discolor, fade, etc. The OEM tail lights are very good quality and worth the extra cost IMO.

[dpgfunk]

+1 for OEM

[Tommy L Garage]

I agree that OEM are better quality, but rear lights don't matter that much.

And if you can save $600 by doing so - why not.

Of course it's only my opinion - not judging anyone for doing this vs. that

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by allinon72

After many years of modifying vehicles, I won't bother with aftermarket lights anymore. Inevitably, they leak, yellow, discolor, fade, etc. The OEM tail lights are very good quality and worth the extra cost IMO.

Originally Posted by dpgfunk

+1 for OEM

I hear you guys. I've had good experiences and bad experiences. Truth be told I usually have gone with OEM only but I'm so surprised by the quality and look of the Depo that the price looks mighty tempting. Appreciate the input.

[JibSTir13]

OEM all the way.

Personally not a fan of replica parts - it's like buying a fake wallet/belt/[insert consumer good of your choice].

Rarely, if ever, is the quality/fitment/life span the same.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

I agree that OEM are better quality, but rear lights don't matter that much.

And if you can save $600 by doing so - why not.

Of course it's only my opinion - not judging anyone for doing this vs. that

Actually they do matter. The tail light has a rather substantial seal on it that keeps water out of the trunk area where there are a lot of control modules. On the OEM piece, you can tell it's very high quality just by touching it. Do you want to roll the dice with an aftermarket light, knowing that their sealing properties are usually their downfall? I would not.

[metomwhou]

Too bad they're not doing a GTS replica, those are by far the best looking rear lights I've seen...

[325iExecutive]

Speaking strictly from personal experience, I had purchased depo for my previous BMW and this invariably they either cracked, leaked, had condensation and discolored. I had to get them replaced and as a result it would have been cost effective to get OEM right from the get go.

The initial cost save reversed after I started getting issues. Mind you these issues did not start immediately.... perhaps 1 or 2 years after purchase and installation.

Hope this helps

[domino_z]

If the rear tail lights 'don't matter so much,' then why replace them in first place

Do it once, do it right

[NYBulldog]

After sleeping on this I decided OEM. I kept thinking what if one goes bad? Depo is not selling me a replacement. Still a nice price but yeah OEM is a go. Appreciate all the input.

[damageprone]

If you go aftermarket, Depot is by far the best out there in terms of OEM style quality. I've had Depot taillights on my cars in the past and they look amazing and are pretty solid in build. But like all aftermarket parts, they start to fail. My Depot taillights on my DD is going on 10 years and is showing signs of cracking and heavy yellowing. But I expect the yellowing to occur in OEM as well.

Don't go any other aftermarket brand. They're usually pretty flimsy and will fail much sooner.

[maniz]

OEM or nothing. I had Depo lights on a car 10+ years ago. Never again. They started fogging in rain within 6 months. As a result, I don't get why people try to save a few hundred $ on a part directly related to safety...and on a car that deserves better.