2011-2016 BMW 5 Series F10 / M5 F10 Sequential LED Tail Lights Installation Guide

Important: This online guide is a general overview for the matched RIGNOX product. Confirm hidden vehicle-side fasteners, trim clips, and wiring access points on your exact vehicle before removal.

Safety warning: Do NOT use dielectric grease or weather-sealing grease on connectors or sockets. Grease can cause connection problems and may affect warranty coverage.

Matched product

• Product: 2011-2016 BMW 5 Series F10 / M5 F10 Sequential LED Tail Lights Assembly — 4-Piece Set
• Product type: Tail lights
• SKU: T-5F10-SR
• Variant: Smoked Red Dragon Scale
• Fitment: Fits: 2011-2016 BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10), pre-LCI and LCI models; 2013-2016 BMW M5 (F10). Does not fit: 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07).
• Product page: View matching RIGNOX product details

Before you begin

• Confirm your car is an F10 sedan: the 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) has a hatch and takes different tail lights.
• Check what is in the box: four lamps — left and right outer lamps on the body, left and right inner lamps on the trunk lid — plus two link cables, one per side, that join each inner lamp to its outer lamp.
• Work powered down: Switch the vehicle off and disconnect the negative battery terminal when handling wiring.
• Protect body panels: Use clean towels or masking tape on the painted edges around the trunk opening and the outer lamps.
• Do not force clips: If a lamp or trim panel does not move, stop and look for another fastener or locating pin.
• No grease on connectors: Do not apply dielectric grease or weather-sealing grease to connectors or sockets.

Tools and supplies

• Ratchet
• Phillips screwdriver
• 8 mm socket
• Trim removal tool
• Zip ties for securing the included link cables
• A helper for brake-light and reverse-light testing

Remove the original inner lamps (trunk lid)

1. Open the trunk lid trim: Open the trunk and unscrew the plastic nuts holding the center trunk-lid trim panel, then remove the panel. Pull out the push clips and fold back the sound insulation to reach the inner lamps.
   
2. Remove the inner lamp: Unplug the connector, remove the fasteners, and take the factory inner lamp off the trunk lid.
   

Install the RIGNOX inner lamps

1. Move the plastic bracket: Take the plastic mounting bracket off the factory inner lamp and fit it to the RIGNOX inner lamp. Thread its screws in only one or two turns for now.
   
2. Mount the inner lamp: Hook the clip on the left side into place first, then tighten the fastener on the right side and plug in the connector.
   

Replace the outer lamps (body)

1. Open the side trim: Pull back the rubber weather seal, remove the side trim panel next to the outer lamp, pull out the push clips, and fold back the sound insulation.
   
2. Remove the outer lamp: Remove the three fasteners, unplug the connector, and take the factory outer lamp out.
   
3. Fit the RIGNOX outer lamp: Seat the new outer lamp, refit the three fasteners, and plug in the connector.
   
4. Connect the link cable: Route the included link cable through the trunk hinge arm, plug one end into the inner lamp and the other into the outer lamp, and secure it with zip ties so it cannot be pinched when the trunk closes. This cable lets the inner and outer lamps run the sequential turn signal together.
   
5. Repeat on the right side, then run the function test below before refitting the trim panels, insulation, and weather seals.
   

Electrical and function test

1. Confirm running lights on all four lamps.
2. Confirm brake lights with a helper pressing the brake pedal.
3. Confirm left and right turn signals with the stalk, then the hazards, and check that the amber sweep runs across both the outer and inner lamps.
4. Confirm reverse lights with the vehicle safely in reverse and the parking brake applied.
5. Confirm the startup animation after the road-light functions pass.
6. Open and close the trunk a few times and re-test, so you know the link cables stay connected.
7. Check for dashboard warnings, hyperflash, or flicker before closing up.

Final check

• All connectors are locked and routed without tension.
• Link cables are zip-tied clear of the hinge, latch, and seal.
• All four lamps sit flush with even gaps.
• All lighting functions pass on both sides.
• No warning lights, flicker, or hyperflash after a short check drive.

Troubleshooting

• Inner lamp dark, or the turn signal only sweeps on the outer lamp: Recheck both ends of the link cable on that side.
• Warning message, flicker, or hyperflash: See hyperflash and bulb-out warnings.
• Still dark: Work through LED headlight or tail light not working.

Need help?

If the factory lamp or connector does not match what you received, stop before modifying wiring and ask our install team with your order number and your vehicle's year, model and trim. We'll walk you through it.

End of installation guide. (c) RIGNOX - All Rights Reserved.