
BMW G80 M3 is a piece of work, fascinating automobile lovers with unsurmountable performance. The model already outshines its predecessors with under-the-hood machinery and bold appearance contributed by an oversized kidney grille. This departure from performative and stylistic norms has stirred as much controversy as curiosity.
Owners have become more experimental to make their endeared car look more exceptional. One noticeable trend is to upgrade the basic tail lights. Let’s get deeper into this trend and learn why G80 M3 owners upgrade their taillights.
It’s undeniable that the basic LED BMW G80 M3 tail lights have their own appeal. With a factory-set conventional horizontal design, they provide enough functionalities for indicating brakes, turns, and reverse motions. But it’s also undeniable that their appeal can’t justify the exotic look of the G80 M3. They seek diverse after-sales options for replacement or modification. Here are the most popular ones:
OLED Panels: Unlike basic LED lights, OLED panels create a well-balanced lustre that spreads across the panels without creating a visual discrepancy. Moreover, up until now, OLED panels are the most modern innovation for tail lights. So, it’s no wonder that for G80 M3 owners, they are the most picked modification option.
CSL Styled: Widely popular for their dynamic patterned lighting modes, CSL styled tail lights are the top choice for tail light modification. They feature a sharp, laser-etched style and functionality to improve visibility. These align them with BMW’s motorsport-inspired design.
Remus OPF System with Black Tips: OPF or Otto Particulate Filters are essential emission-compliant components. These systems may have little to do with tail lights and are used to modify sound and performance. But their black tipped exhaustion outlets, if adjusted rightly, bring a stealthy, yet aggressive look. Pairing them with tail light modifications creates an exotic profile.
Car owners want their vehicles to be as functional as possible. Maybe the functional aspects of tail lights seem trifling in comparison to those of other components like brakes and transmissions, but they still make a difference. According to the 2023 study by the Lighting Research Center, in dense traffic, dynamic turn signals, mostly found in CSL tail lights, improve visibility and reaction by 24%.
Apart from this, modern tail light options offer creative functionalities through innovations. Especially OLED panels are an open field to play in. More than providing sequential turn signals, these OLED tail lights are modifiable to show animated greetings or patterns. They are also quick responders to the turns and motions, which means quicker and brighter signals.
No matter how stylistic or appealing modern tail lights look, their primary feature is to ensure safety on the road. Basic LEDs that come with the G80 M3 model are seemingly not enough to indicate danger in a harsh and densely foggy or rainy climate.
As per the 2022 data reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in cases of about 23% rear-end accidents, the causes could be traced to lower visibility of brake lights and turn signals. So, it gives a fair ground to G80 M3 owners to opt for tail light modifications.
OLED panels and other modified LED panels come as a viable solution to drive in a rough climatic condition. They have higher luminosity, can shine through even vehement dust storms or fog clouds. Having such strong indication systems is, for drivers, one less problem to worry about.
A 2023 research by Market Research Future highlighted an exponential expansion of the global automotive lighting market. The research also forecasted a 40.4 billion outreach in that specific market, projecting towards 2030. From this, it only takes an educated guess to assume the scale of ongoing innovations and dynamic shifts in the design, performance, and functionality of front and tail lights.
Once assumed, it’s also easy to understand a key reason for G80 M3’s tail light modification trends. Owners can’t stand their vehicles falling behind in technologies and functionalities. They want flexibility and outstanding performance, which can only be ensured by continuously modernizing key parts of their vehicles.
It’s not new to modify vehicles through replacements or repairs to attract customers for a second-hand sale. With an upgraded rear that looks more attractive than the stock profile, owners can hope for a higher resale price and inquiries. As shown in the 2023 resale data of CarDekho, modified vehicles receive 17% more views than the unmodified ones.
Owners with a selling intent often change tail lights, especially if they're broken, occasionally functional, or have weaker over time. It’s not surprising that a fair percentage of car owners choose to modify parts before reselling.
So far, this is clear that G80 M3 owners have their reasons to upgrade their tail lights. Beyond cosmetic appeal, they seek better performance, modern functionalities, and safer travels. Modification works for them as a tool to mark their possession with personal reflection. Whether it's about increasing resale value or harmonizing with cutting-edge fashions, every purpose demands a tail light upgrade.