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BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

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Old 02-01-2010, 07:55 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

I'm anxious to see how those fit your car. From looking at the pics, fitting those should be a LOT easier than the euro style.

As for my installation, I got started yesterday. I pulled out that fiberglass piece that the headlights & bumper cover attach to. That turned into a cluster f**k all it's own thanks to having the fender mounting studs pull out of the fiberglass, which made it almost impossible to get the flexibility I needed out of the nose to get this piece out. I already managed to chip the paint on the bumper cover.

I'll start my own thread for this upgrade rather than fill this thread up. I'll post a link here once I get the thread going tho.
Old 02-01-2010, 10:04 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by Jim85IROC
I'm anxious to see how those fit your car. From looking at the pics, fitting those should be a LOT easier than the euro style.

As for my installation, I got started yesterday. I pulled out that fiberglass piece that the headlights & bumper cover attach to. That turned into a cluster f**k all it's own thanks to having the fender mounting studs pull out of the fiberglass, which made it almost impossible to get the flexibility I needed out of the nose to get this piece out. I already managed to chip the paint on the bumper cover.

I'll start my own thread for this upgrade rather than fill this thread up. I'll post a link here once I get the thread going tho.
WOW!! Good luck bro!
Old 02-01-2010, 01:47 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

bought the black ones. i think i'll need bulbs and i'm ready to do the headlight relay upgrade
Old 02-01-2010, 10:44 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Holy mother of God! Those are awesome! Excellent idea man I am going to look in to those
Old 02-04-2010, 02:28 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

If somebody did step by step, id vote for this to be permentaly listed under the technical area.
Old 02-06-2010, 06:32 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

If I do the swap, I'll do a step-by-step and post it on iroczone.com with a link here.

Right now I'm having a heart-to-heart with myself trying to decide if I want to cut up my bumper cover. I've got the lights, and I've already completely dis-assembled one, and now I just need to decide if I'm going to cut up my bumper cover or not.

Right now I'm planning to cut it up and immediately start looking for a replacement incase I decide to go back, but taking the plunge and actually cutting up that bumper cover is going to hurt.
Old 02-06-2010, 07:21 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Do it or you're not cool.
Old 02-06-2010, 08:49 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by Jim85IROC
If I do the swap, I'll do a step-by-step and post it on iroczone.com with a link here.

Right now I'm having a heart-to-heart with myself trying to decide if I want to cut up my bumper cover. I've got the lights, and I've already completely dis-assembled one, and now I just need to decide if I'm going to cut up my bumper cover or not.

Right now I'm planning to cut it up and immediately start looking for a replacement incase I decide to go back, but taking the plunge and actually cutting up that bumper cover is going to hurt.
why not do it to the replacement? and have the original as backup so there is always a way to go back.
Old 02-06-2010, 10:17 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

they got those lamp covers, if you screw up you can at least cover the screw up during the day. I personally would do both. you'll get it going. if you goof, theres always fiber glass. and you be okay.

Last edited by transam85dudeman; 02-07-2010 at 12:23 AM.
Old 02-06-2010, 11:31 PM
  #160  
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

like i said before, You got to commit to this. I had to grow a new set of ***** to do this. A set by step would be kinda hard to write down. There is a lot of steps and cuts you have to make. One mess up then your out some money. The bumper parts was the hard part cause if you mess up there then your out a bunch of money. Good luck Jim! I know you can do it man!

Joey J
Old 02-08-2010, 08:34 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by KnightmareCS
why not do it to the replacement? and have the original as backup so there is always a way to go back.
It's not like my car is a bone stock original anyway... I can put another bumper cover on later, it's just the hassle of painting it, and because my car is red, even though I've got some of the original paint left, it's not going to match. Red is always too bright until it tones down.

I'll either commit to this or resell the lights shortly. I just need a little more time to decide.
Old 02-08-2010, 05:00 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by Jim85IROC
It's not like my car is a bone stock original anyway... I can put another bumper cover on later, it's just the hassle of painting it, and because my car is red, even though I've got some of the original paint left, it's not going to match. Red is always too bright until it tones down.

I'll either commit to this or resell the lights shortly. I just need a little more time to decide.
Don't do it. Sell the lights to me for like $20 .

J/K give it a shot. It looks soooo good.
Old 02-08-2010, 05:29 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by Jim85IROC
It's not like my car is a bone stock original anyway... I can put another bumper cover on later, it's just the hassle of painting it, and because my car is red, even though I've got some of the original paint left, it's not going to match. Red is always too bright until it tones down.

I'll either commit to this or resell the lights shortly. I just need a little more time to decide.
Ahh, now I see the dilemma...
Your car looks very original and well done.
Old 02-09-2010, 08:50 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

As promised, here's a link to my thread that I started with the details of my E36 headlight project:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...tallation.html
Old 02-16-2010, 09:46 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

i got mine from ebay and installed. they were aimed perfectly without any adjustment. uses 9005/9006 bulbs, not hid. took 5 hours the driver side and less the passenger. no need to make a build thread.. i'll just post pics here.

i made filler side pieces and painted them black. cut the 3 plastic tabs off the top part. ran relays and new wires from the fuse block area for the bulbs. cut lot of stuff out, the hood, the bumper, the original headlight housing, the core support. made a cover plate which holds the headlights in place while sitting on the bumper; and the headlight housing butts the side and core support. they don't move at all.

my camera kind of sucks at night. makes things blurry.

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Old 02-16-2010, 09:49 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=350298620036

thats what i bought

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Old 02-16-2010, 11:18 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

wow!! That looks good! great job bro!
Old 02-17-2010, 09:38 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by matthufham
The whole mod boils down to me being able to see better at night and the asthetics are just a positive side effect, so with that said...can you see better at night with even the non-hid mod?
Old 02-17-2010, 11:03 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by mos68x
The whole mod boils down to me being able to see better at night and the asthetics are just a positive side effect, so with that said...can you see better at night with even the non-hid mod?
i cant speak for those types of headlights, but the ones that i got(projectors) i can see 10X better or more than the stock head lights. but i never upgraded my factory ones to a better one. so i guess what ever i did to my car i would get the same results.
Old 02-17-2010, 12:34 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by Ramair21
i cant speak for those types of headlights, but the ones that i got(projectors) i can see 10X better or more than the stock head lights. but i never upgraded my factory ones to a better one. so i guess what ever i did to my car i would get the same results.
I thought you said that you didn't have projectors or at least non-HID? If you do, where did you mount the ballasts?
Old 02-17-2010, 08:44 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by mos68x
I thought you said that you didn't have projectors or at least non-HID? If you do, where did you mount the ballasts?
no, i said that i didnt have the HIDs. Thats a later project in itself lol
Old 02-17-2010, 08:53 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by 84 1LE
Are those projectors?Did you consider removing them & using aftermarket housings?Too much cutting for my tastes.Your braver than i am.

i agree way too much materiel removed off the upper support, but the look is bada$$
Old 02-17-2010, 08:59 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by matthufham
Thats great! but.. i don't want to cut my hood and camaro up so much :\ this sucks....
Old 02-17-2010, 11:18 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

I want to do this mod but I refuse to remove as much material from the radiator support or hood as many have done with this mod in previous work. My plan is to move the lights further forward to reduce the need to cut into the radiator support and hood. I will fabricate a new center section for the headlamp panel so that it is supported by the radiator support itself and remove the section of the headlamp panel right at the headlamps. I will also leave the ends between the fenders and the bumper skin so that everything still lines up, as well as the center section. Hopefully with doing this I will be able to move the headlamps forward enough to avoid cutting the radiator support and produce a cleaner, more "flush" look with the headlights.
Old 02-17-2010, 11:20 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by mos68x
I want to do this mod but I refuse to remove as much material from the radiator support or hood as many have done with this mod in previous work. My plan is to move the lights further forward to reduce the need to cut into the radiator support and hood. I will fabricate a new center section for the headlamp panel so that it is supported by the radiator support itself and remove the section of the headlamp panel right at the headlamps. I will also leave the ends between the fenders and the bumper skin so that everything still lines up, as well as the center section. Hopefully with doing this I will be able to move the headlamps forward enough to avoid cutting the radiator support and produce a cleaner, more "flush" look with the headlights.
post a thread on the project section, if you could do this, i'd love to do it as well!
Old 02-17-2010, 11:26 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by Timinsk
post a thread on the project section, if you could do this, i'd love to do it as well!
Yeah, but the thing is that doing it this way will be much more labor intensive and require many more hours of work.
Old 02-17-2010, 11:35 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

i could of cut off the parts of the light housing that caused me to cut the core support, but it was an afterthought. i don't mind cutting stuff up, about to do suicide doors actually, and i already cut up my hood to build my hood scoop. i can reinforce it but it's still a sound piece.

the light output is better with the relay upgrade and better bulbs. can't speak for high beams because i haven't got the bulbs in yet. i drive city streets so i haven't tested a country road or anything dark. chances are an improvement in that department.
Old 02-18-2010, 12:33 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by matthufham
i could of cut off the parts of the light housing that caused me to cut the core support, but it was an afterthought. i don't mind cutting stuff up, about to do suicide doors actually, and i already cut up my hood to build my hood scoop. i can reinforce it but it's still a sound piece.

the light output is better with the relay upgrade and better bulbs. can't speak for high beams because i haven't got the bulbs in yet. I drive city streets so I haven't tested a country road or anything dark. chances are an improvement in that department.
Well that's a good sign then for me when I finally get around to this mod. I won't cut the hood since it is still a virgin and would like to be able to sell it later if I want to, and cutting the radiator support is just plain not an option, unless in very small "trimming" amounts that will not reduce the structural integrity.

Light output is of utmost importance to me since I do live where I have to drive DARK country roads crowded with DEER to get to the wife's family. I've already hit a deer with the Camaro and that was during the day. Fortunately for me the exhaust is so loud right now that it keeps them at bay, but I will be making this thing quiet again and would like to survive those long drives back home after being at their home.
Old 02-18-2010, 01:07 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

the only way to do this without cutting the hood..... remove and drive without the hood.

it's only inner bracing.
Old 03-24-2010, 05:47 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

I found this for sale on Seattle craigslist, it looked familiar.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/1656909524.html





Old 04-03-2010, 03:25 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

I finally strapped on a set and did this mod, I used the option racing set I'll get up pics when I get home. The hardest part is getting up the nerve to make the first cut, the rest just falls into place. The second one went easier than the first but it was WAY worth it the look is sick, on a side note got my jambs done putting the car in the booth Tuesday!
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I have to thank Soultron for putting me up to this in the first place, Thanks Tim, I'm glad I did it. BTW those are the new T-Top Weatherstrips sitting on the hood. Car will be Black Cherry Tuesday.

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Old 04-15-2010, 08:28 PM
  #182  
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

this thread is full of win.
need more pics!
regular6d post up the painted pics!
Old 04-23-2010, 05:03 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Just noticed this thread.... all I can say is WOW. They look great.

What years of E36 came with this style light? I'm assuming the halo stuff is aftermarket or the whole assembly comes with them, right?
Old 05-11-2010, 10:04 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Wow! Nice mod! I always wanted to do something to the headlights and this is it!
Since I joined this site, I've cut a hole in the old battery tray to put my cold air intake filter in said hole......now it looks like I'm going to get out the cutting tools AGAIN!

My car still has the original wiper blades on it from 1988, last summer still had the original Eagle GS-A's and washer fluid from the factory, too! Look what you jerks with your damn good ideas are making me doto my car! LOL

Awesome job! I'm next in line. Will definitely do the glass EURO lights, might go for the true XEON w/ballast setup, too! Best visual mod I've seen to date!!!!!!!!!!



EDIT: Upon Reading Jim's trials and tribulations in his thread...I might reconsider.

Last edited by WHITE88IROC; 05-13-2010 at 06:23 PM. Reason: I read Jim's thread
Old 05-11-2010, 10:13 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

these are the ones im doing, i added LED's on the top to make them turn signal flashers


Old 05-11-2010, 10:28 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

hey im really interested in doin this to my camaro any chance you could pm me a list of whats required to make it happen and possibly some instructions.... two thumbs up looks bad ***
Old 05-14-2010, 04:09 AM
  #187  
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Did you guys know you can buy these BMW E36 "Projector" headlights WITH the HID kit included for only $99.00? You can also get them with Angel Eyes for only $60 more. (That's for the Thin Lines) The thicker Angel Eyes are only $15 more. ($75)

I doubt enough people will see this, so I'll go ahead and start a new thread with all the info.

Anyway, here's a link to the site that has them. http://www.ddmtuning.com
Old 05-14-2010, 12:24 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

That's some awesome pricing, that could get me into this mod sooner!! Now the question is...does that include ALL of the HID stuff or is that just the bulb?? I would need the ballast and anything else, not just the headlamp housing.
Old 05-14-2010, 01:46 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

wow thats awesome. Guess ill look into getting some very soon.
Mos68x. It says the kit comes with bulbs ballast and lifetime warranty.
Old 05-14-2010, 02:38 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Hmm, this is a hard mod to feel good about. It looks great! but the cutting of the radiator support? That kinda sucks.

The other thing though, is that those 4 different headlights are kind of a nice little distinguishing feature of our cars.

That said, a thirdgen with halo eyes will turn some heads for sure, so IDK!
Old 05-14-2010, 05:23 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by mos68x
That's some awesome pricing, that could get me into this mod sooner!! Now the question is...does that include ALL of the HID stuff or is that just the bulb?? I would need the ballast and anything else, not just the headlamp housing.
Yes, as "weswisehart" already mentioned, it does include all the HID components you need. You'll have to do a little modifying to the wires in order to make it work with a 3rd gen, but I'm sure if you ask Ramair21 nicely he's probably help you out with that.

Originally Posted by ThePain
Hmm, this is a hard mod to feel good about. It looks great! but the cutting of the radiator support? That kinda sucks.

The other thing though, is that those 4 different headlights are kind of a nice little distinguishing feature of our cars.

That said, a thirdgen with halo eyes will turn some heads for sure, so IDK!
This is actually one of those mods that cater more to the kind of guys (self included) who like their car to look and perform a certain way, even if it means doing a little cutting and splicing.

There's always a certain amount of sacrifice that comes with modifying any car. On one side you have the "Purist" that wouldn't think of doing anything other than basic bolt-on's. (ie. wheels, exhaust, etc..) And, on the other side you have me, someone who would take a factory original 67 RS/SS and cut the hell out of it to make a Pro/Street car. (ie. Tubbed, 12pt roll cage, blown big block etc..) Then, in the middle you have a very wide spectrum where most everybody else lives. I think this is one of those mods that falls more towards my side of that spectrum.

I think the problem for me is, I'm someone who doesn't really see the 3rd Gen as ever being a rare or collectable car, so cutting it up is a real easy thing for me to do. I'm sure a lot of the younger guys here would probably disagree with me, but that's ok. As long as I can modify the radiator support to keep enough structural integrity, then I have no problem doing it. Actually, I don't think it even needs that much cut away if you modify the housing instead. We'll see what happens when I actually get around to doing it.

Last edited by Str8upChevy; 05-14-2010 at 05:27 PM.
Old 05-14-2010, 07:43 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

wow this looks great! i would love to do this but im trying to keep the IROC-Z sleeper looking. but when i come into pocession of an 91/92 z28 in black or purple this will be one of my first projects on it. Great job guys!
Old 05-15-2010, 12:13 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by Str8upChevy
Yes, as "weswisehart" already mentioned, it does include all the HID components you need. You'll have to do a little modifying to the wires in order to make it work with a 3rd gen, but I'm sure if you ask Ramair21 nicely he's probably help you out with that.
Somehow I missed that when I first looked at it, but after he said that I took another look and saw that. I can just about garauntee that's where I'll be getting mine.

Originally Posted by Str8upChevy
is actually one of those mods that cater more to the kind of guys (self included) who like their car to look and perform a certain way, even if it means doing a little cutting and splicing.

There's always a certain amount of sacrifice that comes with modifying any car. On one side you have the "Purist" that wouldn't think of doing anything other than basic bolt-on's. (ie. wheels, exhaust, etc..) And, on the other side you have me, someone who would take a factory original 67 RS/SS and cut the hell out of it to make a Pro/Street car. (ie. Tubbed, 12pt roll cage, blown big block etc..) Then, in the middle you have a very wide spectrum where most everybody else lives. I think this is one of those mods that falls more towards my side of that spectrum.
I lean more towards the end of extreme, but still within reason.

Originally Posted by Str8upChevy
think the problem for me is, I'm someone who doesn't really see the 3rd Gen as ever being a rare or collectable car, so cutting it up is a real easy thing for me to do. I'm sure a lot of the younger guys here would probably disagree with me, but that's ok. As long as I can modify the radiator support to keep enough structural integrity, then I have no problem doing it. Actually, I don't think it even needs that much cut away if you modify the housing instead. We'll see what happens when I actually get around to doing it.
If these cars were to be a rare or valuable car I wouldn't do anything to it, but like you said I'm willing do the work I want to on the 3rds.

As for the cutting on the radiator support, I do not like it so I'll be doing what I can to avoid it as much as possible. Its just a matter of structural integrity during an accident and overall support up there in the front end. I have no problems at all cutting the headlamps panel and for me I'll most likely make my own replacement made of aluminum angle probably.
Old 05-15-2010, 08:04 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Me being as broke as i am from putting my camaro and durango into the shop the same week and then sombody comes up with a mod that is gonna annoy me if i dont do it =/ why oh why... oh well time to go buy more duct tape and zipties =D
Old 06-01-2010, 05:42 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

if u do a search on ebay/google etc you can buy replacement halo's in whatever color u want. red,blue, hell if u really wanted im sure u could get pink.... lol jk
Old 06-01-2010, 07:05 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by camaroz2887
if u do a search on ebay/google etc you can buy replacement halo's in whatever color u want. red,blue, hell if u really wanted im sure u could get pink.... lol jk
yea if you get the really really chip ones the ones i got are true red but the first ones i got where pink lol


Last edited by juanillox8; 06-01-2010 at 07:06 PM. Reason: [IMG]http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/picture.php?albumid=2680&pictureid=14022[/IMG]
Old 06-05-2010, 08:58 PM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

I love the fact that I did this mod, The Option racing set was only 89 bucks and really not hard to install the hardest part was getting up the nuts to make the first cut, I have some painted pics posted search Black Cherry, it'll come up. To those against the mod I understand and respect your decision, but this is my car so to each his own.Name:  100_3379.jpg
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Last edited by regular6d; 06-05-2010 at 09:04 PM. Reason: add pic. ENJOY!!!!
Old 06-06-2010, 08:40 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Car looks great! Check out this vid i was in. This shows off the lights from a direction i never seen before. It looks pretty Awesome! Fast forward to 2:20 into the vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD4RsxEZ6CU
Old 06-06-2010, 11:39 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Is there a write up yet? This is becoming more and more popular, has anyone taken pics with the headlights uninstalled so that the rest of us could get an idea of the cutting and locations? Thanks!

Edit: just scrolled up the pic filled page and saw the post from mathufham.
Old 06-06-2010, 11:58 AM
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion

Originally Posted by Ramair21
Car looks great! Check out this vid i was in. This shows off the lights from a direction i never seen before. It looks pretty Awesome! Fast forward to 2:20 into the vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD4RsxEZ6CU
Car looks SICK!!! and is always so cool to see big Groups of thrird gens like that....is like going back in time.


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