BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
#151
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
#153
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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
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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
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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.
#156
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
#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
Joey J
#161
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
I'll either commit to this or resell the lights shortly. I just need a little more time to decide.
#162
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
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.
I'll either commit to this or resell the lights shortly. I just need a little more time to decide.
J/K give it a shot. It looks soooo good.
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
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.
I'll either commit to this or resell the lights shortly. I just need a little more time to decide.
Your car looks very original and well done.
#164
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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
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/auto...tallation.html
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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.
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.
#167
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
wow!! That looks good! great job bro!
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
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.
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
I thought you said that you didn't have projectors or at least non-HID? If you do, where did you mount the ballasts?
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
it's only inner bracing.
#180
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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
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/1656909524.html
#181
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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!
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.
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.
Last edited by regular6d; 04-03-2010 at 04:56 PM. Reason: add pictures
#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!
need more pics!
regular6d post up the painted pics!
#184
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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.
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
#185
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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
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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 ***
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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
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
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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.
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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.
Mos68x. It says the kit comes with bulbs ballast and lifetime warranty.
#190
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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!
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!
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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!
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!
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.
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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!
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
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.
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.
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.
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.
#194
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Car: 86 z28
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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
#195
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Car: 1987 IROC Z
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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
#196
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Re: BMW E36 Headlight Conversion
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]
#197
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Car: 84 Z28, 05 Mazda 6
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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.
Last edited by regular6d; 06-05-2010 at 09:04 PM. Reason: add pic. ENJOY!!!!
#198
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Car: Camaro RS/SS
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Axle/Gears: 4th Gen Rear 3:42
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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD4RsxEZ6CU
#199
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.
Edit: just scrolled up the pic filled page and saw the post from mathufham.
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Car: 91 RS/ QX56/Altima 3.5 SE
Engine: 305
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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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD4RsxEZ6CU