ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

I need a pair of E36 BMW headlights that are already mounted on the OEM brackets. I originally bought the headlights and did the work to make the brackets E-36 ready, but I messed up and as a result the right corner light won't fit snug into the right bracket and is loose. I don't wanna have to do all that work again.

I just put up a thread explaining this on the For Sale/Parts Wanted section, but since I need this ASAP so that I can pass inspection and drive my car, it doesn't look like I'll find what I'm looking for anytime soon. So I might have to just reinstall my OEM headlights. However, since to do the E36 mod I had to clip the electrical wires, I'll need to buy 2 OEM headlight adapters/harnesses. Anybody know where I can get them? Thanks

xx-Marshall-xx

iTrader: (15)

well dang...its not an easy operation? i actually want to do this mod to my car...but idk im not a car fanatic ...well i love em, but i dont get into them in depth and stuff... i wish i did but ANYWAYS! i want those E-36 lights they deff look nice on the maxima, and on top of that there HID halos
this isnt my thread but anyone have indtructions? i saw them on here before i deff forgot where i found it sorry

disgruntled

iTrader: (7)

can't you just solder the original wires back on? or did you cut them so close to the connectors that you can't anymore? In that case, bust out your multimeter, and find out which is ground, which is the higher wattage wire, and which is the lower one, then you can just solder them straight into the headlight for the time being until you can fix your problem.

tripleGmax

iTrader: (8)

ah geez.

ok test fit the corner light connected to teh bracket without the headlight in there. if you can line it up alright them great. put the headlight in. might have to take out the grille to do this but it will work. they are easy to bend (well the way i cut them) so line them up without the headlight in.

as far as putting the stock headlight back in the adaptor is easily found at walmart/autozone/anywhere

good luck sir

ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

k sounds good, I'm gonna try that. in case the brackets are messed up (I think they are) where can I buy new OEM headlight brackets (just the brackets without the actual lights)?

Tarzan

Solder and cars just do not go well together, not in cold climate anyway.

wolfpack_5150

iTrader: (3)

care to enlighten me/us why solder doesnt work well?

disgruntled

iTrader: (7)

I think he is referring to the contraction/expansion of things when there are sudden climate changes (freezing weather, then got hot within minutes (engine bay)), thus causing the solder joints to weaken and eventually break off. It is not unfounded (ahem, our oh so reliable clock and digi gauge cluster), but when you solder two pieces of wires together, I think there is a minimal chance of that happening, plus the fact that you can actually heat the wires up much hotter, thus making a proper soldered joint, unlike the cold joint done through speedy & cheap manufacturing process that are prone to failure.

ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

i'm gonna buy E36 headlights again. Anybody know if the TYC E36 Euro headlights or the E36 rally style (black housing) headlights could be modded to fit my 3rd gen? Cause I'd rather not get the regular E36s again; they're kinda plain compared to the other two.

tripleGmax

iTrader: (8)

you could probably mod any e-36 headlights and get them to fit. if i could do it again, id get projectors....mmmm projectors.

ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

yeah but do you know for sure if the rally style projectors will fit?

tripleGmax

iTrader: (8)

post a picture for me

ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-98...ayphotohosting

ColombianMax

iTrader: (7)

mmm projectors...mmmm 79 bucks...

tripleGmax

iTrader: (8)

first, they will never sit flush. second they will be a biitch to clean. dont go with those, youll save yourself about 300 headaches. get projectors that have a glass housing. they will look better. brad92se and dmad and realgoon9 all have them

ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

Ok, but will the projectors pass inspection? That's the only thing that would stop me from getting them.

Wiking

From Hella -pages; Projector-type system:
In this system, the reflector has no regulating geometry, but is a free-form system (FF®) which collects the light generated by the light source near a first focal plane. The light is then projected into a second focal plane in which a shield is located. The contour of the shield is then mapped to the road by a lens.

read hella .pdf:
http://www.hella.com/produktion/Hell...e_GB_TT_18.pdf

BMW replacements:

ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

would the euro E36 projector lights pass state inspection? I'm in VA.

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

that will depend on the inspector, and how you vote in the next election

ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

so would you say it's more likely that my car will pass inspection if I buy the regular US E36 vs. the Euro projectors?

Wiking

This issue is taxmans issue. Each lamp lens has to have a sign telling that lots license money from lens producer has passed to gvmt coffers. Different gvmts have different requirements, thus labels differ. Good way to ensure income. Bűreucrazies are at their best following up these nuances, dont expect to bypass them. Maybe using 36U$ as a pass, u will pass...?

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

the USDM E36 are at least aimed correctly for US roads

ElVito1981

iTrader: (4)

yeah, then just to be safe, i better get the US ones, even though I think the Euro lights are way cooler. Thanks guys