BMW E36 headlights

I saw the BMW lights on a RMW before and thought they looked good from 15-20 feet away, but any closer and you see that they don't fit all that well on the bottom edge of the lens.... It sticks out an inch or so. So I saw some BMW E36 light on CL this summer, and thought I'd give it a try. So after looking and comparing them to stockers for a while, I thought they could work with a little messin' with.

Stock BMW-

From the side-


Clearenced B body headlight bracket w/side marker-


BMW lights with the mounting bracket and lens removed-


BMW light set into B body head light mount-




Stock RMW lens fitted to the BMW lights.... Close fit, and as you can see the top is off by about 3/8", plans are for an amber led strip mounted to a strip of sheet metal, and seal it all up. There is also a 1/4" gap at the top of the outer edge that will require a bit of work, but I think it can all be done.





Stock RMW lens taped to the BMW lights, and set into place in the RMW headlight bracket.... Very close.-




That's all I've got so far, but it has taken quite a bit of time to trim all the assorted parts so as not to take too much off.
I'll post updates as I get stuff done.

Any one have some clear euro lenses, and or whole lights they want to sell/trade?

Mike

Ok, now THAT is the way to do that swap! Spend some time and clear your lenses and it'll be pissah!

Nice work!

Very nice Mike, but don't forget to check the vacuum lines!!

Wow, nice fit! I look forward to pics as you move along on it.

Wicked pissah. I diggit!

While I am clueless to the current slang,I will say awesome idea and your concept so far seems
feasible.On a different note,how do you like the 20V DeWalt Max?I have the 12V and it is awesome
with a 3/8s socket drive on the small stuff!That clear lense idea is great and what would you
have to trade for a new set in the box?
Jim

Jim,

The new 20v DeWalt stuff is pretty good so far, lots of power, and pretty compact. I've had it for about 2 months now, but I haven't used it a whole lot.

As far as trading.... I don't know, I've got a bunch of stuff, really nice set of RMW tail lights, New in box Moog Caprice center link, vista shades, rear grab handles w/lenses, a 10,000 mile opti w/Mitsubishi optic sensor, new in box AC F-body MAF sensor, rear wagon hatch glass, a few tools, a few 1/18 scale cars.... What are you looking for. 20v DeWalt stuff is not available.... Yet, they are on loan from a vendor.

Mike

Maybe you could contact the didtributor and see if replacement lenses are available although I
doubt it.Wouldnt hurt to try it and I was just teasing about the headlights as I am putting them
in my OCC someday.Yea I know TBI wagons dont need improved headlights since they cant go
fast enough to outdrive them.
Jim

impressive.
if you can find a proper clear lens, there's a ton of 'projector' options for E36s.

DEPO sells E36 projectors for dirt cheap too
http://www.depo.com.tw/
this is where most BMW guys get their lights

That's really a cool mod! Keep the pics coming. Looking forward to seeing how this comes out. Nice work!

If you need any additional assistance with BMW stuff, let me know. I used to be deep into BMWs for some time and I worked for BMW for 4 years.

Nice work Mike, that's the way to do it.

If i had time, I'd go on ebay and buy headlights from almost any newer vehicle, just sink their buckets into a custom surround, then seal it up behind clear B-body lenses.

Nice work with the BMW lights, are you also switching the corners to a 1157 socket to have parking lights and turns.

nhgonzo wrote:

Nice work with the BMW lights, are you also switching the corners to a 1157 socket to have parking lights and turns.

Yeah, I'll be using the cornering lights for park/turn lights. I'm trying to find some good amber led strips to run inside the head light, just above the BMW lenses, any ideas?

Mike

200OZ wrote:

nhgonzo wrote:

Nice work with the BMW lights, are you also switching the corners to a 1157 socket to have parking lights and turns.

Yeah, I'll be using the cornering lights for park/turn lights. I'm trying to find some good amber led strips to run inside the head light, just above the BMW lenses, any ideas?

Mike

You just had to ask me.

The strip that you want to put above the BMW light are they just going to be parking lights only or turn,
send me a sketch on paper of what your looking to do and ill try to mock something up, all I have are red LEDs strips but you'll get the idea.
I did these a while back just playing around

nhgonzo wrote:

You just had to ask me.

I figured you are the guy to ask.

What I have in mind is really close to the above pic. No halos, just an amber led strip across the top to be used as turn signals.

Mike

Pretty impressive designs.How much heat is required to make the tubing bend and make it stay
that way?
Jim

That looks great! But you really need to put clear B-body lenses on the front. There is already a fresnel lens on the BMW lights, and the fresnel on the B-body lenses will screw up the light pattern that BMW engineered.

200OZ wrote:

nhgonzo wrote:

You just had to ask me.

I figured you are the guy to ask.

What I have in mind is really close to the above pic. No halos, just an amber led strip across the top to be used as turn signals.

Mike

OK, I figured thats the one you would like.

Flasheroo wrote:

Pretty impressive designs.How much heat is required to make the tubing bend and make it stay
that way?
Jim

No heat required, I am not using clear acrylic rod (which will help me in future design)

Nick Danger wrote:

That looks great!  But you really need to put clear B-body lenses on the front.  There is already a fresnel lens on the BMW lights, and the fresnel on the B-body lenses will screw up the light pattern that BMW engineered.  

Agreed, I'm just using the stock lenses for mock up.... I'm looking for clear lenses that someone wants to sell or trade. I've still got to call the manufactures about buying just lenses. We'll see hoe that goes.

Well that didn't go so good.... Lenses are not for sale separately from street trends.

Mike

200OZ wrote:

Nick Danger wrote:

That looks great! But you really need to put clear B-body lenses on the front. There is already a fresnel lens on the BMW lights, and the fresnel on the B-body lenses will screw up the light pattern that BMW engineered.

Agreed, I'm just using the stock lenses for muck up.... I'm looking for clear lenses that someone wants to sell or trade. I've still got to call the manufactures about buying just lenses. We'll see hoe that goes.

Mike

The only way that I know where and how to get the clear lens is to get the euro headlights from ebay and remove the lens.




Here is a quick mock up of the leds without halos,like I said before all I have are red LEDs imagine it with yellow but I think you'll like.
I used duct tape to hold it in place, I ran out of 3M double sided tape is what I would use for the finish product or even clear silicone.






This one is with a clear lens that goes over the stock bucket ,I got from focus tech when they were in business(not 4$).

Those are good looking leads gonzo, where did you get those from?

Mike

200OZ wrote:

Those are good looking leads gonzo, where did you get those from?

Mike

The LEDs are from E-BAY
48cm Yellow LED Flexible

You will need to get the 48cm ones,you can cut them every three LEDs to fit your needs be sure to silicone the ends to reseal.
I will also recommend getting more than what you need for trial and error.
I use these in place of all of my tail lights,parking,license plate,reverse and side view mirror turn signals.

Would the authorities have something to say about that lighting.Some of the cops around here
would go nuts when they saw that around here.
Jim

Thanks gonzo.

Mike

Flasheroo wrote:

Would the authorities have something to say about that lighting.Some of the cops around here
would go nuts when they saw that around here.
Jim

Well, I was in Cape Charles VA. back in October, went to VA.beach 17th street and to Front Royal too Wagon Fest (great time) and went to Mary Land white marsh area and all was good.There was a rent a cop that followed me when I went fishing in the Bay he loved the wagon and the lights ,a former wagon racer.

200OZ wrote:

Thanks gonzo.

Mike

Your Welcome.anytime

Gonzo I was talking about some of the good ol boys around here.Damn I like what you are doing with these lights.I just bought 4 of the LED tailights but have yet to install them.
Jim

Flasheroo wrote:

Gonzo I was talking about some of the good ol boys around here.Damn I like what you are doing with these lights.I just bought 4 of the LED tailights but have yet to install them.
Jim

Thankz

What type of LEDs did you get for the wagon.

Post it here

https://gmlongroof.4umer.com/t4414-led-brake-light-under-tail-gate

I got my new clear euro lights in the mail for the conversion....



I can't do it, I can't cut these up. I'm putting this on the back burner for now. I'm going to get brighter bulbs and run the eBay clear lights.



Sorry guys'
Mike

Maybe things have gotten better in the several years that I gave up on the 80/100 watt 9004 bulbs. They put out good light, but they drove me nuts burning out every few weeks. I think the last straw was when I was going to work (midnight shift) and BOTH of the SOB's burned out before I got to work!

Here is something I have heard good things about getting increased light output using standard bulbs.

oh,. the kahtzo lights eh?

Interesting. Everything I have ever read about halogen lights stated that they are extremely voltage-sensitive, in that their life span takes a BIG dive at a small over-voltage. Now, that link that ancient provided states that they can take 15.4 volts with no problem? I hope that's true, but I'm skeptical.
I wish Focuztech was still in business; I have been running his light assemblies for years now. They put out good light on low beam and excellent light on high beam, and I have YET to burn out a bulb! Eventually though, I'll crack a lens, and they are no longer available.

Smart move, Mike.

With cheap HID's, those are the most cost effective lighting soloution for our cars.

200OZ wrote:

............I can't do it, I can't cut these up. I'm putting this on the back burner for now. I'm going to get brighter bulbs and run the eBay clear lights.

Sorry guys'
Mike

I think that to be a smart move. Be sure to upgrade your harness before you run the 80/100w bulbs. BTW they only last a few weeks so buy they by the case!!!

The 80/100's are a waste of time. Go HID's!!!!!! You will get a TON more light for far less money...

jimbeau wrote:

Maybe things have gotten better in the several years that I gave up on the 80/100 watt 9004 bulbs. They put out good light, but they drove me nuts burning out every few weeks. I think the last straw was when I was going to work (midnight shift) and BOTH of the SOB's burned out before I got to work!

Were you running larger gauge wiring and relays for your head lights with the 80/100 watt bulbs?

Mike

toomanytoyz wrote:

The 80/100's are a waste of time. Go HID's!!!!!! You will get a TON more light for far less money...

and I can't BELIEVE that you don't get ticketed or chased down by angry motorists every day! Those things are blinding.

jimbeau wrote:

^^^and I can't BELIEVE that don't get ticketed or chased down by angry motorists every day! Those things are blinding.

Not if you AIM them!

200OZ wrote:

jimbeau wrote:

Maybe things have gotten better in the several years that I gave up on the 80/100 watt 9004 bulbs. They put out good light, but they drove me nuts burning out every few weeks. I think the last straw was when I was going to work (midnight shift) and BOTH of the SOB's burned out before I got to work!

Were you running larger gauge wiring and relays for your head lights with the 80/100 watt bulbs?

Mike

Yeah, I'd put a harness in earlier, when I was still using stock bulbs or silverstars. When I started burning out the 80/100 bulbs regularly, I installed stud diodes in series with the ground wires to drop the voltage a half volt to see if it would help. Even with less than 13 volts on those infernal things (and turning them on while cranking the engine to 'ease' them on) they were still burning out. What a hassle.

toomanytoyz wrote:

jimbeau wrote:

^^^and I can't BELIEVE that don't get ticketed or chased down by angry motorists every day! Those things are blinding.

Not if you AIM them!

Wait a minute. Are we talking about the same type setup you were running when we were caravaning to St Loo? There was NO aiming those things.

toomanytoyz wrote:

The 80/100's are a waste of time. Go HID's!!!!!! You will get a TON more light for far less money...

I respectfully disagree. My HID's were cheapies, but the capsules did not handle the light well and blinded everyone coming my way and did not do a great job for the driver either. My 80/100 lights do just about as much without blinding oncoming traffic. I also had all kinds of issues with the lights working when THEY wanted to.

Pardon my stupidity..... What are E36 lights?
Are they a special bulb? Do they use the superior "H" series of
halogen bulbs?
What is there light output?
I like the idea of a separate bulb for the low & high beams---
combos like we have as the standard light compromise beam placement too much!
Please post some more tech info and show us a road shot w2ith these lights on, if you can.

E36 is a model designation BMW used for one of it's platforms. Just like GM uses letters for it's designations.... "B" body, "F" body etc... The lights talked about on this thread came from a BMW 3 series.

Mike

200OZ wrote:

E36 is a model designation BMW used for one of it's platforms. Just like GM uses letters for it's designations.... "B" body, "F" body etc... The lights talked about on this thread came from a BMW 3 series.

Mike

Any particular year? What would you ask for at the parts counter?

rkmdogs wrote:

200OZ wrote:

E36 is a model designation BMW used for one of it's platforms. Just like GM uses letters for it's designations.... "B" body, "F" body etc... The lights talked about on this thread came from a BMW 3 series.

Mike

Any particular year? What would you ask for at the parts counter?

These are a headlight bucket, so you probably won't be able to pick them up from a parts store. Junkyard, yes. Look for 92-99 BMW E36's. Notice how the general shape of the headlight is very similar to that of the caprice headlights.

I really like that LED tail light conversion - will have to look into that.

Do these plug right in or do you need to add resistors?

It's been a while, but I've made some progress.... Mocked up on the winter beater.