US-bound 135i Coupe Corner Reflectors

///MG · 11-04-2007, 11:22 PM

Re-phrased thread so as not to be moved.

The most up to date US brochure shows a number of photos of the headlamps with amber corner reflectors, or perhaps simply the bulb... but I'm near certain it's actually the headlight housing.

I recently came across this photo of a 135i headlamp and it's completely clear. I know the brochure does not reflect precisely what will be the official US-bound version, however...

Which do you think we'll get Spring of 2008??

imported_MPower · 11-04-2007, 11:25 PM

We will be getting the amber corners, unfortunately. It is a US regulation (hence, unique to the US market).

///MG · 11-04-2007, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPower

We will be getting the amber corners, unfortunately. It is a US regulation (hence, unique to the US market).

I was convinced that US bound 328i/335i coupes do not have these reflectors, but instead very different strips of amber reflectors mounted to the front bumper. Go figure.

imported_MPower · 11-04-2007, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grg

I was convinced that US bound 328i/335i coupes do not have these reflectors, but instead very different strips of amber reflectors mounted to the front bumper. Go figure.

They do and I really do not understand why BMW did not do the same for the E82.

Big Windy · 11-05-2007, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPower

They do and I really do not understand why BMW did not do the same for the E82.

probably because everybody bitched about those too. bmw can't win! but i'm still with you...it is cheaper to get a color matched part to replace the fender reflector than it will be to replace the headlight housing.

JO3 · 11-05-2007, 02:16 AM

The US models will get amber reflectors. It's a requirement in the DOT codes. I wish it was a separate piece in the bumper or along the fender line like the 335, but it looks like it is going to be integrated in the headlight.

Oregon · 11-05-2007, 06:27 AM

Would much rather have reflectors in the headlight bucket than those hideous and ridiculous afterthought-lookin' fender reflectors. Geez, what rocket scientist thought THAT was a good idea?

inTgr8r · 11-05-2007, 07:01 AM

Same regs in Canada.
Here's one of the ones running around Toronto.

Legion5 · 11-05-2007, 01:06 PM

The 335i's reflectors look amazing, they are in the perfect position, very unique and nice setup.

AMB · 11-05-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surname

Would much rather have reflectors in the headlight bucket than those hideous and ridiculous afterthought-lookin' fender reflectors. Geez, what rocket scientist thought THAT was a good idea?

The same rocket scientist that knew it'd be a HELL of a lot easier to mod then replacing the entire headlight. I don't understand BMW's inconsistency on this matter? The M3 and 3 Coupe get reflectors, the Sedan and now 1 coupe get corners. Make up your mind BMW! ...and save yourself and us some money, make them easy to replace reflectors.

just shave 'em and paint 'em. [see sig]

bradford · 11-05-2007, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surname

Would much rather have reflectors in the headlight bucket than those hideous and ridiculous afterthought-lookin' fender reflectors. Geez, what rocket scientist thought THAT was a good idea?

HUGE 2nd! Those fender reflectors look RIDICULOUS. I had them on my Mini and purchased the Euro fenders and had them shipped over to clean up the look.

You can see the reflector here:

...and then removed here:

Oh and it cost a whopping $100 to do this to all four corners in the Mini because the parts were about $25 a piece, shipped, and they didn't need paint. I'd love to see what the bill is for two new 335i metal fenders and paint. :-|

mikey · 11-05-2007, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

I'd love to see what the bill is for two new 335i metal fenders and paint. :-|

I believe they're plastic. Still expensive, but much less money than having to purchase entirely new headlight housings (particularly xenon lights).

bradford · 11-05-2007, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey

I believe they're plastic. Still expensive, but much less money than having to purchase entirely new headlight housings (particularly xenon lights).

I'm not offended by the amber reflectors in the headlight housing at all. The same cannot be said for the tacked-on look of the fender reflectors, IMHO.

darknightohio · 11-05-2007, 08:53 PM

If you really can't stand the amber then just pull the headlights bake them and pull the amber out...

I did this on my WRX, but I will probably just leave it alone on the 1er...

inTgr8r · 11-05-2007, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darknightohio

If you really can't stand the amber then just pull the headlights bake them and pull the amber out...

I did this on my WRX, but I will probably just leave it alone on the 1er...

IIRC, not possible on the new housings.

Brandon26pdx · 11-05-2007, 09:29 PM

Sweating the small stuff, but you can pay up for the Euro light assemblies if you "have to hav'em"

Alot of the TSX guys swapped the JDM/EDM light assemblies in to get rid of the orange. Sounds like a waste of 600-700 dollars to me but whatever.

Devon K · 11-05-2007, 09:47 PM

This kind of mod is also likely to be illegal...if anyone cares...

///MG · 11-05-2007, 10:11 PM

Did a great deal of searching at e90post for the change. I came aross just a few DIY's that involve opening the headlight housing to remove/replace the amber reflector.

Baking is not as effective for whatever reason, and a heat gun i sused with a flat head scewdriver.

I gotta say, I hadd the amber reflectors on my M3, and quickly changed them out for body colored ones. They're plastic and look incredible. I'll post pics the next time out with my car and a camera.

I cannot make sense of the inconsistency BMW has between this issue on their cars.

///MG · 11-05-2007, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devon K

This kind of mod is also likely to be illegal...if anyone cares...

If it takes a 3 inch amber reflector on a car travelling at highway speeds (or local roads) for you to ensure you wont cause a wreck with that car... then maybe you shouldn't be driving :iono: or at least get a stronger prescription contacts?

A similar argument applies to the front plate. I live in NY, and went to college in PA. One state requires front plates and actively tickets if you dont have em, the other does not require at all. ??????

bradford · 11-05-2007, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grg

If it takes a 3 inch amber reflector on a car travelling at highway speeds (or local roads) for you to ensure you wont cause a wreck with that car... then maybe you shouldn't be driving :iono: or at least get a stronger prescription contacts?

Let's not break out the Jump to Conclusions Mat just yet

All he said is that it would be illegal, not that he thinks the law makes sense. :iono:

C4talyst · 11-14-2007, 10:29 PM

I think it's laughable that this bothers so many people. Performance over bling in my book...

mateo · 11-15-2007, 12:26 AM

I will yank mine, bake them in the oven...remove said reflector, and install whatever yellow-orange bulbs I find that look the best.

I like the clean clear look w/orange bulbs over the orange reflector look. Also it's still legal.

11-04-2007, 11:22 PM	#1
///MG Private First Class 23 Rep 190 Posts Drives: '05 M3 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	US-bound 135i Coupe Corner Reflectors Re-phrased thread so as not to be moved. The most up to date US brochure shows a number of photos of the headlamps with amber corner reflectors, or perhaps simply the bulb... but I'm near certain it's actually the headlight housing. I recently came across this photo of a 135i headlamp and it's completely clear. I know the brochure does not reflect precisely what will be the official US-bound version, however... Which do you think we'll get Spring of 2008?? Attached Images
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11-04-2007, 11:25 PM	#2
imported_MPower Zoom Zoom 38 Rep 1,069 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	We will be getting the amber corners, unfortunately. It is a US regulation (hence, unique to the US market). __________________ In the garage: 2022 G80 M3 Manual - Portimao Blue
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11-05-2007, 02:16 AM	#6
JO3 Lieutenant 12 Rep 566 Posts Drives: a lot Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CA iTrader: (8)	The US models will get amber reflectors. It's a requirement in the DOT codes. I wish it was a separate piece in the bumper or along the fender line like the 335, but it looks like it is going to be integrated in the headlight. Attached Images
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11-05-2007, 06:27 AM	#7
Oregon NRA Life Member, BMW CCA 30 year member 179 Rep 2,614 Posts Drives: 04' M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon iTrader: (1) Garage List 1971 2002 [0.00] 2004 M3 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	Would much rather have reflectors in the headlight bucket than those hideous and ridiculous afterthought-lookin' fender reflectors. Geez, what rocket scientist thought THAT was a good idea? __________________ Resigned 1ADDICTS Moderator “To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them.” – George Mason
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11-05-2007, 07:01 AM	#8
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	Same regs in Canada. Here's one of the ones running around Toronto. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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11-05-2007, 01:06 PM	#9
Legion5 Major 175 Rep 1,379 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (12)	The 335i's reflectors look amazing, they are in the perfect position, very unique and nice setup.
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11-05-2007, 08:53 PM	#14
darknightohio Second Lieutenant 45 Rep 281 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	If you really can't stand the amber then just pull the headlights bake them and pull the amber out... I did this on my WRX, but I will probably just leave it alone on the 1er...
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11-05-2007, 09:29 PM	#16
Brandon26pdx Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,938 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	Sweating the small stuff, but you can pay up for the Euro light assemblies if you "have to hav'em" Alot of the TSX guys swapped the JDM/EDM light assemblies in to get rid of the orange. Sounds like a waste of 600-700 dollars to me but whatever.
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11-05-2007, 09:47 PM	#17
Devon K Lieutenant 38 Rep 570 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	This kind of mod is also likely to be illegal...if anyone cares...
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11-05-2007, 10:11 PM	#18
///MG Private First Class 23 Rep 190 Posts Drives: '05 M3 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Did a great deal of searching at e90post for the change. I came aross just a few DIY's that involve opening the headlight housing to remove/replace the amber reflector. Baking is not as effective for whatever reason, and a heat gun i sused with a flat head scewdriver. I gotta say, I hadd the amber reflectors on my M3, and quickly changed them out for body colored ones. They're plastic and look incredible. I'll post pics the next time out with my car and a camera. I cannot make sense of the inconsistency BMW has between this issue on their cars.
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11-14-2007, 10:29 PM	#21
C4talyst Private First Class 14 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2000 VW Jetta Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Washington D.C. iTrader: (0)	I think it's laughable that this bothers so many people. Performance over bling in my book...
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11-15-2007, 12:26 AM	#22
mateo Addicted Member 15 Rep 603 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	I will yank mine, bake them in the oven...remove said reflector, and install whatever yellow-orange bulbs I find that look the best. I like the clean clear look w/orange bulbs over the orange reflector look. Also it's still legal.
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