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      05-11-2009, 10:44 PM   #1
1013mm
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2009 135i  [8.26]
DIY: Cheap Amber Delete

So when the 3 series came out in 06 everyone was wondering how to get rid of the ambers just like how the 1 series owners are now. I was checking old threads on E90post and got this idea...

It's basically a vinyl wrap and you might be wondering "why can't I just go buy those amber gone vinyls?" well, to be honest I looked and didn't like how the it was so overpriced and had round edges. So I took it upon myself (not a very good DIYer) to "correct" my ugly ambers.... Keep in mind I SUCK AT DIYs and I was able to make this happen it wasn't hard at all.

What you'll need:
  • silver cf vinyl (or any vinyl, just liked the contrast better on my car)
  • scissor
  • tape
  • some ort of trasparent paper
  • water and microfiber towel
  • credit card or some sort of non-scratching flattening tool
  • pen
  1. Find some vinyl, its cheap, I just chanced upon some left over vinyl from my uncle cf wrapping his M6
  2. Use some transparent paper and trace the outline of the amber, here you can be creative and make the ends sharper and not round or do whatever with it.

  3. Cut out the traced amber, and layer on top of the vinyl sheet
  4. Now tape them together and cut out the vinyl
  5. Flip over the cutout and cut the other side(if you dont flip it you'll get duplicates of the same side)
  6. Grab a water spray and clean the headlights
  7. Leave the headlight wet with water (this will make it easier to adjust the vinyl in case you've misplaced it)
  8. Remember to adjust it correctly
  9. After application flatten the bubbles out with a credit card you never use

  10. And finally BAM! You're done! Be creative with this!!!



Hope this helps, and this can be a really really good alternative to those like me, who are waiting until there is a "real delete" in the future. Props to the early 3 series owners for "inspiring" me to do this.

Feel free to ask m any question about this simple DIY.
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Last edited by 1013mm; 05-11-2009 at 11:35 PM..
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      05-11-2009, 11:05 PM   #2
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nice DIY! but you might wan't to blur out your credit card info...
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      05-11-2009, 11:05 PM   #3
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I now know your credit card number. Just pointing it out to you, so blur it or something.

Anyways, it looks good, I might look into it since it isn't expensive and it is quite easy to do.

EDIT: BSM pointed out right before I did. Darn.
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      05-11-2009, 11:12 PM   #4
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Epic Fail;
1. the silver cf looks cheap/tacky
2. you posted a picture of your cc on the internet.
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      05-11-2009, 11:21 PM   #5
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thanks for the new wheels and time share!
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      05-11-2009, 11:22 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM 135i View Post
nice DIY! but you might wan't to blur out your credit card info...
Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomiK View Post
I now know your credit card number. Just pointing it out to you, so blur it or something.

Anyways, it looks good, I might look into it since it isn't expensive and it is quite easy to do.

EDIT: BSM pointed out right before I did. Darn.
Thanks guys it was expired anyways, but i blurred it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by twenzel View Post
Epic Fail;
1. the silver cf looks like cheap/tacky
2. you posted a picture of your cc on the internet.
Thanks.
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      05-12-2009, 12:16 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twenzel View Post
Epic Fail;
1. the silver cf looks cheap/tacky
2. you posted a picture of your cc on the internet.
Sorry to say but

+1

Someone just took a 45k car and butchered it!

Nice one!
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      05-12-2009, 12:25 AM   #8
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I hate the ambers too but common. They are not so hideous that you need to reduce yourself to this. Take those things off.
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      05-12-2009, 04:32 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BrokenVert View Post
I hate the ambers too but common. They are not so hideous that you need to reduce yourself to this. Take those things off.
Have to agree ... he did say Cheap Amber Delete, though (oh snap )
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      05-12-2009, 08:00 AM   #10
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Not for me, but I appreciate the effort and sharing the DIY!
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      05-12-2009, 10:11 AM   #11
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This is the cheapest/most practical way imho for now. great thing is that its temporary and will be a great substitute until something good is available.
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      05-12-2009, 11:15 AM   #12
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settle down people lol , he did put the disclaimer of "cheap" in his post. For a "cheap" mod, it's ok. I wouldn't do it to mine, but .............
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      05-14-2009, 12:52 PM   #13
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for cheap its good. ignore the hate those that hate can umm... just purchase some euro headlight assemblies if they dont want to go the "cheap" route.


have you thought about replacing the bulb?
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      05-14-2009, 01:20 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DTR View Post
for cheap its good. ignore the hate those that hate can umm... just purchase some euro headlight assemblies if they dont want to go the "cheap" route.


have you thought about replacing the bulb?
replacing the bulb won't do much for the visuals, the orange will still be there.. as for people who don't agree with this amber delete, they are very much entitled to their opinion as I am mine and I'm not going to try to sway them.
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      05-20-2009, 05:26 PM   #15
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when I owned rsx, I put my headlight in the oven, and took them apart....
and painted black making it look JDM style....

I been thinking doing that same and take the amber reflector out....
but again..... i am scared if I screw it up.... the headlight cost an arm and leg!!!!!

I agree w/ you this is *cheap mod for people who can't stand out the amber including me great Job on the DIY
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      05-26-2009, 05:41 PM   #16
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Does this impair the lighting at all, I mean it is now an amber turn signal going through an opaque, semi-transparent film.

Understandably, this isn't everyone's cup of tea modification, but I'm sure someone on this forum will find this useful. As for the write-up itself, it was thorough, detailed, and included pictures. A good DIY Write-Up if this is what you want to do.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jzhang View Post
And finally BAM! You're done! Be creative with this!!!
I don't think I'm very creative...I don't know how I could get creative with this. I guess I could stencil out a tribal design.I'm not sure what you mean by get creative with it. LoL!
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      05-26-2009, 09:15 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan View Post
Not for me, but I appreciate the effort and sharing the DIY!
An adult response! Thank you!
Seriously though, all you other people that piped up with your cock faced comments, the guy put effort in and he likes it and thats all that matters, no one asked for your opinions, if they aren't positive then don't give them.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jzhang View Post
replacing the bulb won't do much for the visuals, the orange will still be there.. as for people who don't agree with this amber delete, they are very much entitled to their opinion as I am mine and I'm not going to try to sway them.
Wow you are much more chill about it than I am. Thank you for the DIY
Quote:
Originally Posted by e82vette View Post
when I owned rsx, I put my headlight in the oven, and took them apart....
and painted black making it look JDM style....

I been thinking doing that same and take the amber reflector out....
but again..... i am scared if I screw it up.... the headlight cost an arm and leg!!!!!

I agree w/ you this is *cheap mod for people who can't stand out the amber including me great Job on the DIY
Well said. The 1er headlights have a silicone goo holding them together and from what I understand you can't simply bake them (someone please correct me if I'm wrong)
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      05-26-2009, 09:25 PM   #18
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But, you just HAD to use those kiddy scissors lol.

Damn, I remember using those scissors in 3rd grade to cut out my pilgrim ships before thanksgiving.
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      05-26-2009, 09:31 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by McReary View Post
But, you just HAD to use those kiddy scissors lol.

Damn, I remember using those scissors in 3rd grade to cut out my pilgrim ships before thanksgiving.
yea it was on purpose
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      05-30-2009, 01:56 PM   #20
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Great DIY! There was another thread w/ pictures in which someone utilized a smoked-colored vinyl. I'm going to pick up some of that and do this mod. Thanks again.

And for all of you complaining about it looking cheap, he said he wanted a contrast and he already had some of that vinyl sitting around. My gunsmoked version of this (hopefully)won't get flamed.
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      05-30-2009, 02:15 PM   #21
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Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.

haha.
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      05-31-2009, 11:41 PM   #22
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I think the silver is what's making it look "tacky" and inspiring comments saying you butchered your car etc. But think about it.. what are amber-gones? Little pieces of vinyl in tasteful colors that are just pre-cut for you to stick on. Make this with "gunsmoke" vinyl or whatever else amber-gone colors are selling and it's just paying a lot less with only minimal extra work.

Thanks for this, I think it's pretty intuitive, but most people who buy amber-gones probably don't think to do this themselves (including me, I was thinking of them and just didn't realize it would be easier to just plain do it myself in whatever size I want) in a tasteful color that I like even if other people would think it's "tacky"..

BTW, i believe you can't bake the 1ser headlights to open them up and modify them, this was discussed in some other thread which I don't remember right now. Something about the sealant used..
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