BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-09-2011, 03:38 PM   #1
xDrive35i
Lieutenant Colonel
xDrive35i's Avatar
United_States
122
Rep
1,781
Posts

Drives: Porsche Macan S
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Euro-spec silver turn indicator reflectors

I'm in the US, and I'm bothered at the yellow reflectors and bulbs at the outer edges of the headlamps where the turn signals are. I'm interested in replacing the reflector plastics to the clear/white/silver indicator reflectors you guys have over there in Europe. Where might I find this part/how much would it cost to purchase/have replaced? Is there a part number? Is it even legal here in the US?
Appreciate 0
      05-09-2011, 04:04 PM   #2
sfax
Brigadier General
sfax's Avatar
United Kingdom
91
Rep
3,855
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Berkshire, UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by juddholland View Post
I'm in the US, and I'm bothered at the yellow reflectors and bulbs at the outer edges of the headlamps where the turn signals are. I'm interested in replacing the reflector plastics to the clear/white/silver indicator reflectors you guys have over there in Europe. Where might I find this part/how much would it cost to purchase/have replaced? Is there a part number? Is it even legal here in the US?
I agree that they suck (they look like a 90s throwback) but I read a post on here saying that they are a legal requirement in the U.S. Someone also said you can take the risk and do it anyway and then take the hit if you get fined. Depends on how likely the cops are to pull you really.

Bimmer UK 76 is your man for UK part numbers
__________________

F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package | dynamic package | climate package | 309s | xline | xenons | electric seats | folding mirrors | business speakers
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2011, 02:27 AM   #3
tank531
Deckhand
tank531's Avatar
United Kingdom
5
Rep
389
Posts

Drives: F25 2.0D SE xDrive (Sep 11)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Coventry - UK

iTrader: (0)

I noticed this turn indicator difference when looking thru the USA X3 catalogue and 'wondered why' - I agree with sfax, most likely due to regulations but I have no exeperience of the details. As well as the clear lense you would need the orange lamps too.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 01:09 AM   #4
alpineweiss
Private
10
Rep
56
Posts

Drives: E90 M3, F25 X3
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by juddholland View Post
I'm in the US, and I'm bothered at the yellow reflectors and bulbs at the outer edges of the headlamps where the turn signals are. I'm interested in replacing the reflector plastics to the clear/white/silver indicator reflectors you guys have over there in Europe. Where might I find this part/how much would it cost to purchase/have replaced? Is there a part number? Is it even legal here in the US?
You're gonna have to replace the whole headlamp with European spec one to get rid of the yellow reflectors. Budget around 1000 each side.

Or, if you're feeling like a risk taker, you can probably separate the headlamp assembly and do something about the reflector once you get access to it. Then reseal the whole thing back together.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 07:37 AM   #5
Want the thrill
Lieutenant Colonel
326
Rep
1,560
Posts

Drives: 2022 X4M40i, retired ‘11 X3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MI

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2022 X4M40i  [10.00]
What I don't understand that if it is for a US regulations thing, then wouldn't all BMW's headlights have that god aweful orange indicator there? If you look at their other BMW models, not one of them have the orange lights there even with the 2012's that are out.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 08:37 AM   #6
Shaw
Lieutenant Colonel
Shaw's Avatar
Canada
305
Rep
1,803
Posts

Drives: 2016 X5 35d | 2019 X3 30i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
ohhh man!!! you just said it!!!!
These headlights with that color is such a shame!!!
I guess that's a out-of-pocket expense, if we find any...
While living in Europe and travelling to US on business, I kept comparing the headlights in US and would think "god, how ugly they like it!!!" and could never get over it...
I'm now stuck with it (who would have thought, right?!...)
Another point that kills me though is the rear red flashing lights (instead of the world's standard amber color!!!). This time, it is not ugly but invisible. A red rear turn-light (or flashing light) is same as a brake light being hit at a couple on intervals... very poor!!!
Now, since this one has to do with safety issues, I asked the dealer to send a request to change mine into amber and so he did!!! But I'm not sure if they'd do it cause it's NA regulations...
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 09:28 AM   #7
tank531
Deckhand
tank531's Avatar
United Kingdom
5
Rep
389
Posts

Drives: F25 2.0D SE xDrive (Sep 11)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Coventry - UK

iTrader: (0)

you might like the euro lamp lenses but we have to put up with front and rear licence plate and worse, the UK verison are emormous. One thing I never worked out is how do some US states have, normally seen on premium autos, a name on the rear licence plate like 'BMW autos' or 'hollywood race'?
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 09:48 AM   #8
gareth12468
First Lieutenant
Canada
7
Rep
325
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive 28i
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW X3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaw View Post
ohhh man!!! you just said it!!!!
These headlights with that color is such a shame!!!
I guess that's a out-of-pocket expense, if we find any...
While living in Europe and travelling to US on business, I kept comparing the headlights in US and would think "god, how ugly they like it!!!" and could never get over it...
I'm now stuck with it (who would have thought, right?!...)
Another point that kills me though is the rear red flashing lights (instead of the world's standard amber color!!!). This time, it is not ugly but invisible. A red rear turn-light (or flashing light) is same as a brake light being hit at a couple on intervals... very poor!!!
Now, since this one has to do with safety issues, I asked the dealer to send a request to change mine into amber and so he did!!! But I'm not sure if they'd do it cause it's NA regulations...
I saw eBay have some amber rear lights for the new X3..... but the asking price is more than US$600.....
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 09:49 AM   #9
gareth12468
First Lieutenant
Canada
7
Rep
325
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive 28i
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW X3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by tank531 View Post
you might like the euro lamp lenses but we have to put up with front and rear licence plate and worse, the UK verison are emormous. One thing I never worked out is how do some US states have, normally seen on premium autos, a name on the rear licence plate like 'BMW autos' or 'hollywood race'?
I'm planning to switch the plate frame.....
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 10:08 AM   #10
smoothmoka
Private
Canada
22
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: f25
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

I was going to post the same thing...i really don't like them!!!
For some reason I think BMW plans it that way...not a lot of people wouldn't like them so they would have room for facelift improvements for the next year or two. I bet you we'll see a facelift with all clear headlights and incorporate the ambers on the fender/bumper for easy mod.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 10:26 AM   #11
Shaw
Lieutenant Colonel
Shaw's Avatar
Canada
305
Rep
1,803
Posts

Drives: 2016 X5 35d | 2019 X3 30i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by gareth12468 View Post
I saw eBay have some amber rear lights for the new X3..... but the asking price is more than US$600.....
per set or unit price????
I essentially don't think it's worth paying for it though... we've already contributed enough!
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 01:02 PM   #12
gareth12468
First Lieutenant
Canada
7
Rep
325
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive 28i
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW X3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaw View Post
per set or unit price????
I essentially don't think it's worth paying for it though... we've already contributed enough!
It's for a pair.....

For X3 with Xenon headlamps.....
http://cgi.ebay.ca/BMW-F25-X3-OEM-LE...item230fce8e39
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 01:34 PM   #13
BIMMER UK 76
Major
BIMMER UK 76's Avatar
United Kingdom
48
Rep
1,089
Posts

Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: United Kingdom

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sfax View Post
Bimmer UK 76 is your man for UK part numbers
From the looks of it on realoem.com you would need entire new headlight assemblies

Europe options below ( see http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...id=52632&hg=63 )

Headlight left 1 63127217289
Headlight right 1 63127217290

For vehicles with Xenon Light and adaptive headlights

AHL-xenon headlight, left 1 63117277001
AHL-xenon headlight, right 1 63117277002

For vehicles with Xenon Light

Bi-xenon headlight, left 1 63117276993
Bi-xenon headlight, right 1 63117276994
__________________

BMW F25 X3 xDRIVE 20d SE
Black Sapphire | Oyster Leather | Fineline Sienna Wood | 307 V Spokes | Auto | Prof Multimedia Package | xLine Package | Xenons | Business Radio | Sports Steering Wheel | Sports Seats | Panoramic Sunroof | Sun Protection Glass | Sun Blinds | Folding Ext. Mirrors + Titanium Grille | Chrome Exhaust Trim | Mudflaps
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2011, 02:54 PM   #14
Shaw
Lieutenant Colonel
Shaw's Avatar
Canada
305
Rep
1,803
Posts

Drives: 2016 X5 35d | 2019 X3 30i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
man... that's expensive!!! just for a color change...
hey, let's get a couple of sprays at home depot!
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 10:03 PM   #15
han405
Second Lieutenant
10
Rep
203
Posts

Drives: E46 M3, E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: PA

iTrader: (0)

for 1 series,
I've seen silver reflective decals, professionally cut to size and shape mirroring 1 series orange reflectors and was applied directly over them on the outside of the lens.
it didn't look bad at all...
of course, It isn't the best solution, but it is "a" solution.

perhaps someone can make the same thing for x3 also.

Last edited by han405; 06-07-2011 at 10:11 PM..
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 10:28 PM   #16
han405
Second Lieutenant
10
Rep
203
Posts

Drives: E46 M3, E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: PA

iTrader: (0)

http://www.bimmian.com/82/HRC/

like this http://www.bimmian.com/82/HRC/
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2011, 08:24 AM   #17
Shaw
Lieutenant Colonel
Shaw's Avatar
Canada
305
Rep
1,803
Posts

Drives: 2016 X5 35d | 2019 X3 30i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Gents,
for those of you who haven't seen the other thread and further to my discussion above... I finally got the amber rear turn lights!!! So that means anything is possible...
Appreciate 0
      06-09-2011, 12:16 AM   #18
clarence
Lieutenant Colonel
53
Rep
1,544
Posts

Drives: F30 328i M-Sport
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Want the thrill View Post
What I don't understand that if it is for a US regulations thing, then wouldn't all BMW's headlights have that god aweful orange indicator there? If you look at their other BMW models, not one of them have the orange lights there even with the 2012's that are out.
They're all there, but some are better placed than others (look at their front wheel arches & lower part of the front bumper). Only the 1er & X3 have their side markers inside the lamp cluster, the rest of the range are either on the wheelarch or bumper.
Appreciate 0
      06-09-2011, 12:18 AM   #19
clarence
Lieutenant Colonel
53
Rep
1,544
Posts

Drives: F30 328i M-Sport
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaw View Post
Gents,
for those of you who haven't seen the other thread and further to my discussion above... I finally got the amber rear turn lights!!! So that means anything is possible...
Amber rear lights are possible as it is legal & DOT-approved. EU/RoW spec headlamps are not as they don't have the required orange side markers.
Appreciate 0
      06-09-2011, 07:17 AM   #20
Want the thrill
Lieutenant Colonel
326
Rep
1,560
Posts

Drives: 2022 X4M40i, retired ‘11 X3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MI

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2022 X4M40i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by clarence View Post
They're all there, but some are better placed than others (look at their front wheel arches & lower part of the front bumper). Only the 1er & X3 have their side markers inside the lamp cluster, the rest of the range are either on the wheelarch or bumper.
Right, that is what I am talking about. Why is it the X3 got the ugly orange light in the headlight assembly when they could have put it on the side like 99% of their other vehicles. Sucks.
Appreciate 0
      06-10-2011, 12:19 AM   #21
clarence
Lieutenant Colonel
53
Rep
1,544
Posts

Drives: F30 328i M-Sport
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Want the thrill View Post
Right, that is what I am talking about. Why is it the X3 got the ugly orange light in the headlight assembly when they could have put it on the side like 99% of their other vehicles. Sucks.
Probably for reasons of cost. Even if they place the markers on the bumper, they still have to fit different light clusters to US & RoW cars as they have different beam patterns.
Appreciate 0
      06-10-2011, 09:40 AM   #22
DaleWA
Private First Class
DaleWA's Avatar
24
Rep
139
Posts

Drives: '12 E92 M3 / '20 X5 M50i
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
  [0.00]
Look at the E90 - when it came out in 2006 the orange reflector was in the turn signal like the current 1-series and X3. The LCI moved the orange reflector to the fender.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:34 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST