Official "What to do about the orange e92 reflectors" thread

Zeroday · 08-27-2006, 07:05 PM

I don't plan on modding my 335 but the orange reflectors have to go IMO. It appears however that if they are removed, an indentation will exist on the fender where the reflector is designed to recess.

1st, does anyone know if there is a legal reason not to remove them?

Some possible solutions off the top of my head:

-remove and paint the reflectors body color
-tint them with vinyl overlays
-look for clear aftermarket replacements
-bondo them and repaint the entire bumper (eek)
-remove them and leave the indentation and the 2 holes and call it a day.

Chesmu · 08-27-2006, 07:06 PM

US DOT requires amber corner reflectors on all cars

Zeroday · 08-27-2006, 07:07 PM

So realistically though, will you get a ticket for removing them?

Carnage · 08-27-2006, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeroday

I don't plan on modding my 335 but the orange reflectors have to go IMO. It appears however that if they are removed, an indentation will exist on the fender where the reflector is designed to recess.

1st, does anyone know if there is a legal reason not to remove them?

Some possible solutions off the top of my head:

-remove and paint the reflectors body color-
-tint them with vinyl overlays-
-look for clear aftermarket replacements-
-bondo them and repaint the entire bumper (eek)-
-remove them and leave the indentation and the 2 holes and call it a day. -

My thoughts on your solutions....

-remove and paint the reflectors body color- Best real time choice. Quick and easy.
-tint them with vinyl overlays- Nope
-look for clear aftermarket replacements- Maybe in a year
-bondo them and repaint the entire bumper (eek)- Nope
-remove them and leave the indentation and the 2 holes and call it a day. - That's just crazy talk.

JSpira · 08-27-2006, 07:10 PM

Could buy the sedan

That takes care of the problem.

As much as people complain about the amber corners, the coupé brings this discussion to an entirely new realm.

I know I am getting a 335i or 335xi (probably the latter, I am VERY happy with xDrive) at BMW Welt in June or July 2007. I just don´t know how many doors it will have. Right now, I am leaning towards the sedan as opposed to the coupé.

JSpira · 08-27-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeroday

So realistically though, will you get a ticket for removing them?

A ticket, doubtful. Whether state inspections check for these things, well I have heard of stranger things.

bavarian19 · 08-27-2006, 07:11 PM

Just remove and have painted. Im sure painted reflectors will become available, but not soon after the coupes release. Plus Im sure it wont cost much at all to have those painted...

Zeroday · 08-27-2006, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSpira

A ticket, doubtful. Whether state inspections check for these things, well I have heard of stranger things.

True, but if so, I'm thinking if you go the route of painting the reflectors you can just buy an extra set of orange ones for the inspection. I'm assuming they wouldn't be too expensive.

JSpira · 08-27-2006, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeroday

True, but if so, I'm thinking if you go the route of painting the reflectors you can just buy an extra set of orange ones for the inspection. I'm assuming they wouldn't be too expensive.

depends on how easy or NOT easy it is to remove. could go either way

Zeroday · 08-27-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSpira

depends on how easy or NOT easy it is to remove. could go either way

From what I read on another forum, they are held on by two 10mm hex nuts. They appear to be very easy to remove.

JSpira · 08-27-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeroday

From what I read on another forum, they are held on by two 10mm hex nuts. They appear to be very easy to remove.

ok, that is good to hear! danke zero!

xMSMx · 08-27-2006, 07:47 PM

haha I love this thread
we dont even have the car in our possesion
yet the MOD bug has began its destructive path!!
I'll just wait for clear ones I think!

Zeroday · 08-27-2006, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSpira

ok, that is good to hear! danke zero!

np.

found the link:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...80&postcount=2

STE92VE · 08-27-2006, 09:59 PM

This is from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automot...ornering_lamps
Retroreflectors

The most basic vehicle conspicuity devices are retroreflectors (also reflex reflectors or, archaically, cat's eyes), which despite emitting no light on their own, are regulated as automotive lighting devices. These devices reflect light from other vehicles' headlamps back towards the light source, i.e., other vehicles' drivers. Thus, vehicles are conspicuous even when their electrically-powered lighting system is deactivated or disabled. Regulations worldwide require each vehicle to be equipped with red rear-facing retroreflectors. North American regulations also require amber front and red rear side-facing retroreflectors. Sweden, South Africa and other countries have at various times required white front-facing retroreflectors.

Sidemarker lights

In North America, amber front and red rear sidemarker lamps and retroreflectors are required. The law initially required lights or retroreflectors on vehicles made after 1 January 1968. This was amended to require lights and retroreflectors on vehicles made after 1 January 1970. These side-facing devices make the vehicle's presence, position and direction of travel clearly visible from oblique angles. The lights are wired so as to illuminate whenever the vehicles parking and taillamps are on, including when the headlamps are being used. Front amber sidemarkers in North America may or may not be wired so as to flash with the turn signals.[22] Sidemarkers are permitted outside North America, but not required. If installed, they are required to be brighter and visible through a larger horizontal angle than US sidemarkers, they may not flash, and they must be amber at the front and rear unless the rear sidemarker is incorporated into the main rear lamp cluster, in which case it may be red or amber. Some Japanese, European, British and US-brand vehicles have sidemarkers in Europe and other countries where they are not required.

Zirenz2006 · 08-27-2006, 10:25 PM

When I had my old 2001 325i. I had all clear lenses, no amber and I always passed inspection. I don't think too many places would bust your balls about that. Either way, those amber reflectors have to go!

jmonier · 08-27-2006, 11:10 PM

Here's my read on legality (which may or may not be correct). The DOT requirement applies directly to new cars manufactured in or imported into the US. So they have to be there to be sold.

I'm not sure these would apply once the car has been placed in service. I would think that it would have to be incorporated into the state vehicle code for it to be effective then.

When I replaced my 02 325i lenses with clears I went through the Calif code and could find nothing requiring it. (Of course, it's quite possible that I missed it.)

Certainly many people have removed the orange reflectors one way or another and I have never heard of it being a problem. Calif does not have an inspection of this sort so I wouldn't know about that.

shragon · 08-28-2006, 12:10 AM

aftermarket body colored reflectors are available for e46 coupes. the same should be available for e92's in the near future. if you can't wait that long, get them painted. aftermarket clears will look tacky imho. lastly, i wouldn't worry about meeting DOT requirements.

Dawg Nuts · 08-28-2006, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSpira

Could buy the sedan

That takes care of the problem.

I think the sedan is going to end up with them also...look at what has happened with the Z4, all new models have clear signals and an amber reflector. Besides, the press report stated that the sedan will have clear turn signals...I bet that is what they meant.

KevinC · 08-28-2006, 12:24 AM

The only elegant solution would be non-US-spec front (plastic) fenders in place of the ones built for the reflectors. Someone will no doubt import them. But then again the dilemma of non-factory paint crops up. No thanks, I'd probably just be a contrarian of sorts and live with the damn things.

BenMW · 08-28-2006, 12:59 AM

My question is... Lets say you remove them and want to get them painted.

What is the next step? Where do you bring them?

Can I just bring them to the dealer and say "Can I get these painted Jet Black?"

Is it that easy...Around how much would it cost?

ksfrogman · 08-28-2006, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMW

My question is... Lets say you remove them and want to get them painted.

What is the next step? Where do you bring them?

Can I just bring them to the dealer and say "Can I get these painted Jet Black?"

Is it that easy...Around how much would it cost?

I was just thinking the same thing. Why not paint them? My idea was more of painting them white or silver.

shragon · 08-28-2006, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMW

My question is... Lets say you remove them and want to get them painted.

What is the next step? Where do you bring them?

Can I just bring them to the dealer and say "Can I get these painted Jet Black?"

Is it that easy...Around how much would it cost?

just bring them to a body shop.

08-27-2006, 07:05 PM	#1
Zeroday Colonel 48 Rep 2,350 Posts Drives: Plymouth Volare Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: your nerves iTrader: (0)	Official "What to do about the orange e92 reflectors" thread I don't plan on modding my 335 but the orange reflectors have to go IMO. It appears however that if they are removed, an indentation will exist on the fender where the reflector is designed to recess. 1st, does anyone know if there is a legal reason not to remove them? Some possible solutions off the top of my head: -remove and paint the reflectors body color -tint them with vinyl overlays -look for clear aftermarket replacements -bondo them and repaint the entire bumper (eek) -remove them and leave the indentation and the 2 holes and call it a day.
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08-27-2006, 07:06 PM	#2
Chesmu Brigadier General 96 Rep 3,011 Posts Drives: 2013 X6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Phoenix,AZ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	US DOT requires amber corner reflectors on all cars __________________ "Teach the ignorant. Ignore the stupid."
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08-27-2006, 07:07 PM	#3
Zeroday Colonel 48 Rep 2,350 Posts Drives: Plymouth Volare Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: your nerves iTrader: (0)	So realistically though, will you get a ticket for removing them?
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08-27-2006, 07:10 PM	#5
JSpira Freude am Fahren 361 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	Could buy the sedan That takes care of the problem. As much as people complain about the amber corners, the coupé brings this discussion to an entirely new realm. I know I am getting a 335i or 335xi (probably the latter, I am VERY happy with xDrive) at BMW Welt in June or July 2007. I just don´t know how many doors it will have. Right now, I am leaning towards the sedan as opposed to the coupé. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
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08-27-2006, 07:11 PM	#7
bavarian19 General 558 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	Just remove and have painted. Im sure painted reflectors will become available, but not soon after the coupes release. Plus Im sure it wont cost much at all to have those painted...
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08-27-2006, 07:47 PM	#12
xMSMx Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 2007 TiAg 328i coupe/coral red Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: ANAHEIM HILLS iTrader: (0)	haha I love this thread we dont even have the car in our possesion yet the MOD bug has began its destructive path!! I'll just wait for clear ones I think!
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08-27-2006, 09:59 PM	#14
STE92VE STEVIL Empire 229 Rep 6,297 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	This is from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automot...ornering_lamps Retroreflectors The most basic vehicle conspicuity devices are retroreflectors (also reflex reflectors or, archaically, cat's eyes), which despite emitting no light on their own, are regulated as automotive lighting devices. These devices reflect light from other vehicles' headlamps back towards the light source, i.e., other vehicles' drivers. Thus, vehicles are conspicuous even when their electrically-powered lighting system is deactivated or disabled. Regulations worldwide require each vehicle to be equipped with red rear-facing retroreflectors. North American regulations also require amber front and red rear side-facing retroreflectors. Sweden, South Africa and other countries have at various times required white front-facing retroreflectors. Sidemarker lights In North America, amber front and red rear sidemarker lamps and retroreflectors are required. The law initially required lights or retroreflectors on vehicles made after 1 January 1968. This was amended to require lights and retroreflectors on vehicles made after 1 January 1970. These side-facing devices make the vehicle's presence, position and direction of travel clearly visible from oblique angles. The lights are wired so as to illuminate whenever the vehicles parking and taillamps are on, including when the headlamps are being used. Front amber sidemarkers in North America may or may not be wired so as to flash with the turn signals.[22] Sidemarkers are permitted outside North America, but not required. If installed, they are required to be brighter and visible through a larger horizontal angle than US sidemarkers, they may not flash, and they must be amber at the front and rear unless the rear sidemarker is incorporated into the main rear lamp cluster, in which case it may be red or amber. Some Japanese, European, British and US-brand vehicles have sidemarkers in Europe and other countries where they are not required.
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08-27-2006, 10:25 PM	#15
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1787 Rep 4,693 Posts Drives: G87 M2 Zandvoort Blue Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	When I had my old 2001 325i. I had all clear lenses, no amber and I always passed inspection. I don't think too many places would bust your balls about that. Either way, those amber reflectors have to go!
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08-27-2006, 11:10 PM	#16
jmonier Captain 11 Rep 812 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E92, 2002 325i Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (0)	Here's my read on legality (which may or may not be correct). The DOT requirement applies directly to new cars manufactured in or imported into the US. So they have to be there to be sold. I'm not sure these would apply once the car has been placed in service. I would think that it would have to be incorporated into the state vehicle code for it to be effective then. When I replaced my 02 325i lenses with clears I went through the Calif code and could find nothing requiring it. (Of course, it's quite possible that I missed it.) Certainly many people have removed the orange reflectors one way or another and I have never heard of it being a problem. Calif does not have an inspection of this sort so I wouldn't know about that.
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08-28-2006, 12:10 AM	#17
shragon Moderator 516 Rep 27,440 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (7)	aftermarket body colored reflectors are available for e46 coupes. the same should be available for e92's in the near future. if you can't wait that long, get them painted. aftermarket clears will look tacky imho. lastly, i wouldn't worry about meeting DOT requirements. __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/shragon
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08-28-2006, 12:24 AM	#19
KevinC your average JAMF 3640 Rep 4,235 Posts Drives: '21 M2 Comp, '19 Golf R Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cochise County, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 VW Golf R [5.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [3.50]	The only elegant solution would be non-US-spec front (plastic) fenders in place of the ones built for the reflectors. Someone will no doubt import them. But then again the dilemma of non-factory paint crops up. No thanks, I'd probably just be a contrarian of sorts and live with the damn things. __________________ '21 M2 Comp '19 Golf R
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08-28-2006, 12:59 AM	#20
BenMW Major 53 Rep 1,393 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dallas + Chicago(Lake Forest) iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 330i coupe [0.00] 2002 325ci [0.00]	My question is... Lets say you remove them and want to get them painted. What is the next step? Where do you bring them? Can I just bring them to the dealer and say "Can I get these painted Jet Black?" Is it that easy...Around how much would it cost? __________________ Retired: e46 cabrio, E36 Cabrio, 02' 525i, 325Ci 02' Style 189 335i sport Wheels for sale PM Me BIG CHANGES COMING SOON- Can anyone help me make a sig pic?
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