PAGE SUMMARY:
PAGE 1: As-is shots "in the beginning"
PAGE 2: Aftermarket cupholder installation.
PAGE 3: H/L lens replacement, and chromelining before/after shots.
PAGE 4: Upgrade to front grilles with chrome slats.
PAGE 5: FOGLAMP replacement; instructions and photos
PAGE 6: Chrome Trunk Strip Installation; instructions and photos
PAGE FIVE -- FOGLAMP REPLACEMENT
One look at Baby when I was considering her purchase and I knew I'd have to replace the fog lamps (front end), as the ones on the car were even more pitted than the headlight lenses. However, they weren't as visible (or as often used) as the headlights, so I initially put this one on low-priority. After two months I finally ordered the parts, and changed them out. Here are a couple of shots of the original "sandblasted" lenses:
CLOSE-UP OF LEFT LENS
MEDIUM SHOT OF LEFT LENS
FOGLAMP REPLACEMENT
First I had to find a set of replacement lamps...and unlike the headlamps there's unfortunately no way to simply replace the pitted lenses...you must replace the entire assemblies. Not only can't you find the lenses a-la-carte, but you probably can't remove the old lenses without damaging the plastic housing.
Fortunately there are several good sources for these OEM parts, which list (in July 2003) for about $140 each from most dealers, or maybe $120 each from places like Crevier BMW, with BMWCCA discount.
MY NEW FOGS, ORDERED FROM MAXIMILLIANA great discount price for these is about $100-$110 each, plus shipping of about $10 total. I found my lamps at Maximillian Importing, but I also found good pricing on them from several other parts houses, including Vines Auto
The second key to this swap-out was to learn how to remove the old fogs. I saw nothing on the boards on the topic, but after exchanging notes with a couple of "old timers" in the E38 crowd, I learned the secret. The lamps fit into the front cowling with a tab on the outer end and engage a latch, which holds them in on the inner (license plate) end. To remove the lamps you must release the latch, and the inner end of the lamp housing pivots out into your waiting hand.
USE OF SCREWDRIVER TO ENGAGE THE LATCH, RELEASING INNNER END OF FOG LAMPThere are two small holes immediately adjacent to the fog-lamps -- on the license-plate side of each lamp assembly. While holding the fog lamp assembly gently in place with one hand, place a small phillips-head screwdriver (shaft must be at least 4-5 inches long) into the TOP hole, and slide it in until it bottoms out.
FOGLAMP LATCH (SEE YELLOW CIRCLE HIGHLIGHTING LATCHThen, press the screwdriver shaft firmly straight in, and it should engage the latch release, and the inner end of the foglamp will be released and pivot out.
ONE END OF FOG LAMP HAS BEEN RELEASED AND IS PIVOTED OUT, SHOWN ON LEFT. THE WIRING HARNESS MUST NEXT BE REMOVED (RIGHT)
Now just remove the lamp, remove the wiring harness from the rear, and install the new lamp.
After you attach the wiring plug to the new lamp assemply, simply install each new assembly the same way the oLd ones came out -- insert the tab on outer end of lamp into the slot in the car's chassis. Ensure it is fully seated on outer end before trying to push it into place and latching it on the inner end. You may find that the lamp will click into place, but still feel a bit loose, and stick out slightly. If this happens, the lamp probably hasn't fully engaged the latch mechanism. If so, recheck the outer end to ensure it's fully seated, then press a bit harder on the inner end and the lamp assembly should go in further, clicking again, making it seat flush with the cowling -- with no "wiggle room" remaining.
Here's the "after" look. What a transformation! I've pulled the bulbs out of the old housings to use as spares...don't think anyone will want the old housings with "Colorado Lenses". :-)
NEW FOG LAMPS, INSTALLED -- ALL IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES.
