2002+ E46 Sedan OEM clears group buy

[KrisL]

I'm putting this feeler out there - Bekkers is willing to do a group buy for 2002+ E46 Sedan OEM clears (either black or titanium inserts) for $399 + their cost of shipping. These usually go for usually $480!.

Anyone interested?

[jetstream23]

I'm putting this feeler out there - Bekkers is willing to do a group buy for 2002+ E46 Sedan OEM clears (either black or titanium inserts) for $399 + their cost of shipping. These usually go for usually $480!.

Anyone interested?

Definitely interested. I have an '05 330i and would be interested in the black trim on the lights. How much is shipping? I assume the usual $10-15 for ground???

Are we positive that they are OEM? I've heard some conflicting things about Bekkers.

FYI - These are backordered at Bimmian. I wonder why Bekkers has so many?

[KrisL]

Definitely interested. I have an '05 330i and would be interested in the black trim on the lights. How much is shipping? I assume the usual $10-15 for ground???

Are we positive that they are OEM? I've heard some conflicting things about Bekkers.



Yeah, I don't anticipate shipping being more than that - if so, I'll negotiate the price down so that it is. :) They assure me that they are OEM.

[operknockity]

Are we positive that they are OEM? I've heard some conflicting things about Bekkers. I got my clears from Bekkers on a group buy last year. Folks who know this stuff better than I have told me that from the markings molded in to the parts they are 99.9% sure that these are made by the same company that OEMs them to BMW. Whether of not they turn out to be OEM or not, the fit and finish is very very good and I have had no problems with them after 8 or so months. (Actually, I have had an intermitent indication for a few days that one of the rear bulbs is either going bad, or loose in the socket. But I had the same problems with my stock fixtures, and had to replace front turn signal bulbs 3 times before I swapped in the clears).

[jetstream23]

Yeah, I don't anticipate shipping being more than that - if so, I'll negotiate the price down so that it is. :) They assure me that they are OEM.

Sounds good. How many do you need for the group price? 3? 5? 10? 20?

[KrisL]

Sounds good. How many do you need for the group price? 3? 5? 10? 20?

5. You and I make 2.

[operknockity]

Have you advertised the GB over on Fanatics?

[jetstream23]

Have you advertised the GB over on Fanatics?

You could even try www.azbmw.org

Its a local group but frequented by habitual "modders"

EDIT: I'll just post a link to this thread there.

[KrisL]

Have you advertised the GB over on Fanatics?

Yes. No replies over there.

[Mr. The Edge]

Yes. No replies over there.
i think you have to already have clears just to register over there

:D

[operknockity]

i think you have to already have clears just to register over there

:D :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[KobeCow]

corners from Bimmian, they are both OEM. the Bimmians came in a marked brown box with "made in Germany" label and lenses were adhesive wrapped in plastic, very NICE quality stuff. Bimmian was back ordered when i bought mine in Early Jan '05

Bimmian has excellent customer service and speedy shipping, especially for a firm located in Toronto, Canada.

[Dave 330i]

I'm putting this feeler out there - Bekkers is willing to do a group buy for 2002+ E46 Sedan OEM clears (either black or titanium inserts) for $399 + their cost of shipping. These usually go for usually $480!.

Anyone interested?
WTF? My lens need replacement? I still have those amber OEMs. Am I behind the newest generation? Do yupies still rule the world?

[operknockity]

WTF? My lens need replacement? I still have those amber OEMs. Am I behind the newest generation? Do yupies still rule the world? Yes, Dave, you are behind the times. But the yuppies are long gone.... Even the Gen X'ers are gone... It's the Gen Y'ers who are in control these days. (Or are we up to Gen Z already?).

[Wagon Man]

I'm putting this feeler out there - Bekkers is willing to do a group buy for 2002+ E46 Sedan OEM clears (either black or titanium inserts) for $399 + their cost of shipping. These usually go for usually $480!.

Anyone interested?

Be a good sport & how 'bout a GB for our "wagoneers", eh?

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=229034

[FenPhen]

Kris, I'm interested.

Really, I'm only interested in the side markers and rear lights (I prefer the look of the amber front corners... :eeps: ), but if they must be bought in a set for the group****, I'd consider stomaching the price (with black inserts).

Or maybe I do want the front corners. :dunno: I dunno, I don't really like the look of the clear front corners (too much white), but it would suck if the clear side markers look weird with the amber front. I like the way the face-lifted E39's indicators looked: clear rear and side markers, amber front corner.

[KrisL]

FenPhen- Great - that makes 3 of us. We only need 5...

[khhong]

You can get the set here for $419.99 with free shipping. There made from ULO, from my understanding, ULO is an OEM product. Just specify which trim you guys want in the PayPal payment. I ordered mine from them and the fit and finish is very very good! :thumbup:

http://www.parts4euro.com/cgi-bin/PPStore/ppstore.cgi?database=Products&action=view_product&productID=10048&category=

BTW, I think they were backordered on the sidemarkers during late December, might want to check if they got a new shipment in before ordering.

Or you guys can keep getting people for the group buy, either way, Good Luck on finding your clears! :D

[jetstream23]

.... Even the Gen X'ers are gone...

We're still here!

Kurt Cobain rally at noon, everybody !!!

Let's go Kris, recruit that 4th and 5th person and let's get this group buy going! :D

[KrisL]

I think I found a fourth person, "DMXtreme" over on E46fanatics. Only one more!

[KrisL]

w00t, I may have found #5... I'll be PMing everyone that is interested later today (most likely)

[Fzara2000]

I *might* be interested. I'm sure Bekkers wouldn't have a problem with a 6th (if the prev poster gets a 5th), right?

[operknockity]

Regarding dealing with Bekkers... When I got my clears, they had accidentally sent me two left side markers. After I called to tell them about the error, they shipped me a new right side marker for free and when I offered to send back the extra left side marker, they told me to just hang on to it as a spare. Nice :thumbup: :thumbup:

[KrisL]

I offered to send back the extra left side marker, they told me to just hang on to it as a spare. Nice :thumbup: :thumbup:

Excellent, thanks for the info.

[KrisL]

I *might* be interested. I'm sure Bekkers wouldn't have a problem with a 6th (if the prev poster gets a 5th), right?


Fzara,

I sent you a PM before I saw this msg (after seeing a post you made in general BMW). Go ahead and PM me with your email address.

Thanks!
-Kris

[ktc]

Hey so what does it mean for the clears to "not be DOT approved"? You can't get pulled over for it, can you?

[Eduardo]

I'm putting this feeler out there - Bekkers is willing to do a group buy for 2002+ E46 Sedan OEM clears (either black or titanium inserts) for $399 + their cost of shipping. These usually go for usually $480!.

Anyone interested?

Eh mate, I would have gone along but I am really waiting for LED sedan clears :eeps: :bigpimp: :angel: .
Cheers!

[KrisL]

Hey so what does it mean for the clears to "not be DOT approved"? You can't get pulled over for it, can you?


You can get pulled over for anything these days. The *front* lights are not DOT approved - they are illegal, by the letter of the law. The reasoning is that the fronts have no amber reflectors in them. When I got OEM clears on my '99 E46, they were DOT approved because the kit shipped with two round amber reflectors that you were supposed to stick on your bumper (they obviously went into the trash).

[FenPhen]

The *front* lights are not DOT approved - they are illegal, by the letter of the law. The reasoning is that the fronts have no amber reflectors in them.That's what everyone says, but what about the California VC?
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc24609.htm
24609. (a) A vehicle may be equipped with white or amber reflectors that are mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height of 15 inches or more, but not more than 60 inches from the ground.

[operknockity]

That's what everyone says, but what about the California VC?
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc24609.htm
24609. (a) A vehicle may be equipped with white or amber reflectors that are mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height of 15 inches or more, but not more than 60 inches from the ground.
We've had this discussion so many times already... Do a search for the older threads which have more extracts from the VC which do seem to indicate that the front clears are illegal without the supplementary reflectors.

[FenPhen]

We've had this discussion so many times already... Do a search for the older threads which have more extracts from the VC which do seem to indicate that the front clears are illegal without the supplementary reflectors.I would, except there are so many of those threads and I don't remember reading any conclusive ones. A search for "24609" yields an interesting thread:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2296&page=1&pp=25&highlight=24609

Someone cited 25803 (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc25803.htm), which is the catch-all clause that wants amber reflectors, but that section is for "Lamps on Other Vehicles." It begins with "All vehicles not otherwise required to be equipped with headlamps, rear lights, or reflectors by [Division 12, Chapter 2: Lighting Equipment] shall [have amber reflectors on the front among other stipulations]." I'm pretty confident this is referring to trailers and vehicles without motors (motor vehicles are covered under 24400).

As far as the CA state vehicle code goes, I think the clears are legal. Don't know about the Federal stuff, but the other threads say those laws only apply to manufacturers, and not consumers buying and installing aftermarket.

[KrisL]

We have all 5 people. This group buy will officially be closed once all 5 people have called Bekkers with payment information. If you want to join in at this price, PM me immediately... you probably only have 24-48hrs :).

[KrisL]

One of the guys backed out :mad:.

If nobody else wants in on this GB, I'll buy two sets and try to sell the extra one myself..

[jetstream23]

I phoned in my order to Anthony at Bekkers today. How are we looking? Have all 5 people called in?

[KrisL]

I phoned in my order to Anthony at Bekkers today. How are we looking? Have all 5 people called in?


We're waiting for one more...

You know who you are! :)

[MarcZHP]

We're waiting for one more...

You know who you are! :)

Count me in, what needs to be done? My car is a ZHP so I need black for the front, correct?

[InfiniteRegress]

Just verifing. Is this group buy over?

[MarcZHP]

Just verifing. Is this group buy over?

Yes =/

[KrisL]

InfiniteRegress/Marc: Turns out that they haven't shipped yet, you might be able to get in. Check your PMs.

[InfiniteRegress]

Just ordered my set from Anthony. Nice guy! :thumbup: :thumbup:

[InfiniteRegress]

Oh, BTW. Thanks for organizing this gb Kris. :bow:

[KrisL]

No problem. I'm just tryin to save a few bucks too :).

Group buy officially closed, my lenses have shipped. :thumbup:

[jetstream23]

No problem. I'm just tryin to save a few bucks too :).

Group buy officially closed, my lenses have shipped. :thumbup:

Got a UPS tracking number yesterday. :thumbup:

Here's a good link to doing the install yourself by a guy well-known for DIY and he did this on an '04 330i ZHP....

http://www.my330i.com/mod31.php

http://www.my330i.com/mod32.php

Anyone who wants to post their experience, lessons-learned, etc. after receiving the kit from Bekkers and doing the install, I would much appreciate it. I'm not much of a DIY person and taking a screwdriver to my 3-week old BMW does make my palms sweat a little. :eeps:

Also, any one else going to use silvered or invisi-bulb type bulbs? If so, which ones? I've heard that some can appear much dimmer when lit but there are apparently some high-quality ones out there as well.

[operknockity]

Got a UPS tracking number yesterday. :thumbup:

Here's a good link to doing the install yourself by a guy well-known for DIY and he did this on an '04 330i ZHP....

http://www.my330i.com/mod31.php

http://www.my330i.com/mod32.php

Anyone who wants to post their experience, lessons-learned, etc. after receiving the kit from Bekkers and doing the install, I would much appreciate it. I'm not much of a DIY person and taking a screwdriver to my 3-week old BMW does make my palms sweat a little. :eeps: Be carefull when removing the old side markers that you don't loose the metal springclip inside the fender. It prolly won't hurt anything in there, but it will make a racket as it virbrates around in there.

Don't forget to remove the round access plug on each side of the trunk trim. I didn't know about them (had not read the directions at the links your posted), and it's a royal byatch to do the lower mounting point trying to squeeze the wrench in behind the trim. Much easier with a socket extension bar going through the access hole.

Finding the little screws in the boot which are covered with the boot liner material is also a pain.

Other than that, installing the clears is quite easy! If anyone in LA is getting a set and wants help, PM me and we'll see if we can work something out.

[KrisL]

If anyone in LA is getting a set and wants help, PM me and we'll see if we can work something out.


Likewise for the Bay Area. I installed clears on my 99 E46.. no problem. UPS says that my package from bekkers should be here on Wed 2/23.

[jetstream23]

Be carefull when removing the old side markers that you don't loose the metal springclip inside the fender. It prolly won't hurt anything in there, but it will make a racket as it virbrates around in there.

Don't forget to remove the round access plug on each side of the trunk trim. I didn't know about them (had not read the directions at the links your posted), and it's a royal byatch to do the lower mounting point trying to squeeze the wrench in behind the trim. Much easier with a socket extension bar going through the access hole.

Finding the little screws in the boot which are covered with the boot liner material is also a pain.

Other than that, installing the clears is quite easy! If anyone in LA is getting a set and wants help, PM me and we'll see if we can work something out.

Tips on not losing the spring clip inside the fender??? My understanding is that you just slide the side marker towards the rear of the car and then it pulls away, attached by the wiring harness. Where does the spring clip reside and how would you suggest "catching it" before it falls in?

Much thanks.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" - I'm really trying to do my homework on this.

[operknockity]

Tips on not losing the spring clip inside the fender??? My understanding is that you just slide the side marker towards the rear of the car and then it pulls away, attached by the wiring harness. Where does the spring clip reside and how would you suggest "catching it" before it falls in?

Much thanks.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" - I'm really trying to do my homework on this.
Just go slow as you are sliding the old fixture out. I've attached a photo of one of my old sidemarkers. You can see the spring clip on the right side. Part of the clip is inserted in the plastic of the back of the fixture, but if you pull it too hard it'll come out.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/500/1137P2180308z.jpg

Push the whole housing toward the right (in this picture) to compress the spring clip and the cut-out in the left side of the housing clears the body panel, then angle the left side out away from the body panel a bit and slide it out toward the left. Or you could push a credit card in between the body panel and the fixture from the right side to compress the spring clip, then slowly pull the right side away from the body panel (keeping pressure on the spring clip) until the slip clears the body panel. If doing the latter, you can loose the spring clip if you don't let it clear the body panel before pulling the fixture out the rest of the way.

[jetstream23]

Just go slow as you are sliding the old fixture out. I've attached a photo of one of my old sidemarkers. You can see the spring clip on the right side. Part of the clip is inserted in the plastic of the back of the fixture, but if you pull it too hard it'll come out.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/500/1137P2180308z.jpg

Push the whole housing toward the right (in this picture) to compress the spring clip and the cut-out in the left side of the housing clears the body panel, then angle the left side out away from the body panel a bit and slide it out toward the left. Or you could push a credit card in between the body panel and the fixture from the right side to compress the spring clip, then slowly pull the right side away from the body panel (keeping pressure on the spring clip) until the slip clears the body panel. If doing the latter, you can loose the spring clip if you don't let it clear the body panel before pulling the fixture out the rest of the way.

:thumbup: Perfect answer.

[jetstream23]

Anyone else get a partial shipment? I received a large box from Bekkers today. Inside was everything EXCEPT the front right corner signal !!! On the shipping invoice it says that it is backordered. Why would they ship everything but that one item? Am I going to install everything except the front right corner???? I just sent Rebecca at Bekkers an email asking when it will be shipped. Hopefully not too long.

[KrisL]

Why would they ship everything but that one item? Am I going to install everything except the front right corner???? I just sent Rebecca at Bekkers an email asking when it will be shipped. Hopefully not too long.



Anthony's last email with me says:

> kris,
> all orders should be sent out this week. i had to wait on rightside corners


I assumed that meant he did indeed wait for rightside corners before sending...

My package isn't scheduled to arrive until tomorrow, so I'll let you know whats in my box...

[FenPhen]

Anyone else get a partial shipment? I received a large box from Bekkers today. Inside was everything EXCEPT the front right corner signal !!! On the shipping invoice it says that it is backordered. Why would they ship everything but that one item? Am I going to install everything except the front right corner???? I just sent Rebecca at Bekkers an email asking when it will be shipped. Hopefully not too long.I just got a Bekkers package a day early. It was small and light. "$30 to ship this??" Inside: a right-front corner. :(

[KrisL]

I just got a Bekkers package a day early. It was small and light. "$30 to ship this??" Inside: a right-front corner. :(



I just got home and received the same thing. One front lens, shipped via FedEx.

So not to worry Jetstream, hopefully your corner will arrive tomorrow.

[KrisL]

Update:

http://www.linquist.net/pictures/330i/frontcorner.jpg

So far so good :)

[FenPhen]

Update:

So far so good :)Jeez. How long does it take to do just the one corner? :yikes:

Also, were you able to discern any verifying markings that it's ULO? (I gave it a cursory glance and didn't see anything I recognized...)

[KrisL]

Jeez. How long does it take to do just the one corner? :yikes:


About 30 seconds. Literally. Put screwdriver in hole, turn screw a few times to loosen it. Pop lens out, push new lens in, tighten screw. I only did it to take the picture, then put the amber back in.

I didn't see any markings. When I take it out again tomorrow, I'll compare plastic molding seams.

[KrisL]

Hopefully they'll actually make it here today....(I'm about 40 miles from S.SF)

A late train? riiiight :)

http://www.linquist.net/temp/track.gif

[KrisL]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89077

:thumbup:

[FenPhen]

Telecommuted today so I could sign for the UPS package... what do I end up with? Two right-side trunk lights. :mad:

I called Anthony, he'll send out a left one, with a return slip, I asked for no delivery signature this time, gotta wait for another ground shipment. :rolleyes:

[FenPhen]

I called Anthony, he'll send out a left one, with a return slip, I asked for no delivery signature this time, gotta wait for another ground shipment. :rolleyes:Welp, a third Bekkers package arrived today... :) left-rear trunk light... :thumbup: with a decent-sized chip on the edge of the exterior housing... :eek: missing the actual reverse and tail light unit. :(
:mad: :cry:

[KrisL]

Welp, a third Bekkers package arrived today... :) left-rear trunk light... :thumbup: with a decent-sized chip on the edge of the exterior housing... :eek: missing the actual reverse and tail light unit. :(
:mad: :cry:


Oh man... that sucks!

[FenPhen]

Woo. Got my fourth Bekkers package today with an intact left trunk taillight. :clap:

Installed them tonight, no problems (though, that trunk carpeting is a pain). Everything lookin' good. :thumbup:

Gotta finish detailing and I'll take some pictures this weekend and join the "w00t clears" party 3 weeks late. :p

[RNarang]

is the group buy still going on?

[KrisL]

is the group buy still going on?

Nope, sorry. Closed.