2004 330i ZHP - Clears Questions

Hi All.

First: Ive searched for clears and spent the last 2 hours reading all the threads. Some very interesting reads. This one did it for me due to the looks:

330i ZHP with clears

Anyway, here are a couple questions I'd like to ask since I've never done a mod like this before. When I say clears im refferring to front, sides and backs.

1) CANADA: Ive seen lots of posts about clears being illegal in the states, but nothing about Canada. Does anyone know? Specifically Ontario?

2) A continuation of above, will Canadian dealers install the clears? What price where you charged?

3) Ive read various posts of people expressing that you shouldnt get non BMW (OEM) clears due to poor fit, condensation, etc. Does this include Bekkers?

4) Could you reccommend any other places that would sell a reliable set at a good price?

5) Does anyone have pics of a Jet Black ZHP sedan with clears (and maybe even a ~35% tint?)

For reference, I have a Jet Black ZHP ordered. On most cars I think the clears look cheap, but the pics Ive seen with the black look just amazing due to the white/dark contrast.

Thanks all!

Bekkers sells OEM clears. They are legal as long as they glow amber.

Originally Posted by Phantasie

3) Ive read various posts of people expressing that you shouldnt get non BMW (OEM) clears due to poor fit, condensation, etc. Does this include Bekkers?

I suppose you get what you pay for.

I ordered the OEM clear side markers from Bekkers. Came quick and fit fine. I also ebayed a Taiwanese replica set for the front corners. Frankly they fit fine and were a quality match for BMW OEM (your opinion may vary but they looked the "same" quality as the amber set of corners I took off. I never had any problems with poor fit, condensation or etc.

'course I no longer have either on since I decided the "clear" look was not for me.

Good luck!

Does anyone have Red ZHP with clears for my viewing??????????

Originally Posted by Soon to be ZHP

Does anyone have Red ZHP with clears for my viewing??????????

It's linked in the first post (underlined).

How easy is it to take out the original amber sides and put in clears?

Also, i've heard that the side marker on the car cannot be taken off because you need to heat it up to take off the glue and then glue it back on. Is this true?

The installation for everything was very easy. The side markers come off easily if you use a credit card. Just use the DIY's from http://www.my330i.com/garage.php

Originally Posted by Solid

The installation for everything was very easy. The side markers come off easily if you use a credit card. Just use the DIY's from http://www.my330i.com/garage.php

I just pushed in and forward with my bare fingers, didn't have to use a screwdriver or credit card. Easy.

Yeah, really easy. I bought an OEM set from bekkers (along with my Rondell wheels). Took ten minutes to do the front and sides; maybe 30 minutes to do the rears. I also purchased four Philips Silvervision bulbs to replace the amber bulbs. The new rear clears came complete with bulbs, so I now have about 20 extra bulbs!

Phantasie,

If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay for your ZHP? & Specifically what options did you get?

I'm from Toronto and have just started pricing/looking around... just dont want to get taken for a ride.

Thanks!

I dont have the invoice infront of me, however -
MSRP was 53,850 or so
I got ~$1500.00 off that
Plus taxes + freight ($500) + misc crap (couple 100 at most).
Final was low 60's with tax (basically a F of a lot of money imo, but im sure it will be worth it :-) )/

I didnt add any options, as I was already over what I wanted to spend. Had I added options, NAV would have been first choice, followed by power seats.

At the time I was happy with 1500 discount, however I found recently there is a dealer incentive ($2000'ish) in the states which I would assume is here as well - if that is the case then maybe I didnt do so well :-).

Edit: One thing I didnt notice was inconsitiency between freight charges. One dealer quoted me $1695 for freight, while another was only $500. Unless I missed something, it seems to me that was being used as a way to bolster profit.

Originally Posted by routesixtysixer

Yeah, really easy. I bought an OEM set from bekkers (along with my Rondell wheels). Took ten minutes to do the front and sides; maybe 30 minutes to do the rears. I also purchased four Philips Silvervision bulbs to replace the amber bulbs. The new rear clears came complete with bulbs, so I now have about 20 extra bulbs!

I have a new 330cic with Sport Package so I got the clears. Does anyone know if I can put Philips Silvervision bulbs in the front to replace the OEM amber bulbs? I've done a search, but I want to confirm that I can replace the bulbs in a 2004 without causing damage.

Originally Posted by Solid

Bekkers sells OEM clears. They are legal as long as they glow amber.

Not true on sedans... The clears do not have the amber reflector in them.


There needs to be an amber reflector, and in the sedan, it is in the front turn signal. On the coupe it is on the bumper

Originally Posted by MA330CIC

I have a new 330cic with Sport Package so I got the clears. Does anyone know if I can put Philips Silvervision bulbs in the front to replace the OEM amber bulbs? I've done a search, but I want to confirm that I can replace the bulbs in a 2004 without causing damage.

Im sure there has to be a way to replace the light. I would look for a way to get behind the housing. You might want to ask the dealer if there is a way to replace this bulb. Im sure there has to be.

Originally Posted by ajt819

Im sure there has to be a way to replace the light. I would look for a way to get behind the housing. You might want to ask the dealer if there is a way to replace this bulb. Im sure there has to be.

Bentley Manual?

Originally Posted by Fzara2000

How easy is it to take out the original amber sides and put in clears?

Also, i've heard that the side marker on the car cannot be taken off because you need to heat it up to take off the glue and then glue it back on. Is this true?

No, it's like a 10 second job. Just push a credit card underneath the rear end and gently push towards the front of the car.

Originally Posted by Phantasie

I dont have the invoice infront of me, however -
MSRP was 53,850 or so
I got ~$1500.00 off that
Plus taxes + freight ($500) + misc crap (couple 100 at most).
Final was low 60's with tax (basically a F of a lot of money imo, but im sure it will be worth it :-) )/

I didnt add any options, as I was already over what I wanted to spend. Had I added options, NAV would have been first choice, followed by power seats.

At the time I was happy with 1500 discount, however I found recently there is a dealer incentive ($2000'ish) in the states which I would assume is here as well - if that is the case then maybe I didnt do so well :-).

Edit: One thing I didnt notice was inconsitiency between freight charges. One dealer quoted me $1695 for freight, while another was only $500. Unless I missed something, it seems to me that was being used as a way to bolster profit.

Phantasie,

Thanks again for the info. The only option I'd think about getting is the leather seats because I'm not sure that I like the alacantara/cloth seats very much. (and how will the cloth wear over time...)

Also: The part that's worrying me about the Alacantara steering wheel is that, over time, won't sweaty hands start to stain the steering wheel? I'm still trying to get more info on that. What do you think?

anyways - thanks again for the info Congrats on the purchase, when do you pick her up?

Originally Posted by 'SoN

Also: The part that's worrying me about the Alacantara steering wheel is that, over time, won't sweaty hands start to stain the steering wheel? I'm still trying to get more info on that. What do you think?

I've only had the Alcantara steering wheel for 2,000 miles, and so far, no problems or unusual wear. I usually have clean hands when I drive. I think (I might be mistaken) that some have had their [alcantara] steering wheel replaced if they've worn out, and even been able to pay the difference to get the M3 steering wheel as the replacement.

I did opt for leather seats, though.

If you dont mind me asking, how do clears look on the SG (silver gray) E46 3-series sedans? Does anyone have any pictures of it?


I've tried a search but it doesnt like boolean very well.

Originally Posted by SoN][c

Thanks again for the info. The only option I'd think about getting is the leather seats because I'm not sure that I like the alacantara/cloth seats very much. (and how will the cloth wear over time...)

I wanted leather all along. My original plan was a 325 with leather, etc. However once I saw the ZHP, I was sold - I like to drive a car thats a bit different from the rest. The ZHP coupled with the Alcantara allowed for that so I went for it without even seeing the interior in person. However lots of people on the board say they love it, plus pics look great. Will have to see, its just another thing thats driving me nuts while waiting for this car to come :P

Originally Posted by SoN][c

Also: The part that's worrying me about the Alacantara steering wheel is that, over time, won't sweaty hands start to stain the steering wheel? I'm still trying to get more info on that. What do you think?

anyways - thanks again for the info Congrats on the purchase, when do you pick her up?

Yes, I wondered the same thing. It looks like it would wear easily. If thats true, I dont know - will have to see.

I ordered the car early May, and I pick it up 3rd week of June (so I would assume its coming off the line/ put on boat right about now?)

Originally Posted by SoN][c

Phantasie,

Thanks again for the info. The only option I'd think about getting is the leather seats because I'm not sure that I like the alacantara/cloth seats very much. (and how will the cloth wear over time...)

Also: The part that's worrying me about the Alacantara steering wheel is that, over time, won't sweaty hands start to stain the steering wheel? I'm still trying to get more info on that. What do you think?

anyways - thanks again for the info Congrats on the purchase, when do you pick her up?

All you ever wanted to know about Alcantara:

http://www.alcantara.it/english/auto...automotive.htm

I have it on my ZHP and really like it. Especially when it's 90+ degrees out; the leather on my wife's car gets way too hot.

Originally Posted by demenas

I've only had the Alcantara steering wheel for 2,000 miles, and so far, no problems or unusual wear. I usually have clean hands when I drive. I think (I might be mistaken) that some have had their [alcantara] steering wheel replaced if they've worn out, and even been able to pay the difference to get the M3 steering wheel as the replacement.

I did opt for leather seats, though.

Hrm, interesting. Is it covered by warranty?

Originally Posted by Phantasie

I wanted leather all along. My original plan was a 325 with leather, etc. However once I saw the ZHP, I was sold - I like to drive a car thats a bit different from the rest. The ZHP coupled with the Alcantara allowed for that so I went for it without even seeing the interior in person. However lots of people on the board say they love it, plus pics look great. Will have to see, its just another thing thats driving me nuts while waiting for this car to come :P



Yes, I wondered the same thing. It looks like it would wear easily. If thats true, I dont know - will have to see.

I ordered the car early May, and I pick it up 3rd week of June (so I would assume its coming off the line/ put on boat right about now?)

Well, i'd be really interested to know what you think when you get the car. YOu must be dying of anticipation!

Originally Posted by Hou330izhp

All you ever wanted to know about Alcantara:

http://www.alcantara.it/english/auto...automotive.htm

I have it on my ZHP and really like it. Especially when it's 90+ degrees out; the leather on my wife's car gets way too hot.

Cool, thanks for the link Hou330izhp!

Originally Posted by Phantasie

1) CANADA: Ive seen lots of posts about clears being illegal in the states, but nothing about Canada. Does anyone know? Specifically Ontario?

Can't speak for Canada. Clears are not illegal in the US -- many cars are sold stock with clear lenses on light modules. However, the light must be amber. White, blue, etc. signal lights are illegal. This is why there is a healthy market for partial-silver coated amber bulbs to eliminate the "egg yolk" effect of amber bulbs in clear lens housings.

Originally Posted by Phantasie

2) A continuation of above, will Canadian dealers install the clears? What price where you charged?

I have no doubt that Canadian dealers will do the install. I don't know the actual price, but with parts and labor it will probably come to something between $400-500 US. However, the install really is pretty straightforward, so you really can do it yourself. Especially the front and side markers. With the help of a friend, the rears are not difficult either, based on IndyMike's description (this all came a shock to me... they must have radically changed the design since '01; doing the rears on my '01 330cic was a one-person piece of cake). I'd strongly urge you to consider doing it yourself... it's a great bonding experience with your car.

Originally Posted by Phantasie

3) Ive read various posts of people expressing that you shouldnt get non BMW (OEM) clears due to poor fit, condensation, etc.

Good advice.