No wonder they're on sale at Bimmian..

Just a word of caution. The clear side indicators on special at Bimmian are very delicate.

To install then you must insert the housings back int the cutout on the side of your car (where you removed the original OEM ones) and carefully push down and in while sliding to the right in order to ddepress the 'V' shaped latch that would hold the housng in place (also see the walk-through at Bimmian's site). This is where there is a problem. The 'V' latch on the OE indicator housing is made of metal- springy and durable. The one from Bimmian is made of cheap plastic and snaps off easily (as did mine). If this latch breaks, the unit is useless.

Now I was extremely careful mainly because I didn't want to risk scratching the paint as I slid the housing in (I build and mod PC's as a hobby, so I do have a good understanding when to be gentle when installing parts). It didn't take much to break off the clip. Honestly, I don't know how installing this is even possible because it will ultimately take some force to depress the clip enough to pop the indicator back in. I only got about half way in before it snaped.

This is in no way a comment on Bimmian's products as the other item I ordered from them is trouble free (interior xenon bulb set) and I have yet to see how they'll handle my request for a return. I'm sure I'll even order from them again. Just thought I'd put out the warning based on my experience.

Avoid Bimmian.

I've had good luck with some items, and bad luck with others.

Originally Posted by hecklerz

I have yet to see how they'll handle my request for a return.

Do a search on this site for "bimmian"

Good luck.

The side markers from Bekkers have metal spring clips rather than the plastic ones you get from Bimmian. (At least they did when I got my set of clear side markers about a year ago).

Originally Posted by hecklerz

Just a word of caution. The clear side indicators on special at Bimmian are very delicate.

To install then you must insert the housings back int the cutout on the side of your car (where you removed the original OEM ones) and carefully push down and in while sliding to the right in order to ddepress the 'V' shaped latch that would hold the housng in place (also see the walk-through at Bimmian's site). This is where there is a problem. The 'V' latch on the OE indicator housing is made of metal- springy and durable. The one from Bimmian is made of cheap plastic and snaps off easily (as did mine). If this latch breaks, the unit is useless.

Now I was extremely careful mainly because I didn't want to risk scratching the paint as I slid the housing in (I build and mod PC's as a hobby, so I do have a good understanding when to be gentle when installing parts). It didn't take much to break off the clip. Honestly, I don't know how installing this is even possible because it will ultimately take some force to depress the clip enough to pop the indicator back in. I only got about half way in before it snaped.

This is in no way a comment on Bimmian's products as the other item I ordered from them is trouble free (interior xenon bulb set) and I have yet to see how they'll handle my request for a return. I'm sure I'll even order from them again. Just thought I'd put out the warning based on my experience.

Been there bro - go OEM, you won't regret it. I got OEM clear side markers for ~ $36/pair after dealing with the same crap you did.

customer service was excellent and returns/exchanges were handled professionally.
i would definitely buy from them again.

Did you go through Mike at ModBargains.com, or directly through Bimmian? I got a bunch of stuff from them through Mike; ModBargains is a board sponsor. He was very attentive and I had great results wilth the products, although I did not get the clears that you had trouble with. I would highly recommend buying through him. I'm sure he will work with you if you did.

--J.

Originally Posted by JonathanIT

Did you go through Mike at ModBargains.com, or directly through Bimmian? I got a bunch of stuff from them through Mike; ModBargains is a board sponsor. He was very attentive and I had great results wilth the products, although I did not get the clears that you had trouble with. I would highly recommend buying through him. I'm sure he will work with you if you did.
--J.

These side markers were straight from Bimmian, the interior xenons I got through Modbargains.

Been there bro - go OEM, you won't regret it. I got OEM clear side markers for ~ $36/pair after dealing with the same crap you did

I'm headed to the dealer in about 15 minutes to get my stereo fade fixed. I'll look into the OEM clears while I wait.

To the rest of the posts- Thanks for the advice and info! I'll be doing a lot more background searches and less impulse purchasing in the future

Originally Posted by mhiggi02

Been there bro - go OEM, you won't regret it. I got OEM clear side markers for ~ $36/pair after dealing with the same crap you did.

I read at e46fanatics that BMWNA no longer allows dealers to sell the OEM clears .

Where did you buy yours?

http://www.bekkers.com/Merchant2/mer...y_Code=blights

http://www.bavauto.com/

Originally Posted by Eduardo

I read at e46fanatics that BMWNA no longer allows dealers to sell the OEM clears .

Where did you buy yours?

I'm trying to organize a group buy with Bekkers for sedan clears right now...
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85517

Originally Posted by Eduardo

I read at e46fanatics that BMWNA no longer allows dealers to sell the OEM clears .

Where did you buy yours?

My dealer, The Imported Car Store in Melbourne, FL, ordered them for me.

http://www.bmwinmelbourne.com/en_US/

See the parts & service tab - there's an online form. Good luck.