[DIY] E36 Underhood Lamp Retrofit (Pics!)

[m3f_Blutarsky]

looks like it.

[m3f_Anubis]

very cool Jeff



hopefully it will help you clean your engine bay hint hint

Heh, it's just so...annoying to clean!

is that a ceramic frog?

Yes, yes it is.

[m3f_mmenefee]

There's a whole retrofit kit for this. I'll have to dig up the part number.



There's also a dedicated engine light switch - http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...61&fg=35&hl=16



Edit: okay, I'm confused by everone's "use the alarm switch" comments, saw you had the dedicated switch

[m3f_Anubis]

There's a whole retrofit kit for this. I'll have to dig up the part number.



There's also a dedicated engine light switch - http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...61&fg=35&hl=16

Yes, however, it's far more expensive than just buying the parts separately as I showed in my first post.



For reference, though:

INSTALLING SET ENGINE ROOM LIGHT 63319401943 $15.60 (from Tischer)

WIRING ENGINE ROOM LAMP 61129401873 $34.30 (from Tischer)



That's $49.90, instead of the $14.77 that I spent. I wouldn't pay $50 for this lamp, but I would pay $15.

[m3f_BealeAss]

That's pretty damn nifty, I might have to do that.

[m3f_Roland H]

Just a heads up Jeff... This is not as easy of a Job on the M3 Sedan. The punchout on the heat shielding is on the drivers side and there is no mounting point on the bottom side of the hood at all on either side so you have to create your own bracket out of something. Still a good mod though.


Might want to add that to your original post. And maybe move the drilling step to after you install the light assembly so people don't drill a hole and then realize they can't install.

[m3f_Shock(/\)ave]

I still can't believe how many of you drag your feet on this modification!



It's cheap, easy and very cool. What's not to like?

[m3f_PurduinaM3]

I just have no use for it :shrugs:


Cool none the less, and if my car came with it, I wouldn't be complaining.

[m3f_Shock(/\)ave]

I just have no use for it :shrugs:

How can you possibly have no use for it? Does your engine bay look like hell or something?

[m3f_PurduinaM3]

My engine bay looks great. However, if I'm working on my car at night, I've got either a shop light or two 1000w halogen lights shining down on it, and if I'm stuck on the road I always carry a 4 cell maglite. :shrugs:

[m3f_Shock(/\)ave]

My engine bay looks great. However, if I'm working on my car at night, I've got either a shop light or two 1000w halogen lights shining down on it, and if I'm stuck on the road I always carry a 4 cell maglite. :shrugs:

You're far better prepared than most, I'll give you that.



This isn't just an emercency light source for roadside emergencies; it's like a little surprise party every time you pop open the hood with the light installed. No car nut should be without one.

[m3f_PurduinaM3]

hahaha, maybe when I'm employed and have more money than I can fathom I'll consider it, but until then its just an unnecessary luxury. Cool none the less, but a luxury.

[m3f_Shock(/\)ave]

hahaha, maybe when I'm employed and have more money than I can fathom I'll consider it, but until then its just an unnecessary luxury. Cool none the less, but a luxury.

If you haven't done it by the time I find my E34 M5 I'll PayPal you the $15. I'll want pictures for my trouble though!

[m3f_PurduinaM3]

You're a good guy Paul, better than most!

[m3f_Roland H]

So, um, if you have an M3 sedan, don't bother with this mod at all unless you have a proper mounting point on the bottom of your hood and not just a hole in the heat shielding. Learn from my mistake...