Black E36 Coupe-Amber Dilemma

[m3f_M3NTALMYZ]

I’ve done several searches & still can’t seem to come to a resolution on how to go about my amber lense dilemma.

To begin with, I despise the amber lenses I have & they really need to GO.

I’ve spent countless hours online & found many google images of cars with smoked clear lenses but don’t have any insight as to whether the lenses were purchased smoked, or modified to smoked using VHT nightshade spray or Lamin-X.



Could some of you post pics of your rides with smoked lenses & advise which method you used to get them smoked?

If you purchased smoked lenses, I’d appreciate if you included where you purchased them from.

It doesn’t really matter the color of your car but I’m eager to see dark colored cars with smoked lenses.

I personally feel the clears “stand out” too much on a black car.



Thus far, I been looking at Koalty, Bimmian, DDM but I have no idea of quality of the lenses they sell.

Also, its quiet difficult to judge how dark/light the lenses really are.

[m3f_Sammyzuko]

I have a full set of smoked lights for my sedan. Not sure who makes them, but they are complete junk. I installed a side marker and front corner before I said f-this. They are the definition of poor fit (bad alignment, loose fit) and finish (rubber trim on the lights falling apart as I was installing them).


Tinting factory clear lights might be the way to go.


I personally like ambers on Cosmos. When done right it adds a nice pop to a black M3.

[m3f_M3NTALMYZ]

Tinting factory clear lights might be the way to go.



I personally like ambers on Cosmos. When done right it adds a nice pop to a black M3.

What do u mean by "when done right"



I fully agree with u on fitment issues. That would drive me MAD

[m3f_Sammyzuko]

What do u mean by "when done right"

I probably should've left the "when done right" part out. I simply meant to say that on a black e36 ambers can sometimes enhance the look by adding a bit of color. I actually like the looks of the three main corner light options pretty much equally(amber, clear, smoked). Blacked out corner lights however don't look good imo (some people refer to them as smoked). In the end it all comes down to personal preference.

[m3f_scoobiedoo2029]

i never had ambers i had oem clears and i found them much too bright,they looked good at some angles but at others they looked like flashlights pointing at you. went to smoked ones, i found a set of turns and sidemarkers and the "smoked" bulbs for like $40 on ebay. they look good. i think about going ambers, i wont go back to clears though

[m3f_M3NTALMYZ]

Sammyzuko.

I know what you mean by blacked out not looking good.

I also don't dig that look.

I'm looking for a light smoked look something like what scoobiedoo has.


Scoobiedoo.

Do you recall the ebay seller?

Did you have any fitment issues with the lenses?

Do you have any pics of your car parked out in better light?

Also, did you do the rear lenses as well?

Wouldn't mind seeing a pic of those too

[m3f_cscat87]

Grab them from Khoalty. I got my headlights, corners, and taillights from them. No complaints about fitment or quality. They have smoked ones as well. Good luck

[m3f_scoobiedoo2029]

Sammyzuko.

I know what you mean by blacked out not looking good.

I also don't dig that look.

I'm looking for a light smoked look something like what scoobiedoo has.



Scoobiedoo.

Do you recall the ebay seller?

Did you have any fitment issues with the lenses?

Do you have any pics of your car parked out in better light?

Also, did you do the rear lenses as well?

Wouldn't mind seeing a pic of those too

i dont really have pics of any thing but car parts apparently. i did not do smoked tails, i still have clears. they match very well as the turns arnt to dark the smoked rears dont really appeal to me much, but it does bug me they dont match perfect front to rear, i think i found the least of all evils though with what i have.



went through my ebay and the guys listing is still up, they fit perfect the only part that wasnt up to par was the side marker gaskets. the rubber was a bit soft and hard to get seated perfectly. i would have reused the stock ones if i didnt trash them... ive had these for over a year now





http://www.ebay.com/itm/DEPO-97-99-B...afbad1&vxp=mtr

[m3f_kaiv]

What's wrong with ambers on Cosmos again ?!











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[m3f_krumyilingy]

They have smoked ones as well. Good luck

[m3f_Sammyzuko]

That ebay listing looks like the set I bought. You really have to see them in person to notice the differences between them and OE lights. It's not a huge investment to try them and see if they meet your standards. I wish there was a OE quality smoked option as they match the look of our headlights well.

[m3f_Dr. DC2]

What's wrong with ambers on Cosmos again ?!

I've always preferred the clear "euro" lights on these cars, especially in black. However, your M3 looks outstanding. (I feel like it has to do something with the lack of tint)



Great photo and beautiful coupe! I still want clear lights all around but damn.



Since we're on the subject, does anyone have experience with Turnermotorsports vs. Khoalty?



Khoalty claims they're lights are DEPO and Turnermotorsports say "OE" but they're not official OEM BMW?



Sorry, I hope its alright to thread jack.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

What's wrong with ambers on Cosmos again ?!

Nothing!







They now don my M3, where it's almost mandatory as clears look lost on AW.

[m3f_W///]

What's wrong with ambers on Cosmos again ?!





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Love your car Kaiv. I've followed every single one of your cars, and just made the jump into an E36 myself.



IMHO, I actually really like the ambers. Provides a great contrast





FYI, I had Umnitza taillights on my E46 a few years ago and was far from impressed.

[m3f_anarekist]

i like ambers on the darker color cars.