My OEM+ M3/4/5 Ownership Progression...

[m3f_suaveflooder]

headlight modifications..


i wanted to keep the OEM projector look with the bright background and pair it with yellow on the high beam. the only thing is, most people who do Xenon upgrades drop in black projectors and yank out the old glass to improve clarity. i was poking around the internet and saw a couple guys simply cut the center of the OEM glass out and retained something very close to OEM looks on the lights. i purchased a 75mm diamond cutting bit and gave it a shot.


not perfect (there was some minor chipping on the back end of the cut out) but i really like how it came out.


i need to replace my highbeam bulb bc its blue....and behind the yellow glass it gives it all a greenish tint during the day..


heres a video of the cutting:


E36 Headlight Modification | Cutting Glass Lens - YouTube


here are some pics:

Does that high beam lense come off? It would be killer if you could just paint the bowl. I used stained glass paint on my E46 (takes one coat only) and loved it. Made it look like yellow chrome. Could be a cool idea for you to clean that up a touch….keeps the same idea, but with more clarity on the headlight highbeam.

[m3f_umichchris]

Does that high beam lense come off? It would be killer if you could just paint the bowl. I used stained glass paint on my E46 (takes one coat only) and loved it. Made it look like yellow chrome. Could be a cool idea for you to clean that up a touch….keeps the same idea, but with more clarity on the headlight highbeam.

yes, this looks much better. im going to revisit it soon and make some updates. i actually plan to swap out this set up lights with another. i want to do a much better projector upgrade which will require significant fabrication so this set will go into another car...



great idea!

[m3f_suaveflooder]

yes, this looks much better. im going to revisit it soon and make some updates. i actually plan to swap out this set up lights with another. i want to do a much better projector upgrade which will require significant fabrication so this set will go into another car...


great idea!

Sick! Can't wait to see it


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[m3f_E60dad]

keep up the good work.

[m3f_umichchris]

updates...





took off the red vinyl wrap...took off & sold the 19" AC Schnitzer wheels as well...but the Black Cosmos Metallic underneath the wrap needed some TLC so I prepped, sanded, primed, painted & clear coat some fresh paint on the front clip...

[m3f_umichchris]

after having 19s....i really wanted something smaller and easier for daily driving...so i took these Style 5s i had in storage for a couple of years and committed myself to a full rebuild/refinish on them.



the gameplan:

- Real BBS Gold & Black Center caps

- Gold Botls

- Gloss Anthracite Centers

- Mirror Polished Lips



I did the full build in my home garage. It wasnt exactly easy, but not impossible either...



Initial breakdown:

















Acidic Paint Remover to get off the old factory clear coat:





Initial clean up before polish:





Genuine Hardware:







Had to take some time with a metal file to get rid of all that nasty curb rash...then differing grits of sand paper to get to the final finish on the lips...



Final Product:







I also dropped the car on a fresh set of coilovers & a set of 15MM spacers in the rear to complete the final look. A bit aggressive/low but still very daily drivable. I love it!













(and yes i know my ambient temp sensor is hanging loose, ive gotta get those brake air ducts back in proper order haha)

[m3f_Prelude Guy]

I was expecting an OE+ build thread when I clicked on this link. I did not get that at the beginning. Looking much better now.

[m3f_Chuck P]

The new wheels look great and so does your car.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

Seriously, the fender roll/pull here doesn't look that bad/non factory.

[m3f_umichchris]

thanks guys!

[m3f_Radmobile]

Wow! Great job on the wheels refurbishing.

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

Always loved style 5's, just wish the offset was better for getting a meaty tire on the e36. I think the cars come a long way and looks great in current form. Glad you sold the 19's lol

[m3f_355gts]

thread had me laughing... started from the caliber painting to the wrap, all to just end up back at what it should have been in the first place


good work OP - i cant wait for my e36M to arrive; they look fairly affordable to tweek here and there.

[m3f_umichchris]

Finally got my custom plates in. The ///M3/4/5 is the daily driver, the ///M5 is my weekend car...


Next up is my E36 ///M3 coupe which is finally back running!


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