attack eagle
06-22-2007, 09:17 PM
I still need to install the dash cluster indicator bulb to call it "complete" but they are working...
Things I discovered:
It's easy to take out the reverse/fog lightassemblies if you have a 1/4 drive 8mm deep well socket. If not, you have to take the entire inner gate skin off. :(
Tourings use a bulb socket that is not the same as the Sedan... it is the same as an E32 reverse socket.
The contacts are different from those used on a sedan's tailights as well. I managed to make the ones I cannabalized from a set of sedan tailights work after bending them to the new shape. (thanks again BuckNaked for the contacts!!!)
I found it much easier to run a single wire on the right side into the gate (it has the smaller harness) and then parallel the positive leads by running a wire from the right side to the left. These wires I then soldered to the wire leads from the canabalized contacts.
I used the existing ground for the reverse bulbs as the ground for the fog light bulbs. It was a simple matter to tin the wires and solder them together.
I picked up a relay that had a diode already built into it to protect the OEM switch from induced voltage when turned off. This I tucked just to the right of the battery, where it is easy to get to if needed, but out of the way. If you are using a bosch (now tyco) relay, you will want to install your own diode.
Otherwise it's just following directions from www.bmwe34.net.
I was impressed by the light pattern from the rear fogs. It isn't just an extra positioning light, but actually illuminates behind you like the brake lights do.
Crummy pictures, dirty car, busy Dad w/ 2 sick kids working during naptime...
Tommorrow it gets a bath, and maybe better pictures.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/100_1411.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/100_1413.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/100_1414.jpg
Things I discovered:
It's easy to take out the reverse/fog lightassemblies if you have a 1/4 drive 8mm deep well socket. If not, you have to take the entire inner gate skin off. :(
Tourings use a bulb socket that is not the same as the Sedan... it is the same as an E32 reverse socket.
The contacts are different from those used on a sedan's tailights as well. I managed to make the ones I cannabalized from a set of sedan tailights work after bending them to the new shape. (thanks again BuckNaked for the contacts!!!)
I found it much easier to run a single wire on the right side into the gate (it has the smaller harness) and then parallel the positive leads by running a wire from the right side to the left. These wires I then soldered to the wire leads from the canabalized contacts.
I used the existing ground for the reverse bulbs as the ground for the fog light bulbs. It was a simple matter to tin the wires and solder them together.
I picked up a relay that had a diode already built into it to protect the OEM switch from induced voltage when turned off. This I tucked just to the right of the battery, where it is easy to get to if needed, but out of the way. If you are using a bosch (now tyco) relay, you will want to install your own diode.
Otherwise it's just following directions from www.bmwe34.net.
I was impressed by the light pattern from the rear fogs. It isn't just an extra positioning light, but actually illuminates behind you like the brake lights do.
Crummy pictures, dirty car, busy Dad w/ 2 sick kids working during naptime...
Tommorrow it gets a bath, and maybe better pictures.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/100_1411.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/100_1413.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/100_1414.jpg