[eagle94]

Hello everyone, I have spent quite a bit of time researching this on my own, but there is just so much out there, I figured I would place my first post and ask for some assistance.

Basically, this fall I am transferring to Europe for 2-3 years, and I am taking my 2008 328i with me. I have already started doing some of the conversions to comply with European standards, including the light switch for the rear fog light. What I would like to do now is finding a set of tail lights that will comply.

I have found many products for the e90, but I cannot decide on any because I am not certain if there are any specifics I am missing. For example, would the OEM Black Line sold here in the U.S. work? Are there any other ones you guys would recommend? I would prefer Halogen for the amber turn signal, but LED would work too if needed.

Time is running out and I would like to get this going. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[eagle94]

Has anyone here had to do something similar who could point me in the right direction?

[kdbryce]

is it that big a deal? has someone told you this MUST be done?

if not, might be easier to just wait until - if - you get pulled over and just say you didn't know and have it fixed over there

[eagle94]

I believe this is one of the modifications needed for the car to pass inspection, and trying to fix it over there may get more expensive.

[E90Company]

The "euro" tail lights for the Pre-LCI E90 are the same ones you have now, they just use an amber bulb in the turn signals. Many people confuse this with blacklines. If you get OEM blacklines, they will come with amber turn signals and will work fine for Europe.

[eagle94]

But the "euro" tail lights must be clear in order for the amber light to show, while the ones mounted on mine are red. So would any clear/red tail lights out there in the market work?

[BMW_Belgier]

We are a bit difficult concerning cars coming from abroad...

Witch country are you going to? Not every country has the same rules...

What is VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT is that your lights HAVE TO HAVE th ECE sign on it!!! This is very important! Lights (even OEM) without the ECE sign are useless!



E: Europe
1: Stands for Germany

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by eagle94

But the "euro" tail lights must be clear in order for the amber light to show, while the ones mounted on mine are red. So would any clear/red tail lights out there in the market work?

There is a sticky in the cosmetic's section that answers all your questions (scroll down to the bottom, there is info about euro tails):
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34119

The "euro" tails are the US spec housings, just have amber bulbs for the turn signals. They still use the red lense. I would say as long as you have amber turn signals, you are good, but check the laws beforehand.

[eagle94]

Belgier, I will be moving to Belgium. Thank you for pointing out that the lights will have to comply with ECE Regulations. I will take a look online whether it is worth the hassle trying to do this from the U.S., or whether I should just wait until I get there and make sure I replace them with ones that I know will work out. In the meantime, if either you or anyone knows whether I could find the proper lights online, I would greatly appreciate it.

[eagle94]

Thanks a lot, E90Company! I will definitely take a look at it.

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by eagle94

Thanks a lot, E90Company! I will definitely take a look at it.

No problem, like I said just make sure to check with the laws as I am not too familiar with branding/etc that BMW_Belgier mentioned.

[BMW_Belgier]

Originally Posted by eagle94

Belgier, I will be moving to Belgium. Thank you for pointing out that the lights will have to comply with ECE Regulations. I will take a look online whether it is worth the hassle trying to do this from the U.S., or whether I should just wait until I get there and make sure I replace them with ones that I know will work out. In the meantime, if either you or anyone knows whether I could find the proper lights online, I would greatly appreciate it.

I am from Belgium Living in Switzerland

Where are you going to?

Belgium is pretty open for mods

[mump]

When I tapped the wall at Nurburgring with my wife's car, I accidentally bought a "Hella" brand Euro spec taillight. Though still red, it definitely had a lighter amber/red shade where the turn signal was compared to the other US spec light. It only costed 59 euro, so about $75-80. So, worst comes to worst, you can buy those when you are in Europe and it will be less than $200.

[eagle94]

Hey Belgier, I will be moving to Brussels for work. I don't think I will be doing much in terms of mods, only the essential basics of what I know is needed. In the end, based on what everyone has been saying, including mump, it may be worth just waiting until I get there before I go ahead and do any excessive mods here in the US.

Is there anything you guys suggest I should do/buy while I am still here that I will have to do anyway and it may end up costing me less than doing it over there?

[BMW_Belgier]

Originally Posted by eagle94

Hey Belgier, I will be moving to Brussels for work. I don't think I will be doing much in terms of mods, only the essential basics of what I know is needed. In the end, based on what everyone has been saying, including mump, it may be worth just waiting until I get there before I go ahead and do any excessive mods here in the US.

Is there anything you guys suggest I should do/buy while I am still here that I will have to do anyway and it may end up costing me less than doing it over there?

There are some specialised companies that import american cars into Belgium. The cars are much cheaper in the US! That includes parts! I don't know if you already have planned the haul...

I know that you need lights with the ECE sign. I think you can import the car like it is now, without any problems. I just don't know if you are allowed to drive it when it's there... Maybe they will not check, maybe they will give you some time to change, maybe they will not let you drive it...

Be awere that Belgium is not Germany! Two different countries with different rules (partially). Germany is as i know partially more friendly concerning americans (a lot US Army people). It is more commen for them! It will be more easier. Belgians will more push you to comply to their laws because it's not so commen... Do you get what i mean?

I know some rules but i never imported a car into Belgium so i can't and don't want to give you advice about something i don't know... I don't want to BS you! My best guess is to contact 1. The Belgium customs or 2. A belgian company specialised on US import!

If you need help with translation or searching tel numbers, you can always ask! I just don't want to give advice that could cost you money or time...

[Abdullah28]

My E92 is US Spec and I had no problems passing inspection here in Germany. However I'm not too sure if military plays a role in complying with EU vehicle standards.

[BMW_Belgier]

Originally Posted by Abdullah28

My E92 is US Spec and I had no problems passing inspection here in Germany. However I'm not too sure if military plays a role in complying with EU vehicle standards.

+1

That's what i'm trying to say...

[BMW_Belgier]

Any update on this?

[CamelBiscuit]

Originally Posted by Abdullah28

My E92 is US Spec and I had no problems passing inspection here in Germany. However I'm not too sure if military plays a role in complying with EU vehicle standards.

Yes they do.

[kt3130]

IF you are registering the car through the military, it DOES NOT have to comply to european standards (WRT lights, rear fogs, etc...). It just has to pass a basic inspection that will be administered on post.

[CR7]

Blacked out taillights will pass pretty much everywhere in europe, as long as they are factory made that way and have a orange/amber turn signal when you indicate.