Welcome to our BMW Forums

sherpa · 10-15-2008, 11:45 PM

Any reason these shouldn't bolt right into my '86 325es? I know there are some wiring differences, but the guy at my shop says they won't fit in my car. He's more of a nuts and bolts NA OEM guy -- not real savvy (or interested) with euro or aftermarket parts.

k-swiss · 10-16-2008, 12:22 AM

They will bolt in.

DS Rook · 10-16-2008, 08:03 AM

Plugs are different. Thats all. they will bolt in.

Eugene · 10-16-2008, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by DS Rook

Plugs are different. Thats all. they will bolt in.

Unless you currently have sealed beams, then the frames are different.

direction88 · 10-16-2008, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Eugene

Unless you currently have sealed beams, then the frames are different.

+1 The frames are quite different. The 87 and below cars have smaller screw in frames while the 88 and up cars have larger frames with tabs to lock them in place. I wouldn't say it cant be done but I don't believe it is not a direct swap.

sherpa · 10-16-2008, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by direction88

+1 The frames are quite different. The 87 and below cars have smaller screw in frames while the 88 and up cars have larger frames with tabs to lock them in place. I wouldn't say it cant be done but I don't believe it is not a direct swap.

Originally Posted by Eugene

Unless you currently have sealed beams, then the frames are different.

Bingo.... And crap... Sounds like some modification would be necessary. Did they not make smiley headlights for e30's prior to '87? I may be posting these VERY clean units FS if I can't get them in....

k-swiss · 10-16-2008, 11:12 AM

Eurosmileys come in their chassis usually. Unbolt the complete chassis with sealed beams and installation is the reversal of removal. Its that easy..

Cacciatore08 · 10-16-2008, 11:40 AM

I have an 87 and mine fit fine.

I'm not sure what you guys are getting at, but they can swapped right in.

Every good set of Euro lights should have a plastic backing.

Sealed Beams are metal. There's 3 screws and they pop in...

Cacciatore08 · 10-16-2008, 11:42 AM

not the plastic rear housing that carries/ holds the light unit.

sherpa · 10-16-2008, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by k-swiss

Eurosmileys come in their chassis usually. Unbolt the complete chassis with sealed beams and installation is the reversal of removal. Its that easy..

Originally Posted by Cacciatore08

I have an 87 and mine fit fine.

I'm not sure what you guys are getting at, but they can swapped right in.

Every good set of Euro lights should have a plastic backing.

Sealed Beams are metal. There's 3 screws and they pop in...

Thanks guys -- think I get the problem. I suspect my guy was thinking the lamps themselves needed to go into the sealed beam chassis. Will come back and post pics when they're in.

10-15-2008, 11:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
sherpa newbie Name: Adam Joined: Mar 2008 From: Portland, OR Posts: 20 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts	Euro Smiley Headlight Fit Any reason these shouldn't bolt right into my '86 325es? I know there are some wiring differences, but the guy at my shop says they won't fit in my car. He's more of a nuts and bolts NA OEM guy -- not real savvy (or interested) with euro or aftermarket parts.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale: E30 Euro Smiley lights w/plugs + Euro Grilles	Cacciatore08	Classifieds	2	04-11-2009 05:01 PM
For Sale: Euro Headlight Wiring from E30	Cacciatore08	Classifieds	0	04-09-2009 05:34 PM
FS: Euro Headlight wiring	Cacciatore08	Classifieds	4	05-02-2008 08:51 PM
E30 Euro bumper trim price list	Weeman83	BMW Discussions	17	01-31-2008 12:29 PM
FS: Euro smiley ellipsoid & H1 Osram Silverstars	royalflush313	Classifieds	7	10-23-2005 01:37 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate View Forum Leaders Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read

10-16-2008, 12:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
k-swiss Senior Member Name: Kirin Joined: May 2006 From: Kamloopizstan Posts: 1,594 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 5 Times in 4 Posts k-swiss's pictures '07 Volkswagen Rabbit '62 Volkswagen Beetle '89 BMW 325i	They will bolt in.

10-16-2008, 08:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
DS Rook Senior Member Joined: May 2007 From: Northshore Posts: 548 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 2 6 Times in 6 Posts	Plugs are different. Thats all. they will bolt in.

10-16-2008, 11:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
k-swiss Senior Member Name: Kirin Joined: May 2006 From: Kamloopizstan Posts: 1,594 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 5 Times in 4 Posts k-swiss's pictures '07 Volkswagen Rabbit '62 Volkswagen Beetle '89 BMW 325i	Eurosmileys come in their chassis usually. Unbolt the complete chassis with sealed beams and installation is the reversal of removal. Its that easy..

10-16-2008, 11:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
Cacciatore08 Senior Member Joined: May 2007 From: Vancouver Posts: 855 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 5 8 Times in 7 Posts	I have an 87 and mine fit fine. I'm not sure what you guys are getting at, but they can swapped right in. Every good set of Euro lights should have a plastic backing. Sealed Beams are metal. There's 3 screws and they pop in...

10-16-2008, 11:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
Cacciatore08 Senior Member Joined: May 2007 From: Vancouver Posts: 855 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 5 8 Times in 7 Posts	not the plastic rear housing that carries/ holds the light unit.

Welcome to our BMW Forums

Euro Smiley Headlight Fit