DIY: Z3 Fog Light Glare Gaurd Removal

[Ghery]

I removed the glare gaurds from my fog lights and it was surprisingly easy. On the easy a dremel was involved, on this it's just a clip.

Left one done and right one stock (sorry, it's daytime and not that easy to tell in pics, but left is a lot brighter):



To start, simply pop off the black cover next to the fogs with a flat head and remove the 2 screws.

Pull back fog a bit and disconnect the connector


Pop back the metal clip and open the fog light



Squeeze the metal clip and remove bulb w/ rear cover


Pop open the white clip from both sides w/ a flathead and remove it


Carefully remove the inside part, it will come right out


Remove the metal clip carefully. I used my hands, you can put a screw driver inside and pop it out


Slide the gaurd out


Insert the inside back in w/ the white clip


How it looks on:




Gaurds:





Well, I was a bit bored. Hope this helps someone. The fogs are MUCH brighter. I have mine aimed really low so no negative effects.


-Gary

[BimmerBoyZ3]

Nice, I always wondered why they were soo dull, just never investigated.

[robrez]

Good right up. Now if there was a DIY way to keep the fogs and add brake cooling ducts back there

[Bavarian_6shot]

Adding this to my hand fetish collection.

[Ghery]

Adding this to my hand fetish collection.

I can PM you more. Feet too.

[6i9]

I can PM you more. Feet too.

[osborni]

You know, they call it a "glare guard" for a reason - it's so you don't blind oncoming traffic.

[Ghery]

You know, they call it a "glare guard" for a reason - it's so you don't blind oncoming traffic.

Read the first post.

I aimed them really low since I don't want the yellow to blend, so it's not blinding anyone.

The only way they would blind anyone is if I pointed them at an upward sloping angel, which I don't think you can on these.

[osborni]

And the fogs on Chevy pickups are aimed down too - but still blind me.

[Ghery]

And the fogs on Chevy pickups are aimed down too - but still blind me.

Uhhhh.... ok

You do realize mine are a few inches off the ground compared to the Chevy's behind higher than your windows.

[Hugo]

So why did you do this again?

[///MDex]

So why did you do this again?

To cut that nasty SoCal fog......

[6i9]

So why did you do this again?

The same reason anyone does any mods. To satisfy the need to change something on the car.

Looks like it turned out well, and I for one can appreciate lighting work. The cutoff line is also very low which should minimalize any glare problems. The only time I can imagine it causing trouble is if you're cresting a hill or something and that'd be for a split second. Good job Gary

[Ghery]

So why did you do this again?

E36 owner, what are you doing here?








The fogs are really dim stock. More light is always better.

[Ghery]

[///MDex]

I saw your glare in NC last night. Damn.

[jac389psu]

Doing mine now... Passenger side is done, driver's side almost. My fogs didn't come with that nice white clip to remove the inner reflective housing. So I resorted to a hair dryer to soften up the plastic, and using my fingers to pry the side of the inner housing that has only one knob on it from the black clamping posts that were holding it in. Afterwards, I just slipped the black glare guard out from the opening this created, I never took the inner housing 100% out.

Hurts the fingers, but it worked And it's not like I'll be redo'ing the mod.

As a side note, maybe I'm the first one to realize it, but I think the middle screw on the side of the fog light is for aiming. I tried for about 5min to unscrew it, thinking it would help me disassemble the light To no avail... heh And now that I put it back, I think it helps aim the light, haven't tested that for sure yet though.

[mharrison]

I know on Lincoln LS's if you do this, the lenses get blistered right in front of the bulb after a while.....

Just an FYI....

[bimmerZ5]

I know on Lincoln LS's if you do this, the lenses get blistered right in front of the bulb after a while.....

Just an FYI....

the front lense is glass; so it would take some pretty hot temperatures to cause damage to the lense.

also, that middle screw is for adjustment; leave it alone if you're happy with the aim.

[mharrison]

the front lense is glass; so it would take some pretty hot temperatures to cause damage to the lense.

Cool. I can't imagine the glass would blister!

The Lincoln LS has a plastic lense, yet another reason I want a 5-series instead of the Lincoln LS!

[drainplug]

And the fogs on Chevy pickups are aimed down too - but still blind me.

True, but then you need a step ladder to get into the Chevy PU.

[bird67]

As a side note, maybe I'm the first one to realize it, but I think the middle screw on the side of the fog light is for aiming.

Does anyone know if this is true? I was going to post a question about how to aim my fog lights, I tried Bentley and it doesn't say anything about it.

[Ghery]

Yes, middle screw aims the fogs.

Try it, takes 30 seconds.

[Scott Digital]

I don't know about you guys, but, on my E36, I have had nothing but trouble with fog lights.

1st the factory lights cracked, then I went with Depo's ,and they had so much condensation inside, that they would burn out the bulbs, then I bought ZKW, yellow fog lights, and those also suck the water in and mess up the bulbs.

Is that just an E36 thing or have you guys experienced the same thing with the Coupes and Rodies???

[jac389psu]

No problems at all here