Dumb Depo Install Question

[Z Driver]

After over 13 years of ownership, I decided to upgrade my US spec headlights. I purchased a new set of Depos.

I removed my driver’s side US headlight and amber corner as one assembly to install the Depos. I put the amber corner on the Depo light and proceed to install the unit. It was then I noticed that the Depo headlight assemblies are much larger than the plastic US headlights. I also noticed that the tab holding the corner light on the Depos sticks out more than the US lights making it very difficult to detach. I had the use a heat gun help the plastic flex in order to remove the corner from the Depo. I can see how easy it is to break these tabs.

I was able to fit the Depo headlight into the car without the corner attached.

Can the Depo lights be removed from the car with the corners still attached? I may want to convert back to stock or add clear corners one day. My concern is it was extremely difficult to remove the corner light from the Depo on a work bench. I’m not sure if I could have done if it was mounted on the car. I’m hesitant to slide my excellent condition original amber corners in place if future removal will likely involve breaking tabs.

[pbonsalb]

My depo 4s are about 10 years old but I have had them in and out probably 20 times and never broken the tab. I always remove the corner. I have replaced a few corner lights due to broken tabs on the corners.

[rajicase]

I always remove the corners first and then the depos.
I too have had to replace a couple corners due to broken tabs. Why are you so concerned with breaking a tab off a 20 year old corner light? If they break, so what. Buy a new one.. they aren't expensive.

[Z Driver]

Thanks for the confirmation that they need to separated for install and removal.

I always remove the corners first and then the depos.
I too have had to replace a couple corners due to broken tabs. Why are you so concerned with breaking a tab off a 20 year old corner light? If they break, so what. Buy a new one.. they aren't expensive.

My M3 only has 70K miles and has always been garaged, so the original headlights and all the plastic are still in fantastic condition. I was thinking of going to clears anyway and would rather not break my original corners even though new OEM ambers are still available. Now knowing the corners must be removed before the headlights can come out, I'll get some replica clears that I won't be upset about breaking if I change my mind in the future.


I've been looking at the clear light kit linked below from ECS. Anybody have any feedback about the brands sourced in the kit? My goal is to get as close to the OEM BMW look as possible and no OBC codes.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...99403094setkt/

[Braymond141]

I would stop going all in on replica parts and buy OEM Euro. You seem to care about this car, give it what it deserves. Schmiedmann.com carries everything you need at an affordable price. Depo are just not good lights at all. Neither are the other products you’re looking at.

Headlights
https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-e...ct=63121387041

https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-e...ct=63121387042

Rear Coupe Clear Lights (OEM)
https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...2-19-9-403-097

https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...2-19-9-403-098

Front Corner Coupe Clear Lights (OEM)
https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...2-19-9-403-093

https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...2-19-9-403-094

Sidemarkers Clear (1996)
https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...2-19-9-404-392

https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...2-19-9-404-391

[CblockM3]

One of the four 10mm headlight bolts is on the very bottom end of each side under the corner light. You have to remove the corner light to access this bolt.

[JitteryJoe]

I would stop going all in on replica parts and buy OEM Euro. You seem to care about this car, give it what it deserves. Schmiedmann.com carries everything you need at an affordable price. Depo are just not good lights at all. Neither are the other products you’re looking at.

Headlights
https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-e...ct=63121387041

https://old.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-e...ct=63121387042

What additional parts are required to make these work on the USA version (coupe).
I'm thinking of dropping a not-too-subtle hint to my wife seeing as Christmas is right around the corner.
This or a set of wheels.

[Braymond141]

What additional parts are required to make these work on the USA version (coupe).
I'm thinking of dropping a not-too-subtle hint to my wife seeing as Christmas is right around the corner.
This or a set of wheels.

Just a conversion plug harness like any other Euro light. I’d recommend going the extra step and building yours with OEM headlight side connectors (same part numbers as the OBD2 MAF plug) or even better making a permanent conversion to the Euro plug on your OEM harness.