Just bought an E31

[adamtaylorfsu37]

New 1st E31 owner here. I've always lusted after this car as a kid and super excited to have it delivered on Monday.

See some of the Pics below and the link to the auction at Bring a Trailer. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-bmw-850i-17/

Im thinking of replacing the front lights to something more modern without it look ricer. Any suggestions? These look interesting https://youtu.be/hnviMYUsN58

Mostly just want to modernize the front 1992_bmw_850i_1577713684059dbfDSC_0439_2.jpg1992_bmw_850i_15776429879ed5cb1de8eb1DSC_0455_2.jpg1992_bmw_850i_1577589029fd3ba8d1539d5a88dDSC_0515-620x413.jpg

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[WildKarrde]

Congratz! Beautiful car, I missed that auction somehow!

[TxGR8White]

Welcome.

There really isn’t a good way to “modernize” the front. You already have the sport spoiler on there. Only upgrades would be the lightbulbs. If that still isn’t “modern” enough for you, then you maybe should have purchased a newer car. Part of the beauty of the E31 IS the front end (pop-up headlights aren’t gone forever). Enjoy the beautiful example you have, if it hasn’t already, it WILL grow on you, especially if you are constantly asked questions about it when you take it out.

*The LED “upgrade” in that YouTube video is atrocious and poorly executed. You do realize that those are only flash-to-pass lights when the light pods are closed? Common misconception that these are fog lights - they’re not.

While you’re at it, please take a moment to join the E31 Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America.
www.bmwccae31.com

[adamtaylorfsu37]

Thanks for the info. I absolutely love the design but would like the change the amber side lenses to something that matches the ftp and turn signals. Maybe a 1 piece unit or clear lenses that match the rest.

I do not want to touch the pop up lights as those are one of my favorite features.

I'll join the club, thanks for the info.

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[mbarrett635]

Don’t know about clear lenses, but you can get euro FTP lenses that have smoked turn signal lenses. The dark gray would look good on a silver car.


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[adamtaylorfsu37]

Don’t know about clear lenses, but you can get euro FTP lenses that have smoked turn signal lenses. The dark gray would look good on a silver car.


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Great! Any idea of where I can find those? Link?

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[olinjohnston]

If you want a modern look, why buy a 30 year old car?

Once it gets delivered, you'll find out after a few weeks what needs to be replaced first...

[adamtaylorfsu37]

I have a new 650i gran coupe as a daily which I consider modern

I want a more modernism for the front lights. I don't think changing the amber lenses to clear is sacrificing The Design of this classic. I understood what I bought, just want to make it mine

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[426 elephant]

Beautiful car. Congrats. I just bought mine off BAT last November.

[mbarrett635]

I have a new 650i gran coupe as a daily which I consider modern

I want a more modernism for the front lights. I don't think changing the amber lenses to clear is sacrificing The Design of this classic. I understood what I bought, just want to make it mine

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I always say it’s your car, do what you want with it. However, good luck figuring out how to change those lenses to clear. First of all, they are part of the complete FTP unit. It’s not like some three series where you have 15 different Chinese aftermarket parts available for it. You’re going to have to custom make clear lenses. Not sure if you have the resources to do that but if you do good luck.


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[Amo3686]

Welcome to 8 ownership. Personally I think the beauty of the E31 is its timeless design. It's an old car but somehow to me it has a futuristic look, even now. As mentioned above, the smoked lights on the European cars are nice, which I have since mine is a UK Individual spec.

[rogbmw]

Look into the euro FTP strips. The smoked lenses look great on a silver car. I just recently got a set out of europe. Cost for a pair delivered runs between 800-900. If you are interested I can get you the information. PM me. You can see what they look like on a silver car --just search for Alpina restoration I did and you can see what they look like.

[rogbmw]

IMG_5594_zps29160e02.jpg

Here is a picture

[Belgiumbarry]

imho, if you have some budget left , i would change those ricer wheels for a oem set as M Parallels...... those look overkill on a E31 .

[CD05001CIA]

If you want a modern look, why buy a 30 year old car? ..

Once it gets delivered, you'll find out after a few weeks what needs to be replaced first...

a ha ha he ha he ha hummm ....

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I don't recommend that you muss with the headlights. Just fix what you have if broken. They're really good when adjusted properly. Period

[CD05001CIA]

IMG_5594_zps29160e02.jpg

Here is a picture

fk ! ( O O ) 20200109_223911.jpg

[72tpik5]

imho, if you have some budget left , i would change those ricer wheels for a oem set as M Parallels...... those look overkill on a E31 .

Because every 8 has to have MPars. Seriously.....

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Beautiful car. Make it your own and enjoy it.

[bdiefAZ]

The car looks great, Enjoy it by driving it!

[TedBobo]

The car looks great, Enjoy it by driving it!

Ditto!

[rjjablo]

I put 7K miles on mine last year. Enjoy it by driving it