E36 lights adjusting

[Blinn]

Does anybody know if it is possible to convert lhd lights to rhd? I know that some Bmw models (e34, e39) it is possible. You have to remove one cap behind the light and then you can turn a lever and choose if you want the beam to be suitable for rhd or lhd traffic. But is it possible to do the same with e36 lights?

[4rephill]

To change the headlights on an E36 from RHD to LHD (and vica versa), you have to change both headlight assemblies as complete units because the beam pattern on the internal glass lenses are designed to be market specific (for either RHD or LHD markets).

Later BMW's can use the lever system to change between RHD and LHD because their internal lenses are a different design.

[Blinn]

Are you 100% sure, as I have read from numerous forums that you can do that with E36? Either way I have to remove the light to check it or to replace with another lights.

[4rephill]

Blinn said:

Are you 100% sure, as I have read from numerous forums that you can do that with E36? Either way I have to remove the light to check it or to replace with another lights.

I will guarantee you that there is no lever on the back of the headlights to swap from RHD to LHD on an E36, they are pre-set for whichever market (LHD or RHD), the car was ordered for. The direction of beam is set by the internal glass lenses.

BMW's part No.s for their headlights are:

RHD > Bosch:

LEFT: 631 283 630 83
RIGHT: 631283 630 84

RHD > ZKW: NOT AVAILABLE



LHD > Bosch:

LEFT: 631 283 634 93
RIGHT: 631 283 634 94

LHD > ZKW:

LEFT: 631 283 634 95
RIGHT: 631 283 634 96

If all you have to do is slide a lever on the back of the headlight unit, why did BMW specify 6 different part numbers?

[vsonix]

There's no simple switch on the standard E36 units although you could use the alignment settings to achieve a similar end, from what I have read. Using the auto-levelling and dipping the lights to their lowest setting seems to keep French drivers happy - I've just got back from France and I went from driving with converters on and lamps set normal height = flashes from oncoming drivers to converters off, dipped lamps = no flashes and more light overall. However, the letter of the law states that all UK cars must have external converters fitted, there doesn't seem to be any provision for headlights that can be adjusted to produce the correct pattern anyway so even if you did have the option to flick a switch, technically you'd need a bit of gaffer tape or something stuck on somewhere just to appease regulations...

I get the feeling that once you're away from, say, Calais area and a hundred miles or so into France that Les Flics are unlikely to check/take any action unless they are reprimanding you for something else i.e. speeding etc.