What do you think of the new headlight design???

[tigerirons]

What do you think of the new/improved/unimproved features?

I received my new 330i last week, and since then I’ve put about 800 miles on it...mostly joyriding and loving my new car. I’ve noticed a few changes...some obvious, some not as obvious, and I was wondering what everyone else thinks.
1) New headlight design: The new headlight design makes the car look sleeker and more modern. As soon as I saw the new headlight design, I fell in love with it.
2) New taillight display: I’m undecided about the new taillight. I do like the yellow hazard/lane change marker being in the middle, however I wish they used more of the clear lights, used on the new 5 series models.
3) New Navigation screen: I love the new navigation screen. It’s so much bigger than the old version, and it folds out (probably to compete with the Lexus es300) to show the tape player. The best part about the new screen is that you can now split the screen so that you have a map on one part, and the written directions on the other side. I don’t like that the clicker is found on the passenger side of the display...grr
4) Emergency Brake :I don’t like the placement of the emergency brake. Unlike the much older BMW’s, where the EB was the only part of the center console, the new brake is found under the armrest, where it creates an awkward elbow angle when you reach to pull it up.
5) Rain Sensor: The rain sensor is just awful. I gave it a “shot” driving home the other day. It was drizzling, and I turned the rain sensor to its most sensitive display, and the wipers did not come on until the windshield was completely, and I mean completely covered in water. Are they trying to make us lazier???

Well, thanks for reading and please feel free to add anything you like.

[makoto]

they look weird to me :alien: . it is indeed sleeker, but i think the subtle curves of '01 and before gave it more panache.
i would've opted for that instead except that *bmw* steering feel was lost in the '01 models.

[jinushaun]

It's not as agressive looking like the previous headlamp design.

[tigerirons]

You're entitled to your own opinion.

[martin_t]

I think the new headlight design looks more agressive, especially on the 330i, which has lighter indicator covers as well as a titanium lining of the interior of the headlight.

Rain sensor: I too had terrible problems with it on my '99 320i. It was very erratic in its behavior. I got it replaced, and after that it worked fine. It would seem to me that yours i faulty too, and should be replaced.

Martin

[jyslou]

Lookwise, I prefer the original E46 headlights and grill... IMO, it just fits the intended original design.

Question: A few weeks ago, while in Frankfurt, Germany on b'ness, I saw a 2002 Silver E46 with a small sharkfin-like antenna on the roof. I assume it is the antenna (was on foot as it drove by so could not get a closer look). No other mods I could see so was not a slammed car in any other way. The small fin looked really cool. Has anyone seen one in the states? Is it aftermarket?

[jinushaun]

I think those shark fin antennas are a Euro thing, cuz all my British car mags show the new E46 like that.

[jyslou]

thanks jinushaun.

I think it is done quite tastefully and adds to the aggressive look... making up for the new "eyes".

[bwaters]

I believe that the "sharklike- antenna" on the new 2002 3 Series comes with the optional mobile phone. I first thought that it was for the GPS system until I saw a new 3 equipped with GPS, with no antenna. It must be dealer installed along with the phone!

[bedheadfred]

I have a 2000 3 series and I don't really like the newer 2002 head lamp design, it seems to be an after thought as a opposed to the original design, which seemed to flow better with the rest of the car.

But I hope they have improved the reliability of the head lamp design. I have had 4 light bulbs go out this year alone! 2 head lights and 2 turn signal bulbs.

[tigerirons]

Now that I have gotten used to my car's new kidney grill (2002 model 325/330i (not ci models)) the older models just seem to look way outdated- much the same the an E36 3 series looks archaic, parked next to an E46.

[martin_t]

I found out yesterday that the new taillights can be fitted to previous E46 sedan models, for a modest cost not exceeding what new light covers cost. Parts + labour is $200 + $90 here.

The part is called Face-lift kit taillight assembly. (Since BMW has moved lamps inside the housing, the whole package must be replaced).

Martin

[tigerirons]

That's interesting Martin, I wonder i people are going to switch their headlights. The new headlights sure look more modern, aggressive or not.

[martin_t]

No no, tigerirons, the headlights cannot be replaced, the shape is different. What you can do is replace the headlight linings with a titanium ones, and change to white indicators. This will give the most modern look, which exactly matches that of a 330i model 2001.

Martin

[Stevo]

Hello all,
I came across this forum hoping to get a little help with the installation of my red/clear taillight assembly. I have a '00 328Ci..clears, 19" Lowenharts, stereo...yadayada...So, I just bought these red /clear taillights about a week ago. I planned on putting them in myself, because I enjoy working on my car. When I looked at the rear taillight assembly, I noticed that there is a metal plate that sits on top of the taillights(when viewing from inside trunk). This wouldn't be a problem, but I can only see one bolt that can be removed, and it doesn't seem logical that this one bolt would hold up the metal piece that runs past the taillight to the right side of the trunk. Do any of you guys have any prior experience/knowledge with this? Any help would be appreciated..thanks in advance