a LIGHT matter: 330Ci with Performance Pkg

[uber_3er]

So check this...

http://www.bmwboard.com/gallery/data/502/458bmw_002.jpg?9145

this is a pic of an 04 330ci with Sports Package. Note the clear turn signals. This is a STOCK (unmodified) car.

Now, compare this with the soon to be Performance package on the coupe, as seen in the LA show...
http://www.bmwboard.com/gallery/data/502/2753ciZHP2.JPG?4761

This car will feature amber turn signals at the front and amber LEDs at rear, similar to non-sport package cars right now. WHY?

IMHO this is a BAD move. The look of the amber lights is less sporty than the clear. This is obvious from the facts that- a) it is included by BMW in the Sport Package, and b) that the after market industry for clear lenses is thriving.

So why has BMW chosen the amber lights for the ZHP "HIGH PERFORMANCE" package, the package made for enthuiasts that is supposed to be one step above the sports package?
This is a decision and I would love to hear what BMW's justification for it.

I am in dialog with BMW customer relations who has conveyed my concern about this issue to the powers that be, as I'm sure this decision can still be changed (production doesn't begin till March, and I'm sure the parts bin can spare some clear lenses!!).

I would encourage potential owners of the 330CI ZHP and BMW enthusiasts who agree with me to make their views clear on this issue by replying to this, so if it can still be changed, it will be.

IMHO, this is a marketing decision (amber LEDs don't cost less than clear ones I'm sure!!). I can safely say that along with the bodykit and wheels, the clear turn signals will do nothing but help distinguish ZHP cars from non-ZHP cars and make them more marketable to enthusiasts (again, for whom this car is being made).

Don't make a dumb mistake BMW!

Again, forgive me if you think I'm being anal, or as I like to say, detail oriented- I know I could spend a few hundred bucks and waste a day changing the lights out, but I don't want to have to do it just because someone at BMW didn't listen to the voice of the buyer!!

 

[Section_8]

Only takes 30-45 minutes tops to change out your ambers to clears.

But I see your point, and would agree. If the ZHP package is for the performance/enthusiasts, then clears would seem a good choice to help convey the different package on the car.

More likely it's to stay within legal laws in all 50 states, and everywhere else they sell the car. Clears are legal with amber bulbs (Some states, it doesn't matter, just freaking blink and don't blind), so I dunno, maybe just to stay legal everywhere without having to make changes during production to a few cars going here or there for sale.

Let us know what they say, it's not a big thing, but it's a marketable appearance improvement (imho), I'd like to see it on my future ZHP package..

 

[gbf1lm]

i think they should stick with amber. also it still a 330. they may want to reserve clear lights for the M. like in the 911, the front lights for the turbo look sooo much better than the regular 911.

IMHO, clear lights, when on a color, thats not really a color(white/black/grey/silver . . . . etc) do not look good.

 

[uber_3er]

The clear lenses I'm talking about are currently already available on 330Cis with Sports package (see first photo link), so it is not reallly a question of 'reserve clear lights for the M' or 'it's to stay within legal laws in all 50 states'.

 

[bmwrocks]

Lights are legal as long as the BULBS are amber for turn signals. Lenses can be clear. BMW clears from the factory always have amber bulbs (even LEDs).

 

[Bryan330i]

I think BMW is getting there, making more of the US cars with clear. This seems to be a trend here, GM, Ford, Dodge all seem to be changing.

On the BMW sites for Europe and other countries they show a lot more of the amber lights, and on BMWUSA.com most are clear now. I am sure that they are trying to keep up with US desires but they are not a US company and are trying to balance taste and preferences.

 

[EELADE]

I just came back from the BMW dealer and we looked at the BMW ordering screen and the performance package comes with the clear turn signals. At least that what was shown on the computer screen as of 1/31. Dealer was only willing to take $500 off MSRP. I didn't purchase yet ... you think I can get a better deal? They let me walk out of the dealer. I was thinking like $43,500 with the ZHP, Nav system, Xenon, heated seats and moonroof. Was I delusional thinking I could get it for that price?

 

[DrWho]

Here, in Australia I've already got my '04 330Ci with ZHP package and it comes standard with clear indicator lenses and white LED tail lights. I guess it must be a regional thing.

 

[donmbmw]

I think that that appearance is the deciding factor at car shows. Someone probably thought the amber lenses looked better on that car and so thats what they went with. I've seen alot of cosmetic differences between car show samples and the street version over the years. I kind of like it. It makes the whole experience more interesting, and it sparks interesting threads on the boards. [driving2]

 

[uber_3er]

the performance package comes with the clear turn signals. At least that what was shown on the computer screen as of 1/31.

Have my prayers been answered?! I'm still not 100% convinced, but it seems like the LA show car was not representational of the US spec car.

donmbmw- As someone who works in the auto industry, I think the reality behind why the show car was different to the US spec is more a logistics issue rather than a planned move. After all, this model is not in production yet so the show car was probably 'pieced together' in Germany and rushed over... who knows. What I do know is it's not in an OEM's best interest to misrepresent a production car unless it's unavoidable.

All will be answered soon hopefully- I'll let y'all know when I hear back from someone at BMW who actually knows what they're talking about!!

 

[flashinthepan]

Clears on BMW's look nice,

But-

Man I have seen some pretty wacked out clears on Japanese cars, God awful ugly.

 

[uber_3er]

Ladies and Gents- Case CLOSED. And it's all good- the Performance Package on the coupes WILL feature clear lenses back and front, resembling the Sports Package look

[Breathe collective sigh of relief] Ahhhh [/breath]