Re: What is the fascination with "clear directiona (archive)

what is the fascination with "clear directionals"? Do these actually come standard in "Euro" model vehicles? I traveled all over Western Europe and I cannot recall seeing them on cars in any great number.

Actually, I thought that they came on newer BMWs. I thought I remembered hearing that BMW NA was contemplating making a new option: selecting clear turn signals. I could be wrong, though, so don't quote me on that. I just heard it through the grapevine; that's all.

Besides...isn't this ILLEGAL in the U.S.?

It could be just plum legal in some areas, but I believe the majority of the country just requires a red- or orange-colored light to be emitted from your directionals. There are several ways you can go about this: a) the stock way of using clear bulb behind amber plastic/glass and b) using orange bulb behind clear plastic/glass. Either way will work as far as being legal, but will the clear covering show the light as well as the stock way? Absolutely not, but it still shows it some how.

Or, is this simply an extension of the poseur phenomenon that is so nauseatingly prevalent on U.S. roads today? Why trick-out every possible facet of your vehicle in hopes of looking, sounding or otherwise trying to be cool?

Just as some people (the Honda guys, in particular) try to "rice-out" their cars to make them look more, ummm Japanese or something?, we, as Bimmer guys strive to have that "Euro look." People, in general, are never satisfied with what they have, especially if it's what the other guy has. Why else do you think Euro cars are so desirable? a) not many people have them and b) it's just SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Not everyone performs visual mods to their cars just because they believe it will elevate them in society, believe it or not.

In all liklihood it will not increase one's chances of getting laid.

Point well-made, but I seriously doubt this is the prime reason that many people choose to do this.

I am a proponent of the "to each his own" maximum but is it really that necessary to set yourself apart from all of the other guys/gals driving the same model vehicle?

I love that saying (maxim), and I'm with you on that part. But, as far as people wanting to be different, see what I wrote above about people not being satisfied with what they have and wanting change.

I say all of the above to say this...I guess I'm just a fan of the stock (or sleeper) look for BMWs (and other euro marques).

To each his own

I simply pray that the whole "riceboy" phenomenon does not trickle down to BMWs or other German marques.

With my personal tastes, I pray that too, but I believe it's inevitable. With BMW being considered a luxury marque or a premium brand here in America, it's going to happen. Look at Acura right now. It's just a gussied up Honda, but people modify them, too.

What I really want to know is if clear directionals are standard equipment in Euro-spec autos?

As I said before, I believe they are standard in some marques. I could be wrong, though.

And, to add to everything that's been said already, I want to point out that I had the same position as you, Tim, on this just a few weeks back, but now I've decided that I will do with MY car what I want to, and the NEXT GUY can do with HIS car what HE wants to.

Your own personal tastes in cars and mods don't determine your place in society or even determine what kind of a person you are. They merely show others your TASTES. Nothing more; nothing less.

I'm not directly attacking you, Tim. I'm just trying to let everyone know that we should let the next guy do what he wants to do and just ask that he does the same for us.

Best Regards,
Brad Couvillon
bone stock '87 528e

Brad's Bimmer Page

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