I have a euro spec 328 with US reflective side markers added. How can I remove the markers?
If you repaint the car, that's the time to do it. I removed the side markers on my US spec 308 GT4 as the they're are far more hideous than what was on later 308s and 328s. But you'll have to fill in the holes (sheet metal cut to size, welded, sanded) then paint. If you're concours wary, then know that removing your side markers is automatic points deducted. One point for each light, so four points in total, which means you'll never achieve a platinum award. If you don't care about concours, then no worries whatsoever. I do take my car to concours events, but I have no regrets about removing the blight that was those side markers. the car looks a million times better Here's the before and after shots… BEFORE Image Unavailable, Please Login AFTER Image Unavailable, Please Login
You have to get behind it and remove two 8mm nuts then carefully pull the side marker out, but first you have to pull the bulb holder from the side marker.
The side marker on my 328 were added when the car was imported. I am hoping they are held on with an adhesive and not a bolt. I will check tomorrow. Thanks
I understood "remove" to mean permanently, but I see you could have simply meant "remove" as in "take them off" so you could maybe replace a lbulb or something! Permanent removal is much more involved! lol Some times I read things in a very literal way.
I never understood why European drivers in high density city environments needed smaller and less visible side market lights than US drivers. Why did the US mandate these things, was there some evidence that they actually had any safety or accident avoidance impacts?
If they are simply reflectors and not illuminated, they are probably just 'stuck on' with double sided tape though it could have been an actual adhesive. IF it's double sided tape, it can usually be removed without much difficulty with a bit of heat from a hair dryer - just warm is sufficient - and some WD40 sprayed from above where the tape meets the body. Then use a piece of dental floss like a saw to work down between the adhesive backing and the body, adding a spritz of WD40 as you go. WD40 will clean up any residue left on the paint after the reflector is removed. NOTE: This method will NOT work if it's some sort of structural adhesive or epoxy.
For every 308 and 328 I've encountered, those are lights (including my own). They have bulbs and wires. If this car was federalized (which I'm guessing it was otherwise why would it have US spec side markers) wouldn't they have added lights, or would reflectors be sufficient?
Inn the US DOT they are Running Lights and illuminated at night. The smaller Euro jewels in the front fenders only are actually Repeaters and flash with the Turn Signal, as I understtand things??
You are right. Europeean 308/328 do not have side markers at all. At the frontfenders however they do have indicators
