Article by: Gerry at PhoenixMotorsport
Article applies to: all E31 BMW models.
Ok, so here we have another “How To” post, this time on those front Flash To Pass (FTP) lamps, or secondary main beams for us with Euro spec lamps.
Normally, assembly is the opposite to the published stripping instructions . . .
Here, you are going to see how to rebuild them before you have stripped them so “stripping” is the opposite to rebuilding!
So this is where we start from AFTER you have stripped them down. . .
This allows you to clean the inner face of the glass main beam lens and replace the reflector if the silvering is detaching or gone.
You can also inspect the wiring and the rear seal if the lamps tend to mist in the damp.
Firstly, to refit the reflector, grease or using a liquid soap, lubricate this rubber and push the reflector into position where circled . . .
and then guide the 2 nylon adjuster rails onto the ends of the screws . . .
and as you didn’t measure their position when you stripped them,
a good place to start is with 9.4mm of screw protruding as shown here with a vernier.
The headlamp bulb can now be refitted in the socket, (note one side is square recess, the other round)
And close the clip to secure, (only one side of the clip shown here is fitted correctly).
Here the blue tint of the professional PIAA bulb can clearly be seen in the newly cleaned and polished reflector.
Next, the indicator bulb and sidelight bulbs can be refitted, here you can see my colorless chrome indicator bulb, (flashes orange), being re-installed.
The rear panel for the main beam lamp can now be refitted as long as the seal is in good condition.
The metal clip holding the wiring connector can now also be refitted with the 2 self tapping screws.
Here you can see where I drilled and tapped the housing so I could use M4 alloy mushroom head socket screws.
Once the wiring is reconnected the connector fits here . . .
And here we have a before and after comparison.
