Fellow Z3'ers...

I owe this to Rachel for her site. I included several pictures. Both light types/template 
/Viper connectors/etc.

I have installed footlights in my Z3M. I live in the SF Bay Area.... Fremont to be exact.

You have some choices....

	Trunk Lights or Real Footlights

Trunk Lights: BMW part# 63 31 1 378 089  (need 2 see below)

Pro: They have external electrical prongs that you can easily make a solder connection 

Con: It's a hard-wired connection that cuts down flexibility in removing the lower panel. 
Either you can insert a connecter (Radio Shack) somewhere in your wire or choose the real 
footlight option.


Real Footlights: BMW part# 63 31 8 360 588 (need 2 see below)
There isn't any BMW part number for a just footlight wiring harness. On the cars that have 
OEM footlights the connector is built-in to their major harness.



You can either directly soldier the wires (difficult they have indented electrical prongs) 
or a better approach is to obtain a connector that fits. I'm sure you read about Z3FixitDay.com
at Daniel's BMW in Penn. I mail-ordered the lights from Don Getz at Daniel's 
(you can from any dealer).  I was also able to hunt down and speak to the Dan Neeman (973) 596-2302
that originally installed the footlights at FixIt Day. He had moved to New Jersey. 
Here's what he does and that's what I did.

Search the Internet for dealers that install Viper Car Alarm systems. Some of their customers don't 
want the door lock feature and the blue & green wire connectors are thrown out. This is what you want
.... quantity 2 (1 for each footlight). These connectors do need some sanding to fit, but they're 
great when you need to remove the lower panels. (see below)


I got/brought a pair from Donna M. Robinson at audio@westnet.com. Either they gave them to me or I 
paid $5.00.... I said I was working on an amateur home project.

The footlights are cut in the lower panels (above the driver and passengers feet). The panel has 3
or so half twist plugs.

Cut template: Once you have your light type selected, make a template out of cardboard 
(holds are smaller then the lights - look at the underside). Location is decided my available space
in the lower panels. Using your template and move it around until you find the location that 
minimizes structure loss. I used a razor knife and file to smooth the edges. Take your time 
and think before each step. .  (see below)

Hope this helps...... There are other messages on the board on which wires to tap into to obtain 
the same dimming feature as the dome light; run wires up one of the pillars and connect to the 2
wires that connect to the dimming dome light.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the footlights. They really should be OEM.

 "BOBS Z3M" 2000 w/wing Estoril Blue   

								Bob Czerwinski

In Reply to: help! installing footwell lights..... posted by CanuckZ3 on June 13, 2001 at 20:13:54:

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