Z3 M, 2000

[perlindberg]

Hello,

My name is Per Lindberg and I have a BMW Z3 M, 2000. I purchased it in the US in 2018, and it's in great condition with only 74,000 miles.
I am moving to Portugal and just had it cleared through Customs, and my next challenge is to get it registered in Portugal.
I understand I have to modify it to add rear fog lights for the European market. I appreciate any feedback if someone has any experience with this.

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland.

here in the uk cars from Usa have a few compliance issues most of which you will not have as you are going to another lhd country so no headlight compliance no speedo in mph but you will need to comply with fog light.

On your zed it will need to be on same side as your steering wheel ( thought keep simple not complicate with Ns and Os)
Zeds have a central wiring loom so you should be able to add what you need
First do your rear lamps have the fog lamp position in the unit

If yes next thing is to unscrew the bulb holder make sure it has the bulb holder fitting (think it will just no bulb )
Then you will need the switch that fits just below steering wheel on dash find plug to plug into it ( may be taped to bit of the loom as not in use
then fit appropriate fuse and relay in vacant allocated position for fog lights
the other other potential thing you may have to fit will be the rear fog lamp on warning tell tale lamp in dash clocks
( may well be there just doesn't come on as you dont have fog lights. )

Stephen

 

[perlindberg]

Hi Stephen! Thanks a lot for your information. Did you buy your Z3M in the US and had it converted to fit the European standard?
Hopefully, I have the fog lamp position in the unit, but I will check. Do I need to have a rear fog lamp on both sides (left and right)?

Per Lindberg

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi Per no in the UK I am an Mot tester which is the government annual road worthiness test for vehicles here.
I have been a tester here for over 20 years and in that time I have carried out tests on a number of imported vehicles from a number of countries.
When first imported you can run about for a period of time without modification.
But after that due a uk mot test and at that point must meet uk legislation
So uk number plates orange indicators rear fog light ( to central or offside) right side when facing the vehicle rear.

As to your other question z3 in uk have 2 fog light (1 each side) but legally only need right hand side.
As you are taking the car to Portugal you will require the left hand side to work.
You shouldn't need both as a lot of European cars only have one fog light ( reverse tends to be in same position on opposite side then they make a lhd and rhd light unit appropriate to country of sale.

Stephen.

 

[perlindberg]

Thanks a lot Stephen for the very valuable information from a Professional. The modification needed seems to be straightforward.

 

[Shelly]