Anyone here smoked their BMW tail lights? Looking for tips!

Performance & Modifications
1

Seeking Help with Smoked Tail Lights for My BMW

I recently bought a BMW and I’m really into customizing it to make it stand out. I’ve seen a lot of awesome pics with smoked tail lights, and I think they would look fantastic on my car. But, I have a few questions and would love some advice from fellow enthusiasts:

Questions I Have:

  1. What are the best methods to smoke my tail lights?

    • I’ve heard about using films, sprays, and even some DIY techniques. What’s the most reliable method?

  2. Recommended Products:

    • If you’ve done this before, what products would you recommend? I want something that provides a solid finish but is also easy to apply.
    • Are there any specific brands or products that others have had great experiences with?

  3. Legal Considerations:

    • Are there any legal issues regarding smoked tail lights in your area that I should be aware of?
    • I don’t want to go through all this work and then get pulled over.

Additional Thoughts:

I’m also curious about the effects of smoking tail lights on visibility at night. Does it significantly reduce the brightness or visibility of the lights?
I appreciate any advice, tips, or personal experiences you can share. I’m excited to hear from the community and can’t wait to get started on this project!

Thanks in advance!

2

I’ve smoked my BMW tail lights and love the look! But be cautious of local laws regarding vehicle modifications. Some places might require you to maintain a certain amount of visibility.

3

That’s good advice! Here in California, you could get pulled over for it if the lights aren’t bright enough. Always good to check local vehicle codes!

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4

In many states, smoked tail lights are illegal unless they allow for enough light visibility. Make sure you confirm your state regulations!

5

Exactly! If you get stopped, the officer can issue a ticket for this. Always good to keep it compliant.

6

Has anyone had issues with enforcement after smoking their tail lights? I want to avoid fines or worse!

7

I painted mine and got pulled over. I had to remove them on the spot! :sweat_smile: Be prepared to revert back if stopped.

8

Wow, that’s intense! Did you at least get a warning or was it just a full ticket?

9

It seems that certain shades of tint are better accepted in some states. I’ve seen some people use tinted covers instead. Anyone tried that?

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10

Tinted covers can be a good compromise! Just ensure they meet the local legality. I think Illinois has specific rules about tint levels.

11

Exactly, don’t DIY without checking! You don’t want to risk safety and legality for aesthetics.

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Are there any aftermarket solutions that are legal everywhere? I’m hesitant to go the route of just smoking my lights.

13

Speak to your local dealership. They might have approved options that adhere to your region’s laws.

14

Great idea! They’ll have the best insights on what’s compliant. Plus, you won’t have to worry about legal penalties.

15

Just be careful; not everyone understands this hobby. Some folks get wild about modifications, and it can lead to discussions - or arguments!

16

Haha, true! Next thing you know, you’re in a tail light debate club! Keep it friendly!

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17

If you’re considering smoked tail lights, make sure you have masking tape, a heat gun, and some good quality spray tint. Clean the lens thoroughly before you start for the best results!

18

Great tips! Also, don’t forget to wear gloves when handling the spray. You want to avoid fingerprints ruining the finish.

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19

I’ve installed smoked tail lights on my BMW. It’s pretty straightforward, but be careful with overspray. A common mistake is not covering the surrounding areas well enough.

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Absolutely! I also suggest doing it in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can get pretty strong.