Clear sidelight lens on series 3

[Jeremy1954]

Hi, do the replacement clear lenses on the L 652 lamps fit the US exported series 3 models? Thanks, Jerry.

[MarekH]

Series 1 front indicators don't fit a series 3 bonnet. The chrome housings they attach to are different and they mount onto the bonnet over the bumper, not under the bumper, where the larger series 2 and 3 lights attach. Additionally, they fit snugly into a recess in the series 1 front bumper which the series 3 bumper hasn't got, so even if you were to retrofit some, you'd have to patch up the holes under bumper and fit new series 1 bumpers. Essentially, you'd need to look like a series 1 bonnet underpan at the sides but with series 3 flared wings.

If you want clear lenses, then fit clear lenses. If you want different shaped indicators, then the solution involves sheet metalwork somewhere along the lines.

Here is an example of a reimported series 3 car with MX5 front indicators with series 1 front bumpers upside down to fit around the new indicators.

car.jpg (238.44 KiB) Viewed 39 times

Here is a series 1 bonnet showing L652 lights and the bumper recess

40b6a8e926ade5611601cb1aa0b59262fa9be4dc_2_562x750.jpeg (215.06 KiB) Viewed 39 times

Anything is possible, but mixing and matching involves doing work rather than just fitting parts.

kind regards
Marek