Depo Euro Smiley Install Problems

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  • Bmrlvr4lfe
    Noobie
    • May 2021
    • 38

    #1

    Depo Euro Smiley Install Problems

    Hi!
    I really need some help please!
    87 325is sealed beams
    Converting to Depo Smiley Euros

    After install, the following things are occurring:
    1. Low Beams do not work! Checked fuses, k3 and 4 relays no power to yellow wires at housing
    2. High beams do work when switched to high and flashed
    3. Fog lights come on only when high beams are on. Switched relay and the same thing happened.

    Could this be a headlight switch issue, it’s the only thing I haven’t tested or switched out. Did I wire it incorrectly? Seemed pretty straightforward.

    Any help or guidance would be much appreciated.


    Ben
  • reelizmpro
    R3V OG
    • Dec 2003
    • 9492

    #2
    DEPO's are modeled after the later style euro ellipsoids so they don't include the harness you need. Sealed beam cars have 3 wires for the low beam. You just need a 12v (+) and ground (-) for your lowbeams. There are conversion harnesses out there if you don't want to cut but if you want to get it done fast without a harness then just cut and splice 12v (+) are Yellow/White (left side) and Yellow/Blue (right side), then obviously brown is ground. Leave the white/violet (left side) and white/blue (right side) disconnected from the low beam.
    Last edited by reelizmpro; 03-12-2026, 11:01 AM.
    "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

    85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
    88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
    89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
    91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

    Comment

    • Bmrlvr4lfe
      Noobie
      • May 2021
      • 38

      #3
      Thanks for that reelzimpro!

      Mine came with the converter pigtails. I spliced them in with the headlight wires.
      Right low: Yellow/Blue to power Brown to Ground
      Right high: White/Blue to Power Brown to Ground
      Left low: Yellow/white to power Brown to Ground
      Left high: White/Violet to power Brown to Ground

      I capped the extra wire for the low beams on both sides

      Dues this sound correct?
      Thanks again!
      Ben

      Comment

      • reelizmpro
        R3V OG
        • Dec 2003
        • 9492

        #4
        Yes, that is correct. If it isn't working check the connector harness polarity and the bulbs themselves as well as housing ground behind the cap. The problem is that depo harness sucks. They don't give you a proper connector...just 2 female pigtails. You really should get the correct Yellow connector housing with the waterproof terminals or switch to a HID/LED setup.
        "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

        85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
        88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
        89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
        91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

        Comment

        • Bmrlvr4lfe
          Noobie
          • May 2021
          • 38

          #5
          Thanks for the verification. The real issue is that I’m not getting 12v to the low beam sides. I switched out the H3 H4 relays and double checked the fuses. I’m wondering if it has to do with the headlight switch?

          Comment

          • reelizmpro
            R3V OG
            • Dec 2003
            • 9492

            #6
            Ohhh no power. Then I would check for power at the fuse box terminals for the low beam relay and trace it back to the headlight switch. In my experience, E30 headlight switches are pretty solid though.

            Click image for larger version

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            85 is the trigger from the headlight switch
            86 is +12v.
            87 goes to the low beams.

            Check 86 for power. If so, then jumping 86 to 87 should turn the lights on. If it does, with the K4 relay installed, ground 85 to simulate the headlight switch to test the K4 relay...lights should turn on. This will tell if it's the switch or not.
            "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

            85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
            88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
            89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
            91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

            Comment

            • Bmrlvr4lfe
              Noobie
              • May 2021
              • 38

              #7
              Great! I’ll try that! Thanks again!!

              Comment

              • Bmrlvr4lfe
                Noobie
                • May 2021
                • 38

                #8
                So the low beams turned on when I jumped 86 to 87. Yay! So I’m assuming it’s the headlight switch, correct? Thank you so much for your help!!! Made my day when I saw those lights come on!

                Comment

                • reelizmpro
                  R3V OG
                  • Dec 2003
                  • 9492

                  #9
                  Now remove the jumper, install the relay but not all the way. Run a wire from the 85 to ground. If the light turns on then the relay is good and the switch must be bad.
                  "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

                  85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
                  88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
                  89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
                  91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

                  Comment

                  • Bmrlvr4lfe
                    Noobie
                    • May 2021
                    • 38

                    #10
                    Will do! Thanks again!!

                    Comment

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