If you’re driving a BMW E36 and considering a tail light upgrade, clear tail lights are one of the most popular choices. They offer a clean, modern look that works well on both stock and modified cars. Whether you’re going for an OEM+ build or just want to refresh your rear end, e36 clear tail lights are a smart, straightforward upgrade.
But how do clear tail lights compare to smoked or OEM Euro styles? In this post, we’ll focus on clear tail lights, while also touching on smoked and Euro options to help you decide what’s best for your E36.
Why E36 Clear Tail Lights Are So Popular
Clear tail lights remove the amber and brake sections from the factory setup and replace them with fully transparent lenses. The result is a more uniform, streamlined look that still uses standard bulbs—red for brake lights and amber for turn signals.
This is especially popular among E36 owners who want a Euro-inspired look without going over the top. These are a perfect fit for sedans, coupes, and convertibles.
Check out this plug-and-play option that includes bulbs for coupe/cabrio: Clear Tail Lights for E36 Coupe/Cabrio and for sedan: Clear Tail Lights For E36 Sedan
Many owners refer to these as e36 clear taillights, and they’ve become a go-to mod for anyone restoring or restyling their car.
Smoked Tail Lights: For a More Aggressive Look
Smoked tail lights are a darker, more dramatic option. They’re often paired with LED internals for brighter output and quicker response. The darker lens gives your car a stealthier look, especially when paired with tinted windows or black wheels.
Here’s a high-quality LED smoked set worth considering: Smoked LED Tail Lights for BMW E36
These are also plug-and-play and designed specifically for coupe and convertible models.
OEM Euro Tail Lights: Clean, Classic, Authentic
OEM Euro tail lights are the stock setup found on European E36 models. They typically feature a red/clear layout instead of the U.S.-spec amber indicators. While not as bold as smoked or as sharp as clear lenses, they offer a clean, factory-fresh look that many enthusiasts love.
Euro tail lights are a great choice if you want a period-correct aesthetic without making the car look overly modified.
For those who want the look of OEM Euro tails but with a modern twist, there’s also a Matrix LED version that mimics the Euro style while upgrading the lighting tech. It offers the same red/clear layout with built-in LED performance and a more contemporary appearance: BMW E36 M-Look LED Tail Lights
Which Tail Lights Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick summary:
- Clear Tail Lights - Choose clear tail lights if you want a clean, updated look that stays close to OEM design. They’re especially popular in the U.S. for those going after a Euro-style appearance.
- Smoked Tail Lights - Choose smoked tail lights if your build is more aggressive and modern, especially if you’re already using other black or tinted accents.
- OEM Euro Tail Lights - Choose OEM Euro tail lights if you’re after a classic, understated finish that stays true to the original European design.
- The most balanced and versatile choice for most builds remains the e36 clear tail lights, especially since they complement both stock and modified cars equally well.
Where to Buy E36 Clear Tail Lights for Sale
If you’re ready to upgrade, start here:
These come with bulbs and are designed for a direct fit with no wiring hassle.
If you’re searching for BMW E36 clear tail lights for sale, this is one of the cleanest and easiest upgrades you can make to your car.
