Another Xenon Headlight Thread

[exPat]

All you 135 owners can cut out now, since Xenons are standard equipment.

Here's the deal: I love driving with Xenons, no question. And I've had several cars with Xenons. I'm just not convinced they are worth the additional upfront costs and higher bulb replacement costs -- not to mention complexity and weight.

I've ordered a new 128i without the lighting package. My goal is to keep the car simple, so manual transmission and M-Sport but no Technology Package or Premium Package or Lighting Package.

What's your take on Xenons? Does your choice change if you live in an urban area? What if you don't do much night driving?

[631twentyeighteye]

Halogens look like poop and work way worse, xenons are a no brainer for me especially considering the OE option is substantially better than any aftermarket brand headlights. I wish mine came with OEM xenons, Depo's are an okay fix but still nothing like the original part

[Lucky1]

I love xenon lights. I find the ones on the 1er are just bright enough too. Some xenons are so bright they're obnoxious for other drivers to see in their rear view mirrors but I think on this car is just right.

[Gray_Panther]

I have halogens. Hate them. Which is why I am just making my own HIDs instead of paying a lot for OEM and, Depo's just don't do it for me.

[exPat]

Thanks. I really, really do not want a sunroof. Does anybody know a way to get OEM Xenons without the Premium package?

[631twentyeighteye]

Surely xenons are a stand alone option? I believe it used to be like that.

[Dackelone]

I would opt for Xenons. Once you drive a few times with them, you will never want to drive a car with halogens ever again. Its like driving an old car from the 1970's with 6volt headlights. Its that big of a difference.

I recently rode in a new 7er LCI with the adaptive LED's and was really blown away with how much brighter they are over my 135i's Xenons.

Halogen>Xenon>LED


Xenon bulbs run about $100 each from BMW. But they last forever(almost) 10 years. You can even find them on ebay for less than half that price. I would still say go for the the Xenon lights.

[Iron Man]

To get Xenons, you must buy the Premium Pkg according to the BMW website.

[exPat]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

To get Xenons, you must buy the Premium Pkg according to the BMW website.

This, unfortunately. And according to the dealer, also.

Which changes the 'simplicity' factor pretty dramatically (to say nothing about weight). I'm tempted to hold my nose and do it (I agree that much Xenon>Halogen) but it goes against my entire reason for ordering the car.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by exPat

This, unfortunately. And according to the dealer, also.

Which changes the 'simplicity' factor pretty dramatically (to say nothing about weight). I'm tempted to hold my nose and do it (I agree that much Xenon>Halogen) but it goes against my entire reason for ordering the car.

When I ordered mine, I opted out of getting the Premium Pkg, since I had no desire for most parts of it (especially the sunroof). I would like to have the Xenons, but I wasn't going to pay $4500 to get them.

[1addyfan]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Xenon bulbs run about $100 each from BMW. But they last forever(almost) 10 years.

Can buy them directly from Amazon right now for $50... plus free shipping directly from Amazon's warehouse.

Installation instructions are also in the DIY section, if needed.

Xenon/HID is a must on a BMW, imo.