New (to me) '13 128i coupe owner- Newbie Questions!!

SRVwannab · 02-19-2017, 04:30 PM

First, thanks for the great forum!

I just picked up a '13 128i. I have owned more BMW's than I can remember, but this 128i is the car that reminds me most of the the two BMW's that made me fall in the love with the marquee-, my buddy's yellow '69 2002, and my first BMW, a 1980 BMW 320i s.

I bought the car because I fell in love with it and the deal was right. The miles were great (18K) and I also love the color. What I don't like is the like of Xenon headlights and the non-sport seats. Spirited driving is little like sitting on a metal park bench.

. A combination of having hit 50, and living in a part of the country with a lot of deer that happens to be super dark at night, I'm thinking about swapping headlights. I have read several threads on the subject, but what I'd like is some feedback from the folks that have gone different routes. Has anybody gone aftermarket and regretted it? Anybody really glad they did? Anybody buy OEM lights on eBay? Glad you did? Wish you hadn't?

In advance, thank you!!

Here's a pic next to my 2015 328i.

mike@x-ph.com · 02-20-2017, 03:58 PM

Congrats!!

Are you looking to get Xenon headlights or you dont like Xenon headlights?

FrostyDC4 · 02-20-2017, 10:34 PM

Congrats!

YearOneOne · 02-20-2017, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Congrats!!

Are you looking to get Xenon headlights or you dont like Xenon headlights?

I think he meant lack and wants them

Mach1er · 02-21-2017, 12:32 AM

A nice pair! Welcome!

E91WAG3N · 02-22-2017, 07:17 PM

Awesome find! I'm in a similar boat with halogens on my e82. The route seems to be to buy the housings, xenon components, FRM, wire, then code. Some have been successful but there isn't a comprehensive DIY out there. It seems like most people have ultimately taken it to a shop for a retrofit which is what I'm leaning towards now that the retrofit wiring harness is NLA and I don't have a computer that I can code with. I have all the components sitting in my garage!

Another alternative is to get aftermarket housings, I think they look quite hideous and prefer the OEM look.

Esteban · 02-22-2017, 07:30 PM

Congrats and welcome to 1ADDICTS!

SRVwannab · 02-22-2017, 11:46 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome! Sorry, could have been more clear. I want Xenon, I'm just trying to figure out how much ($) I want them and what is the best route. Thanks for the responses!

02-19-2017, 04:30 PM	#1
SRVwannab New Member 11 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2015 328i, 2013 128i Join Date: May 2015 Location: UT iTrader: (0)	New (to me) '13 128i coupe owner- Newbie Questions!! First, thanks for the great forum! I just picked up a '13 128i. I have owned more BMW's than I can remember, but this 128i is the car that reminds me most of the the two BMW's that made me fall in the love with the marquee-, my buddy's yellow '69 2002, and my first BMW, a 1980 BMW 320i s. I bought the car because I fell in love with it and the deal was right. The miles were great (18K) and I also love the color. What I don't like is the like of Xenon headlights and the non-sport seats. Spirited driving is little like sitting on a metal park bench. . A combination of having hit 50, and living in a part of the country with a lot of deer that happens to be super dark at night, I'm thinking about swapping headlights. I have read several threads on the subject, but what I'd like is some feedback from the folks that have gone different routes. Has anybody gone aftermarket and regretted it? Anybody really glad they did? Anybody buy OEM lights on eBay? Glad you did? Wish you hadn't? In advance, thank you!! Here's a pic next to my 2015 328i.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-20-2017, 03:58 PM	#2
mike@x-ph.com Joint Chiefs of Staff 24172 Rep 190,750 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	Congrats!! Are you looking to get Xenon headlights or you dont like Xenon headlights? __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
	Appreciate 1 SRVwannab11.00 Quote

02-20-2017, 10:34 PM	#3
FrostyDC4 First Lieutenant 77 Rep 316 Posts Drives: C63S Sedan\|350Z Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Somewhere, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Nissan 350Z [0.00] 2012 BMW 135i [4.50]	Congrats! __________________ C63S Sedan: Long Live The V8 350Z: The Very Poorman's 981 GT4
	Appreciate 1 SRVwannab11.00 Quote

02-21-2017, 12:32 AM	#5
Mach1er Lieutenant 86 Rep 524 Posts Drives: '13 128i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	A nice pair! Welcome! __________________ '13 128i \| 6MT \| SGM \| Black Boston \| Black Gloss \| Lighting \| Premium \| Tech \| HK \| Anti-Theft \| [CDV-Delete \| Clutch Stop \| 30% Pinnacle] Ordered 2.23 \| Production Begin 3.7 \| Ends 3.15 \| Released to carrier 3.18 \| At port 3.19 \| Departed 3.23 (K-line to Brunswick) \| Arrived 4.7 \| Truck 4.12 \| Dealer 4.19
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-22-2017, 07:17 PM	#6
E91WAG3N Wagon Addict 1248 Rep 1,217 Posts Drives: E39, E91, E91 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (2)	Awesome find! I'm in a similar boat with halogens on my e82. The route seems to be to buy the housings, xenon components, FRM, wire, then code. Some have been successful but there isn't a comprehensive DIY out there. It seems like most people have ultimately taken it to a shop for a retrofit which is what I'm leaning towards now that the retrofit wiring harness is NLA and I don't have a computer that I can code with. I have all the components sitting in my garage! Another alternative is to get aftermarket housings, I think they look quite hideous and prefer the OEM look.
	Appreciate 1 SRVwannab11.00 Quote

02-22-2017, 07:30 PM	#7
Esteban Major General 43583 Rep 7,224 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Congrats and welcome to 1ADDICTS! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-22-2017, 11:46 PM	#8
SRVwannab New Member 11 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2015 328i, 2013 128i Join Date: May 2015 Location: UT iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the warm welcome! Sorry, could have been more clear. I want Xenon, I'm just trying to figure out how much ($) I want them and what is the best route. Thanks for the responses!
	Appreciate 0 Quote