Headlight Upgrade

[jclaib7]

This was my first BMW so I wasn't up to speed on the xenon headlights so I chose the standard headlights for my 128i which I now regret.

I'm looking into upgrading the headlight assemblies. Any advice or options people could steer me towards? What is involved for install?

I found this online which I thought would look good with carbon black metallic and black kidney grilles.

http://www.carid.com/2013-bmw-1-seri...-26139496.html

[Gray_Panther]

I believe those headlights are plug and play. However the output will most likely be worse than your standard halogens. If you typically drive in an area where you deal with backroads and deer I would steer clear. If you just want your headlight to have xenons and just keep it to look better then these will do fine. You might need canbus headlight error cancellors. Ask the seller if they provide that.

This is because the bowl for the halogen is designed more for halogen bulbs rather than HIDs.

Contact a member here by @Satalite He went a similar route but different type of headlights and he is happy with them.

[EldRick]

For the facts, including an article on why not to put HIDs in headlights designed for halogens: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...lbs/bulbs.html

[jclaib7]

I guess i'm looking to swap out the entire headlight assembly left and right side.

OEM would be fine but i'm not sure if there are other considerations like coding, voltage, etc... that I need to be aware of.

Any links to products would be great as well.

[GnarlyMarley]

I'm in the same boat as you. Avenues I've found for upgrade are assemblies from depo off ebay, or the custom route with OSS or 180 customs.

[Satalite]

Went the replacement route and have a write up thread

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=809467

Overall in extremely happy with them. Light output can be a bit better but that would require having the actual DEPO lens swapped out which would add to actual costs.

[Chandon]

I've done an OEM Xenon Retrofit.
It's a headache and also extremely expensive, upwards of $2,500 for the headlight retrofit (no auto leveling, no washers) - you will need:

- Xenon headlights LCI or Pre-LCI
- Bulbs
- Ballasts
- OEM wiring loom kit for xenon retrofit from BMW OR custom wiring (I did custom)
- FRM3 MAX footwell module
- Coding
- $$$$
- $$$$

There's probably some things that I've missed since it's been a while, but obviously if you want them to be fully compliant you will need OEM headlight leveling kit and headlight washer retrofit which will cost even more $$$.

[fastdrivingjr]

Originally Posted by jclaib7

This was my first BMW so I wasn't up to speed on the xenon headlights so I chose the standard headlights for my 128i which I now regret.

I'm looking into upgrading the headlight assemblies. Any advice or options people could steer me towards? What is involved for install?

I found this online which I thought would look good with carbon black metallic and black kidney grilles.

http://www.carid.com/2013-bmw-1-seri...-26139496.html

I had xenons after some issues i bought these to hold me up till i fix my Xenons.. if your halogen they will work fine hb lb signals eye brow and look pretty good.. my only issue is the angel eyes.. as simple as they look they're the only thing i can't get to work, i think i just got a faulty batch..

But i paid 200 for a temp fix so i can't complain

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by viciousgook

I've done an OEM Xenon Retrofit.
It's a headache and also extremely expensive, upwards of $2,500 for the headlight retrofit (no auto leveling, no washers) - you will need:

- Xenon headlights LCI or Pre-LCI
- Bulbs
- Ballasts
- OEM wiring loom kit for xenon retrofit from BMW OR custom wiring (I did custom)
- FRM3 MAX footwell module
- Coding
- $$$$
- $$$$

There's probably some things that I've missed since it's been a while, but obviously if you want them to be fully compliant you will need OEM headlight leveling kit and headlight washer retrofit which will cost even more $$$.

How does it run without the height auto levelling?? Is it annoying in any way

[NorthernDancer]

another vote for Daniel Stern-best value for money & he knows just about everything.