E36 Depo and ZKW Ellipsoid Headlights @ understeer.com

[bimmer95]

Apexcone, Depo and ZKW ellipsoids headlights are in stock and on sale now. Apexcone ellipsoids start at $115 including PnP and halogen H1 bulbs. Depo ellipsoids start at $150 including PnP harnesses and halogen H1 bulbs. ZKW ellipsoids start at $400 including PnP harnesses and halogen H1 bulbs.

Apexcone Ellipsoids
http://www.understeer.com/images/store/apexcone_ellipsoids_01_thumb.jpghttp://www.understeer.com/images/store/apexcone_ellipsoids_02_thumb.jpg (http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml#ellipsoids)

Depo Ellipsoids
http://www.understeer.com/images/store/depo_gen4_ellipsoid_thumb.jpghttp://www.understeer.com/images/store/depo_gen4_ellipsoid_rear_thumb.jpg (http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml#ellipsoids)

ZKW Ellipsoids
http://www.understeer.com/images/store/zkw_thumb.jpghttp://www.understeer.com/images/m3/m3-20_thumb.jpg (http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml#ellipsoids)

Example Packages:
Apexcone Ellipsoids w/ Apexcone HID - $240
Apexcone Ellipsoids w/ Apexcone HID and DDE Raptor Halos - $365!
Apexcone Ellipsoids w/ Apexcone Race (55w) HID - $265
Depo Ellipsoids w/ Apexcone HID - $275
Depo Ellipsoids w/ Apexcone HID and DDE Raptor Halos - $400!
Depo Ellipsoids w/ Apexcone Race (55w) HID - $300
ZKW Ellipsoids w/ Apexcone HID - $525
ZKW Ellipsoids w/ Apexcone HID and DDE Raptor Halos - $650!

Order online here > http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml#ellipsoids

[mrk98]

whats the difference between DDE halos and predator chromium?

[bimmer95]

Pictures and details about the DDE halo kits are available right here, http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml :)

[Crazy 13immer]

Are these the gen IV DEPO's?

Also, what is the difference between the budget Apexcone HID and the normal one? Is it worth buying the normal one for an extra fifty bucks?

nm.. found my answer. I'll leave it here if anyone else cares to read it.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=769018


Great price btw, think I'll put my order in next Friday.

[bimmer95]

Are these the gen IV DEPO's?
Yes


what is the difference between the budget Apexcone HID and the normal one?
The Apexcone kits don't really have a "budget" version, they've simply made the standard warranty on new kits 1-year and now offer the lifetime warranty as an optional $25 upgrade. There was some confusion regarding the kit types when the new pricing was first announced.

[Cal]

Wow!!! At $380, the ZKWs with PnP included in the price is the absolute lowest around! Excellent deal!

Also, if you get HIDs with either ZKWs or DEPOs, the cost of the HIDs is only about $125-$130?!?! That is a bargain.

[eightyseven]

Nice deal!

[ESMcBlurM3]

When ordering either lense with HID - the HID is pre-installed and ready to be plugged in, correct?

[bimmer95]

HID bulbs are fitted in the low beam positions and the holes for the HID wiring is drilled on all headlight/HID packages.

[ESMcBlurM3]

When ordering either lense with HID - the HID is pre-installed and ready to be plugged in, correct?

read further and answered my own question.:banghead:

On the other hand, I'm looking for something 'classy', persay - not a hint of blue light output. Do you have pics of the 5000k vs. 4500k HIDs?

As a vendor selling both, whats your quick take on a customer who is between purchasing ZKW's or the Depo's?

[bimmer95]

There are pictures of 4500K, 5000K and 6000K on our lighting page, http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml#hid 4500K is what you'll probably want to go with to avoid any blue hue, though with any HID light you'll get a shimmer of blue right at the projector's cutoff point as can be seen in BMW factory xenon at a distance.

Between Depos and ZKWs, Depos are the best bang for the buck, ZKWs are the best. ZKW projectors are nicer, their plastic is less brittle and replacement lenses are readily available... of course you can buy 3-1/2 sets of Depos for the same price though.

[ESMcBlurM3]

What am I getting for an extra 25 bucks for the "race" HID compared to the standard apexcone?

I'm think I'm going to go with the Depo's (I hope a few of my friends don't see this:stickoutt)

[bimmer95]

Details about the HID kits are also here, http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml#hid The Race kit is a 55 watt kit versus 35 watt output on the other kits... ie they're way brighter.

[ESMcBlurM3]

Details about the HID kits are also here, http://www.understeer.com/onlinestor...ting.shtml#hid The Race kit is a 55 watt kit versus 35 watt output on the other kits... ie they're way brighter.

Link dead. edit: I see where it's at on your page - thanks.

I didn't realize the wattage was different with the race kit. hmmmm. Does either kit last longer? Thanks for answering all of the repetitive questions, I know you get it quite often.

[bimmer95]

All three versions have expected lifetimes of 2000+ hours.

[ESMcBlurM3]

All three versions have expected lifetimes of 2000+ hours.

Ordered!! PM you a shipping address change. I forgot to include order confirmation number in my PM - let me know if you need it.

Thanks,
Eric

[bimmer95]

You're all set!

[ESMcBlurM3]

You're all set!

:woot:

[thbmwm3]

:woot:

Those competition wheels look nice!

[ESMcBlurM3]

Those competition wheels look nice!

Thank you! 17x9 baby!

I can't wait to get these lights to clean up my front end!

[thbmwm3]

Thank you! 17x9 baby!

I can't wait to get these lights to clean up my front end!

Going for clear corners as well, or keeping them amber?

[ESMcBlurM3]

Going for clear corners as well, or keeping them amber?

Amber FTW!

[PG256]

Will be purchasing some Depo's w/ HID and A.E.'s soon. What would you guys recommend for the HID's, I'm thinking 5000k. I should probably get a kit for the fogs too. And do you guys have smoked clear corners and tails?

[Yasir]

Been thinking about purchasing the ZKW's + hids but the friggin HID thing keeps getting confusing...
So which one should i consider buying,the Apexcone,the Prolumens or the KDW'S ?
Is it the quality that makes one better over the others or is the cut off of the lightining that makes one preferable over the other ?
Please help and if possible post a pict of an Apexcone 4500 Hid to see the output on the road ?
Thanks...

[ESMcBlurM3]

Any issues with the DEPO's when going through state inspections?

[bimmer95]

What would you guys recommend for the HID's, I'm thinking 5000k. I should probably get a kit for the fogs too. And do you guys have smoked clear corners and tails?
5000K is second most popular, 6000K tends to be the most popular. We do have smoke corners, but not tails. Since smoked corners aren't always available we don't have them listed separately, just order clears and note that you want smoked in the checkout notes.

[ESMcBlurM3]

5000K is second most popular, 6000K tends to be the most popular. We do have smoke corners, but not tails. Since smoked corners aren't always available we don't have them listed separately, just order clears and note that you want smoked in the checkout notes.

I hope I'll be pleased with the 4500k...I guess I'm not the norm!:help

[bimmer95]

Is it the quality that makes one better over the others or is the cut off of the lightining that makes one preferable over the other ? Please help and if possible post a pict of an Apexcone 4500 Hid to see the output on the road ?
Apexcone's HID sets are top notch with great light output, extremely low failure rates, super easy installation and no charge warranty shipping if you ever do have an issue. The cutoff is determined by the headlight, not the HID kit.

Below is the 4500K Apexcone HID in action. I don't have any "on the road" pictures, they're too easily maniplulated (long exposure times, etc) to really be useful.
http://www.understeer.com/images/bimmerforums/apexcone_4500k_z4_med.jpg

[bimmer95]

Any issues with the DEPO's when going through state inspections?
Depends on the state... we don't have inspections in Ohio. There are no DOT legal projector headlights available for E36s, but they do look quite stock to the untrained eye. As long as the inspection station guys don't go over the car with a microscope you likely won't have any problems. With the PnP installation, worst case, you can swap in your stock headlights for one day every year (or two).


I hope I'll be pleased with the 4500k...I guess I'm not the norm!:help
I'm sure you'll like them, I think they look great on our Z4. A lot of folks want a little more blue, hence the 6000K popularity.

[ESMcBlurM3]

Depends on the state... we don't have inspections in Ohio. There are no DOT legal projector headlights available for E36s, but they do look quite stock to the untrained eye. As long as the inspection station guys don't go over the car with a microscope you likely won't have any problems. With the PnP installation, worst case, you can swap in your stock headlights for one day every year (or two).


I'm sure you'll like them, I think they look great on our Z4. A lot of folks want a little more blue, hence the 6000K popularity.

Yep, I thought I'd be okay with the inspection station.

I think I'll like the 4500k, for that 'classy' look.:)

[heresmymind]

It is cheaper to buy plain depos and retro tsxs or HID ment projectors into them with a OEM ballast set up. than to buy the full set up from you unfort>< good prices on depos though. i must admit!

-B

[Brashland]

$600 lighter...

order just paypal'ed

[ESMcBlurM3]

$600 lighter...

order just paypal'ed

You must have went with the ZKW's - verrrry nice

[Brashland]

Actually depos, but add HID and halos and lamin-x and a set of fogs to match...

I've been wanting better headlights since I bought the car in 2003, but at the time the cheapest HID w/halo package you could get was like $800

[crisko]

A couple questions..
1) Whats the difference between the Depo Ellipsoids and the Depo Projector36's?
2) What would Sylvania or any other "bright" halogen bulbs look like with 6500k angel eyes installed?

[ESMcBlurM3]

I really hope to get my ordered set delivered by this Friday at the latest..:)

[Brashland]

Is there an ETA on these?

[ESMcBlurM3]

:(

[bimmer95]

A couple questions..
1) Whats the difference between the Depo Ellipsoids and the Depo Projector36's?
2) What would Sylvania or any other "bright" halogen bulbs look like with 6500k angel eyes installed?
1) Ellipsoids are copies of ZKWs, they look like OE headlights and use H1 bulbs. P36 have an updated look with chrome trim rings around each projector/reflector and use H7 bulbs.
2) They'd probably look fine, probably a little yellow compared to the pure white halos though.

[bimmer95]

Is there an ETA on these?
Shipping tomorrow.


I really hope to get my ordered set delivered by this Friday at the latest..:)
Slim ballasts cleared customs today and are being delivered tomorrow. Your headlights are built and are just waiting on the ballasts, so they'll ship as soon as the ballasts arrive tomorrow.

[ESMcBlurM3]

:)

Thanks Chris!

[Brashland]

Got my confirmation e-mail last night.

Let the light shine!

[Bimmer325]

you think the warranty is worth it?

[Jinya1004]

Ordered!

DEPO's
55W HID 5000K
LaminX
Warranty

$370 with shipping.

Some Questions for Chris
1. Do these come ready to install?
2. Do they include the city lights?

Thanks.

[LupinIII]

does the "race" part of the name mean that they're not street legal? and if they aren't is it gonna be a hassle?

[bimmer95]

1. Do these come ready to install?
2. Do they include the city lights?
1. Yes
2. They have sockets for city lights, but 194 bulbs are not included

[bimmer95]

does the "race" part of the name mean that they're not street legal? and if they aren't is it gonna be a hassle?
"Race" is just Apexcone's name for their 55w kit. There are no DOT legal projector headlights for E36s, nor are any E36 HID kits DOT legal. However the likelyhood of being hassled about them depends on where you live and how well you aim them. If you're driving around with HIDs aimed sky high in SoCal, expect trouble.

[ESMcBlurM3]

What's it take to hook up the city lights? Just the bulbs?

[bimmer95]

Install bulbs and tap the grey wire on the PnP harnesses to the grey wire on the corner lights.

[ESMcBlurM3]

Cool - I may hook them up. My lights should be here on the 12th, according to FedEx. The wait is killling me

[Brashland]

"Race" is just Apexcone's name for their 55w kit. There are no DOT legal projector headlights for E36s, nor are any E36 HID kits DOT legal. However the likelyhood of being hassled about them depends on where you live and how well you aim them. If you're driving around with HIDs aimed sky high in SoCal, expect trouble.

Make sure you tint one red and one blue for the EXTRA special attention getter...

[Brashland]

Looks like I have a Wednesday delivery as well.

[Cal]

Make sure you tint one red and one blue for the EXTRA special attention getter...

:lol

[crisko]

1) Ellipsoids are copies of ZKWs, they look like OE headlights and use H1 bulbs. P36 have an updated look with chrome trim rings around each projector/reflector and use H7 bulbs.
2) They'd probably look fine, probably a little yellow compared to the pure white halos though.

What's the difference between H1 and H7 bulbs?

[bimmer95]

They're just two different bulb shapes, both are halogen and 55w standard. Neither is better than the other, Depo just chose a different bulb for the P36s.

[Brashland]

Do you happen to have an installation guide for installing fogs when you're not prewired for them? I've got a harness and switch but no information on what to do with it.

[Marv17]

can anyone tell me what type of bulbs the depo headlights use? so i can a set of 7000k or 8000k bulbs before my order comes in so it arrives at the same time. thanks.

[acsracing]

I'm looking for a set of European, glass lens with the euro projectors. Can you tell me which ones you would recommend, is there a big difference between the 3 brands you sell? PM would be great. Thanks, Adam

[bimmer95]

All three ellipsoid types use H1 bulbs.

ZKWs are OE BMW headlights and have the best quality. Depos are a pretty good knock-off of the ZKWs, they're well known and liked, but are lacking when it comes to proper wire color and correct pin locations. Apexcones are an improved version of the Depo ellipsoid (less brittle plastic, proper wire color and pin locations).

[mikea128]

Apexcones are an improved version of the Depo ellipsoid (less brittle plastic, proper wire color and pin locations).

Interesting...that's the first time I've heard them described as such.

of course it only makes sense to do the little things like get the pins in the right place...almost seems silly ;)

[ESMcBlurM3]

Interesting...that's the first time I've heard them described as such.

of course it only makes sense to do the little things like get the pins in the right place...almost seems silly ;)

Yea. Why are they less expensive?

[bimmer95]

Because Depo doesn't have their name on them and therefore isn't a third layer of margins to pay out.

[thbmwm3]

Can't wait for the apexcone headlights.

[ESMcBlurM3]

My order just came in, sitting on my couch awaiting installation! I'm going to go ahead and put in amber city lights and do a parking light delete while I'm at it!

[ESMcBlurM3]

What's up with this loose wire in my passenger side housing?
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2065.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2064.jpg

[bimmer95]

That would be the 12v+ wire for the low beam bulb, if you didn't have HID bulbs. Just tuck it away anywhere inside the headlight. It probably bounced around to a visible location in shipping.

[ESMcBlurM3]

That would be the 12v+ wire for the low beam bulb, if you didn't have HID bulbs. Just tuck it away anywhere inside the headlight. It probably bounced around to a visible location in shipping.

Thanks. I went in to the other housing and noticed it was not plugged in as well, so no harm there. It was just a pain getting to that wire! Good thing I purchased some hook picks last week at Harbor Freight!:alright

I'm ready to plug N' play baby!

[sisomphonE]

hurry and post pics of them installed :D

[sisomphonE]

would you guys happen to have pictures of the apexcones headlights? TIA

[Mr.///M]

Yeah that would be nice, also do you yall have any pictures of your 8000K HID's in the Apexcone headlights or Depos, thx

[ESMcBlurM3]

alright so how do I get my city lights to work? Splice the grey wire on the pNp, and the grey wire on the turn signal? So two wires stripped into the red "splicer" (sorry, forget the actual term) and then one wire going into the signal?

Don't want to start clipping at wires before I know what I'm doing.

[bimmer95]

You don't have to strip any insulation, just stick the red quick-splice over the two wires and push the blade down with pliers.

[sisomphonE]

ask mcgyver he will know ;) haha

[bimmer95]

We'll have installed pictures soon...
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroFront
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroBack
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroLensLogo
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXCaseMarks2

[ESMcBlurM3]

You don't have to strip any insulation, just stick the red quick-splice over the two wires and push the blade down with pliers.

god i love you.:devillook

:)

[bimmer95]

8000K D2S and 6000K foglights
http://www.understeer.com/images/bimmerforums/petty-01.jpg
http://www.understeer.com/images/bimmerforums/petty-02.jpg

[bimmer95]

For the "parking light delete", don't clip any wires, just put a small square of electrical tape over the electrical contact for the parking light where it touches the bulb. You've got a 50% chance of getting each side right the first time since there's a second contact for the turn signal ;)

[ESMcBlurM3]

hmmm, i tapped the grey into the grey and nothing...:(

[bimmer95]

You'll need to have the high beam connector plugged in to the PnP harness, it supplies the ground for the city light. Also, you may need to rotate the pin positions 90 or 180 deg clockwise. Depo pretty much installs the pins at random internally on the circular connector.

[ESMcBlurM3]

Ok, so this is right then?
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2078.jpg

The High Beam harness is plugged in (but there are two harnesses? right now I have one dangling?). Also, can you help me with the pins, and where I can find them? Sorry, this is my first time! :help

Thanks

[ESMcBlurM3]

looks like I'll have to remove the light again?

[sisomphonE]

We'll have installed pictures soon...
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroFront
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroBack
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroLensLogo
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXCaseMarks2

wow thank you. i know what im buying next :D

[bimmer95]

You shouldn't have to remove the headlights to swap the pins around. You will have a connector, with a yellow and a brown wire, left over. It would be used for the low beam if you didn't have HID. Pin positions are listed here, http://www.understeer.com/ellipsoid.shtml

[ESMcBlurM3]

My driver's side works perfect! Now if I can just get the darn passenger side to work...I'll keep playing with it, it might help me if I take the headlight out.

[ESMcBlurM3]

why does one of the pins seem to be recessed (pushed in?) compared to the other 3?

edit: sure enough, one pin is pushed in deeper then the rest on the headlight I'm having a problem with. Compared to the other working side where all pins are at an even height...:(

edit again: sorry to kill your thread, i'll go back and delete these nonsense posts when I get em' working. Currently, I know I have the plugs in right on the "troubled" side, as the high beam works as it should. just the damn city light won't come on that one side, and it's fully plugged in (i was able to raise the pins with needlenose pliers)

[Brashland]

Yeah, get this figured out so when I install mine next weekend I can learn from your mistakes...

[ESMcBlurM3]

Yeah, get this figured out so when I install mine next weekend I can learn from your mistakes...

Fair enough for me......I'll be out there again tomorrow hopefully getting it right.

[bimmer95]

Try reversing the pin positions for the brown and white wires. The high beam will work either way, but the city light won't get a ground if those wires are reversed. If that doesn't work, try swapping the position of the yellow and grey wires. That's really the problem with Depos, the pins can be 90 or 180 degrees out of whack or the connector can be mirror imaged of the proper layout. Worst case, if you have a volt meter with a continuity (resistance) test mode, you can check check each pin to what it's wired to inside the headlight.

[ESMcBlurM3]

Try reversing the pin positions for the brown and white wires. The high beam will work either way, but the city light won't get a ground if those wires are reversed. If that doesn't work, try swapping the position of the yellow and grey wires. That's really the problem with Depos, the pins can be 90 or 180 degrees out of whack or the connector can be mirror imaged of the proper layout. Worst case, if you have a volt meter with a continuity (resistance) test mode, you can check check each pin to what it's wired to inside the headlight.

I'll try swapping the pins again, even though I thought I tried each and every combination. I'll take out the voltmeter if that's to no avail. Thanks Chris.

[ESMcBlurM3]

I've done every pin destination there is to no avail. Here are some pics of working vs. non working.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2094.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2093.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2092.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2091.jpg
Damn it, I'm almost certain I wired everything correctly. I guess I'll won't be able to run city lights...:( Do I have any other options?

[bimmer95]

Use your voltmeter's continuity test to make sure you're on the right pins. If you are, use the voltage test to see if you're getting power to the city light socket. It's possible that your quick-splice didn't fully cut through the wire's insulation or something. You can also test for 12v+ on the grey wire (with the parking lights on) to test the splice. Also, make sure you don't have a DOA wedge bulb.

[ESMcBlurM3]

Use your voltmeter's continuity test to make sure you're on the right pins. If you are, use the voltage test to see if you're getting power to the city light socket. It's possible that your quick-splice didn't fully cut through the wire's insulation or something. You can also test for 12v+ on the grey wire (with the parking lights on) to test the splice. Also, make sure you don't have a DOA wedge bulb.

Bulb is good, checked it with the working side. Looking for voltmeter now, I know it's around here somewhere.

[ESMcBlurM3]

:embarrasm

WOOOOHOOO! I must have been nervous using the quick splice for the first time.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2095.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/emcbane/HPIM2096.jpg

I will go back after I install and delete all of this nonsense from your sale thread.

Thank You, Chris!

[bimmer95]

No problem, glad to see you got it all up and running! :)

[IppoJ]

...god i love you.
...right now I have one dangling
...Sorry, this is my first time!
...I'll keep playing with it
...I must have been nervous using the quick splice for the first time

:drink3:cuddle:love:69:crackbutt :kiss:luvlove:smoke1:ky:spank:bj:boobies

yes, I'm 12. :)

[erock///m3]

We'll have installed pictures soon...
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroFront
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroBack
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXEuroLensLogo
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-15912447027353/APXCaseMarks2
these lights look good, can you give me some info on them, do they have pnp and city lights and stuff like that

[bimmer95]

They come with PnP harnesses and city light sockets.

[crisko]

So with regards to price, the ZKW top the list, followed by DEPO, then APEXCONE.. are the Apexcone similar in quality to Depo? Are these a tried and tested product? thanks!

[bimmer95]

The Apexcone headlights are as good, if not better than, the Depos. The design is the same, but Apexcone uses less brittle plastic and corrected Depo's mixed up wiring. They're only cheaper because Depo doesn't get a cut of price.

[Cal]

The Apexcone headlights are as good, if not better than, the Depos. The design is the same, but Apexcone uses less brittle plastic and corrected Depo's mixed up wiring. They're only cheaper because Depo doesn't get a cut of price.

:buttrock Let us know when they're available.

[bimmer95]

They're already available :)

[thbmwm3]

They're already available :)

Only $115 for Apexcone headlights? :buttrock:redspot

[bimmer95]

Yup, they're cheaper than the Depos by 23% and better too. No more fumbling with the wiring guessing which spot Depo decided to put the wiring pins in to.

[///RBR]

They're already available :)

Chris,

Do you know if the Apexcone is glued shut?

[bimmer95]

Apexcone's headlights have an o-ring seal between the lens assembly and the rear part of the housing, just like ZKWs.

[Cal]

Maybe you should start an "Apexcone Headlights" GB thread, or add the info to the first post? ;)

[bimmer95]

I justed added Apexcone ellipsoids info to the first post in this thread.

Here's a couple pictures of the Apexcone ellipsoids that I took at Apexcone last weekend...
http://www.understeer.com/images/bimmerforums/apexcone_ellipsoids_01_med.jpg
http://www.understeer.com/images/bimmerforums/apexcone_ellipsoids_02_med.jpg

They clip/snap together just like ZKWs and are made from a more pliable plastic, so the tabs on the lenses are less likely to break, when removing the lenses, than Depos. Wiring pin locations are to ZKW standards as well, that was a major requirement in the design specifications.

[nos4you]

do any of your HID's cause the low beam warning to go off on E36's? If so which ones do and don't? Are the race HID's digital? Which ones are digital?

[bimmer95]

All of the Apexcone ballasts are digital and all are designed to prevent LBF warnings. That is not a guarantee that you won't get a warning though, because the sensitivity of the check control system varies from car to car. There are ways of bypassing or disabling the LBF portion of the check control system if necessary and Apexcone is working on additional fixes for problematic cars.

[ESMcBlurM3]

All of the Apexcone ballasts are digital and all are designed to prevent LBF warnings. That is not a guarantee that you won't get a warning though, because the sensitivity of the check control system varies from car to car. There are ways of bypassing or disabling the LBF portion of the check control system if necessary and Apexcone is working on additional fixes for problematic cars.

Put me on that mailing list for updates on the LBF with the apexcone HID!

[nos4you]

All of the Apexcone ballasts are digital and all are designed to prevent LBF warnings. That is not a guarantee that you won't get a warning though, because the sensitivity of the check control system varies from car to car. There are ways of bypassing or disabling the LBF portion of the check control system if necessary and Apexcone is working on additional fixes for problematic cars.

What has been your result so far? Would you say there is a 50% chance or greater to get a LBF on E36's? How many have you sold that tripped the LBF so far? If it does, do you guys cover this under warranty or will it be an additional purchase? Thanks for the quick response!

[bimmer95]

Maybe 10-20% have LBF issues recently. I'm pretty sure Apexcone will give away the fix if at all possible.

[nos4you]

Maybe 10-20% have LBF issues recently. I'm pretty sure Apexcone will give away the fix if at all possible.

I'm a little confused now. So is there currently a fix for this LBF issue by Apexcone or by you guys?

[bimmer95]

APexcone is working on a new fix, I'm an Apexcone reseller.

[nos4you]

APexcone is working on a new fix, I'm an Apexcone reseller.

Thanks for your promt responses. I just sent my order in for e36 apexcone ellipsoids + 6000k race HID's. I was wondering the ellipsoids come with high beam and city light bulbs and what type of bulbs do they take?

[bimmer95]

High beam halogen bulbs are included, I don't think they typically come with the city light bulbs though. They're W5W/T10 5 watt wedge bulbs, ~$2/pair at any auto parts store.

[chebimmer]

Pics of the Apexcone lights installed yet? With lights on?
How is the fitment, as good as the ZKW? Is the cover glass?
Basically, why would I want ZKWs?
I think you will have an order from me soon:)

[bimmer95]

There are installed pictures over here, http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=842023

The fitment is good and the lenses are glass. They are closer in quality to the ZKWs than the Depos, because of the less brittle plastic and proper wiring pin positions. The ZKWs are still the better headlights, but for the price they can't be beat.

[chebimmer]

There are installed pictures over here, http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=842023

The fitment is good and the lenses are glass. They are closer in quality to the ZKWs than the Depos, because of the less brittle plastic and proper wiring pin positions. The ZKWs are still the better headlights, but for the price they can't be beat.

Thanks for the link of photos, looks great.
For a third of the price, I just can't justify saving for the ZKWs.
This is perfect timing as fall and less daylight are here.
Expect a PM from me soon.
Thx

[wimpwgn]

Any discount on shipping? $25 seems a little steep.

[bimmer95]

Not unless you want to drive down to San Diego and pick them up. Actual shipping costs on headlights tends to be closer to $35/set due dimensional weight.

[IppoJ]

Any discount on shipping? $25 seems a little steep.
The box is h u g e.

[wimpwgn]

Not unless you want to drive down to San Diego and pick them up. Actual shipping costs on headlights tends to be closer to $35/set due dimensional weight.

understeer is in SD? Do I have to pay tax then?

[bimmer95]

We're in Ohio, but Apexcone's warehouse is in SD, so no tax if you order from us.

[Imperialduckm3]

What has been your result so far? Would you say there is a 50% chance or greater to get a LBF on E36's? How many have you sold that tripped the LBF so far? If it does, do you guys cover this under warranty or will it be an additional purchase? Thanks for the quick response!

Here's the results on my car's with apexcone products

1. 1997 M3/4(technoviolet)-- didn't trip the LBF

2. 1997 M3/4(Aplinewhite)-- trip the LBF.. I seach online and did some hacking

3. 1998 328i-- Didn't trip the LBF

4. 1993 325is-- trip the LBF.. left it as it (didn't want to waste time)

5. 1997 M3/2-- throw here and there

My friends also own a competitor product and it also throws the LBF..

Its a hit and miss..

[mikea128]

out of curiousity, is a 194 bulb the same as a W5W? that's what i bought from my city lights and they seem to fit, but i haven't wired that up yet.

[bimmer95]

Yup, 194 is the same as a W5W.

[mikea128]

Yup, 194 is the same as a W5W.
that's what i thought...thanks for the quick reply :)

[erock///m3]

We're in Ohio, but Apexcone's warehouse is in SD, so no tax if you order from us.
so can i pick these up in Ohio for a discount, or no?

[bimmer95]

Headlights, no. Most other items, yes.

[Silex]

Looking into buying the Apexcone as well and I am in San Diego. But can I still pick them up if I get them with Lamin-x, HID's, and DDE's? My itchy mouse finger wants to place an order soon :).

[bimmer95]

Yup, just order on-line and specify "local pick up" in the checkout notes. I'll refund shipping and contact you with a pick up location.

[motorwerks]

are these prices still good? i was thinking about getting myself a christmas gift.

[bimmer95]

Apexcone and Depo pricing is still the same, ZKWs went up by $20 due to exchange rates.

[motorwerks]

i just put in my order for apexcone race 4500k lamin-x, and lifetime warranty. i read a bunch of reviews, and apparently apexcone is an awesome product.

merry christmas to me, merry christmas to me...

[bimmer95]

Thanks for your order, I'll send tracking info ASAP (should ship today or tomorrow).

[motorwerks]

Thanks for your order, I'll send tracking info ASAP (should ship today or tomorrow).

awesome, thanks!




http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3548/dancingsantawr6.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Cal]

awesome, thanks!




http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3548/dancingsantawr6.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Nice icon!

[bimmer95]

Getting low on ZKWs... just a couple sets left. Next batch will be here in ~3 weeks. Lots of Depo and Apexcone ellipsoids are in stock though.

[thbmwm3]

thx for the info.