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Thread: Headlights

  1. #1
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    Headlights

    Hello Forums,

    I've seen forums with this on, but I'm looking into redoing the headlights on my 2004 BMW M3 E46. The low beams are very poor quality and the high beams are very poor too. My 2006 has the Xenon low beams and high beams, but I do not know what brand it is because it came when I bought the car. So now, I need to look into either get a better light fixture or just fix it. Anyone have any opinion? Should I do Xenon or just leave it as is? Another note is that the high beams are Xenon headlights, but the daylights/low beams aren't. If the xenon is the way to go, does anyone have a favorite brand or any really good brand? Thank you so much.

    Sincerely,

    F 18 Hornet

  2. #2
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    Depo makes good quality stuff, and you can find it all over the internet with a quick search.

    If the 04 doesn't have the HID's, you will need to program the LCM for HID's, otherwise you will get a bulb out on the dash.

    Yes there is a hood in the HID's that pull back when you push the stalk forward, and uses the DRL or inner lights for "flash to pass". That is another reason for programming the LCM, it will still thing you have Halogen lamps and only the inner lamp will come on for flash and high beam.
    Darin
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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by dworthy View Post
    Depo makes good quality stuff, and you can find it all over the internet with a quick search.

    If the 04 doesn't have the HID's, you will need to program the LCM for HID's, otherwise you will get a bulb out on the dash.

    Yes there is a hood in the HID's that pull back when you push the stalk forward, and uses the DRL or inner lights for "flash to pass". That is another reason for programming the LCM, it will still thing you have Halogen lamps and only the inner lamp will come on for flash and high beam.
    I'll take a look into the lighting. Obviously on this question, you could tell that I am a bit of a newbie on lighting, but how do you tell if the lights are HID or not? Also, any instructions and tips about programming the LCM if the light is an HID? Also, this really shows how much of a newbie I am. I don't understand what you mean by the last chapter. Thank you so much for the help and everything.

  4. #4
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    Aww no worries, as long as you ask the dumb questions.

    How to tell the difference between the HID and Halogens is the HID has what is called a "fishbowl" The Halogens you can see the bulb thru the outer cover.

    As for tips on programming the LCM, if you don't plan on doing a lot of DIYing, it would be best to find a shop that can change the setting for you. The program and head unit can run 200-300 bucks, just google NCS Expert and you get to see the fun with programming.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  5. #5
    Pelican Parts's Avatar
    Pelican Parts is offline Senior Member Supporting Vendor
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    Hey F 18 Hornet (awesome name btw ).....I've attached a link that shows you exactly how to remove and re-do your non-Xenon headlights. If you're interested in Xenon headlights, we have a tech article for that as well if you're planning on going the DIY route. For part inquiries, give our Parts Specialists a call at 888-280-7799 and they'll be happy to help you out on a new set. Hope this helps and best of luck!

    http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...Headlights.htm


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