Headlights

[TJ98E39]

Hey everyone, so when I bought my car someone put in mismatch headlight and they don't have halo's. So trying to get suggestions on brand and store to get some nice headlight that will last. Looking for suggestions.

[Pelican Parts]

Hello - are you needing the actual headlight assembly or just new bulbs? I'm attaching a link below to where you can find either specifically for your 98' model. Please let us know if you have any questions or feel free to give us a call at 888-280-7799 and one of our BMW part specialists will be happy to help you out with the part that you're looking for.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...Electrical.htm

[Aubergine]

Welcome!

This topic has been covered many, many times over the years. If you search 'headlights' or 'angel eyes' on this sub-forum you will find more information than you can read. It all depends what you are looking for. OEM is out there as well as a ton of aftermarket options.

[TJ98E39]

Welcome!

This topic has been covered many, many times over the years. If you search 'headlights' or 'angel eyes' on this sub-forum you will find more information than you can read. It all depends what you are looking for. OEM is out there as well as a ton of aftermarket options.

Maybe it's my app, when tried the search nothing usfull came up, just repair, fixing or adding angel eyes to current ones. I'm looking into purchase new headlight assembly that comes with halo's.

[Qsilver7]

someone put in mismatch headlight and they don't have halo's

Just an FYI (because it's not actually clear from your posts)...a 1998 e39 did not come with "HALOS"...so if you're looking for this type of headlights...it will be a modification to what was originally available for you car.

The "halo" (angel eye) headlights first appeared on the 2001 (facelift) e39 models.

[TJ98E39]

Just an FYI (because it's not actually clear from your posts)...a 1998 e39 did not come with "HALOS"...so if you're looking for this type of headlights...it will be a modification to what was originally available for you car.

The "halo" (angel eye) headlights first appeared on the 2001 (facelift) e39 models.

Awesome that clarifies a few things but you can still tell at least one of the headlights is not factory. That's why I'm inquiring which is a good/ dependable set to buy.

[Solo12]

So are you saying your currents headlights do not match each-other, as in one is different in some way?

There are a ton of headlight posts with lots of good information on replacement headlights. The biggest piece of advice I can offer you is you are going to get what you pay for in terms of quality and light output. A good set of headlights is going to be expensive. Also in case you are unaware some facelift headlights are halogen and some are xenon aka HID, but they look identical from the front.

[TJ98E39]

So are you saying your currents headlights do not match each-other, as in one is different in some way?

There are a ton of headlight posts with lots of good information on replacement headlights. The biggest piece of advice I can offer you is you are going to get what you pay for in terms of quality and light output. A good set of headlights is going to be expensive. Also in case you are unaware some facelift headlights are halogen and some are xenon aka HID, but they look identical from the front.

Solo 12 that is correct, you can tell one was replaced. At a glance I can not tell which is factory. My main thing is getting advice on which item to stay away from, ( cheap stuff) trying to limit issues down the line.

[Aubergine]

Solo 12 that is correct, you can tell one was replaced. At a glance I can not tell which is factory. My main thing is getting advice on which item to stay away from, ( cheap stuff) trying to limit issues down the line.

Understood. The Umnitza versions and DJ Autos are pretty popular. The original units are Hella and fairly high quality. I have always stuck with OEM since I don't want to mess with something that could endanger my life or someone else's due to a defect/not working as intended.

A set of worn 2001+ Angel Eye lights can be found at most pick-n-pull yards with some looking. A set I found for a friend was $50 then another $50 in adjusters and 3M refurb kit.

[schatzy62]

A set of worn 2001+ Angel Eye lights can be found at most pick-n-pull yards with some looking. A set I found for a friend was $50 then another $50 in adjusters and 3M refurb kit.

I don't know where you see those prices even a set of VERY hazed for any e39 in may area and with 200 miles is $150+. many of them over $250. It's crazy what they think they can get up here in New England.

But to the OP stay away from anything on ebay or amazon for less than $200 per side. They are cheap Chinese crap.

[TJ98E39]

I don't know where you see those prices even a set of VERY hazed for any e39 in may area and with 200 miles is $150+. many of them over $250. It's crazy what they think they can get up here in New England.

But to the OP stay away from anything on ebay or amazon for less than $200 per side. They are cheap Chinese crap.

Ok cool, that makes better sense. I seen some on JDM store.com but didn't sit right.

[nikh23]

I don't know where you see those prices even a set of VERY hazed for any e39 in may area and with 200 miles is $150+. many of them over $250. It's crazy what they think they can get up here in New England.

But to the OP stay away from anything on ebay or amazon for less than $200 per side. They are cheap Chinese crap.

Look in your local salvage yards. Often times way cheaper than looking on Craigslist. I bought a set of facelift headlights with broken adjusters and gazing at my local pick and pull for 33 each light, all mounting tabs were intact too. Retrofitted some hella g4 projectors for another hundred bucks. If you’re willing to do the work yourself you can get some great results.




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[Solo12]

Solo 12 that is correct, you can tell one was replaced. At a glance I can not tell which is factory. My main thing is getting advice on which item to stay away from, ( cheap stuff) trying to limit issues down the line.

fyi it is very easy to swap the lens on the prefacelift lights (ones you have) so it is possible that someone replaced one lens with a different lens cause they were cheap. If you open your hood and look at the top and backs of the lights I think you should find some manufacturing stamps so you can tell what is going on (the lens might be stamped with diff info).

Budget Friendly Option
If you have OEM prefacelift xenons and someone just changed the lens on one, then keep those lights may be a good idea. You would just have to buy a new matching lens or a pair of matching lens and you would have good performing lights for very little money and there is no adhesive to worry about. If you wanted you could add angel eye rings to them as others have done. It does not give the exact look of the facelift lights, but some people really prefer that route. Of course you can go for facelift light if you prefer that look, I just wanted to mention a more budget friendly option.

fyi if there is a small silver/grey box on the back of the lights that means you have xenons. You can also tell with prefacelift lights if you have a projector lens surrounded by a reflector lens on the low beams. I can post some pics if it is helpful.

Used Prices
You may be able to score a deal on facelifts, but more than likely they are going to be at least $150-$200 per side, more if they are xenons even with broken adjusters. If you happen to find a set for $50-$60 great, but don't expect that to happen.

Adjusters & Adhesive
As you are probably learning the weak spot of the OEM facelift lights are broken adjusters. They are fairly easy to replace with a more robust material that will last a long time. However, they used two different types of adhesive to hold the lenses on. One adhesive is butyl basedand you can remove the lens with heat, the other adhesive can not be removed with heat. It is easiest to replace the adjusters, by removing the lens, but there are other methods if you have the permanently sealed lights.

Dates
The back of the OEM facelift headlights are date stamped. If the date stamp if before before 7/2002 then the light has butyl based adhesive that responds to heat. From 7/2002, the adhesive is urethane (or something similar) and will not respond to heat. The date stamp looks like this
e39_headlight_Date copy.jpg

fyi if you need to remove those later "permanently" sealed lens to change adjusters, swap in a bi-xenon projector or just want new lenses it is possible. You use a dremel to cut off these lenses about 1/2" from the glue, then cut and pick out the remainder of the lens and glue from the channel of the headlight base. There are diys on it.

My Preference
Personally I prefer the OEM facelift lights. When I upgraded my lights to xenons I went with used OEM xenons. I swapped in new adjusters, retrofitted EVOX-R bi-xenon projectors, and refinished the lens (I already had LED angel eye bulbs). It was expensive, but I am very happy with them.

fyi I think DJ auto may have gone out of business so it may be harder to find their lights for sale.

[philly98540]

I bought cheap ebay Hella replicas and retrofitted new hid projectors and cob angle eyes into them. They work outstanding. Are the housings as good as OEM? No. Does that impact how they work? No.

This was after searching pick and pulls a few times, and looking at way overpriced total cr@p junk used ones on CL and ebay, I threw in the towel and caved for the aftermarket ones.

I am happy with the performance, and looks for what I spent.

[RyansBMW]

I have a set of DJ Autos retrofitted with FX-R projectors and Orion V4 led angel eyes. They will be for sale shortly. Great light output. Latin-x film has been on since day one so the lens should be in great shape. PM me if you are interested.

[TJ98E39]

fyi it is very easy to swap the lens on the prefacelift lights (ones you have) so it is possible that someone replaced one lens with a different lens cause they were cheap. If you open your hood and look at the top and backs of the lights I think you should find some manufacturing stamps so you can tell what is going on (the lens might be stamped with diff info).

Budget Friendly Option
If you have OEM prefacelift xenons and someone just changed the lens on one, then keep those lights may be a good idea. You would just have to buy a new matching lens or a pair of matching lens and you would have good performing lights for very little money and there is no adhesive to worry about. If you wanted you could add angel eye rings to them as others have done. It does not give the exact look of the facelift lights, but some people really prefer that route. Of course you can go for facelift light if you prefer that look, I just wanted to mention a more budget friendly option.

fyi if there is a small silver/grey box on the back of the lights that means you have xenons. You can also tell with prefacelift lights if you have a projector lens surrounded by a reflector lens on the low beams. I can post some pics if it is helpful.

Used Prices
You may be able to score a deal on facelifts, but more than likely they are going to be at least $150-$200 per side, more if they are xenons even with broken adjusters. If you happen to find a set for $50-$60 great, but don't expect that to happen.

Adjusters & Adhesive
As you are probably learning the weak spot of the OEM facelift lights are broken adjusters. They are fairly easy to replace with a more robust material that will last a long time. However, they used two different types of adhesive to hold the lenses on. One adhesive is butyl basedand you can remove the lens with heat, the other adhesive can not be removed with heat. It is easiest to replace the adjusters, by removing the lens, but there are other methods if you have the permanently sealed lights.

Dates
The back of the OEM facelift headlights are date stamped. If the date stamp if before before 7/2002 then the light has butyl based adhesive that responds to heat. From 7/2002, the adhesive is urethane (or something similar) and will not respond to heat. The date stamp looks like this
e39_headlight_Date copy.jpg

fyi if you need to remove those later "permanently" sealed lens to change adjusters, swap in a bi-xenon projector or just want new lenses it is possible. You use a dremel to cut off these lenses about 1/2" from the glue, then cut and pick out the remainder of the lens and glue from the channel of the headlight base. There are diys on it.

My Preference
Personally I prefer the OEM facelift lights. When I upgraded my lights to xenons I went with used OEM xenons. I swapped in new adjusters, retrofitted EVOX-R bi-xenon projectors, and refinished the lens (I already had LED angel eye bulbs). It was expensive, but I am very happy with them.

fyi I think DJ auto may have gone out of business so it may be harder to find their lights for sale.

No it's not the lens, I can tell by the whole housing is different. Also I know they are not Xeon.

Thanks from the info. I'll keeping looking out. Slow changes for my car and I do need brighter lights.

[TJ98E39]

I have a set of DJ Autos retrofitted with FX-R projectors and Orion V4 led angel eyes. They will be for sale shortly. Great light output. Latin-x film has been on since day one so the lens should be in great shape. PM me if you are interested.

Can I see pictures

[RyansBMW]

Ill try to get some tonight. Ill be able to get full shots after I pull them off in a week or so

[Aubergine]

I don't know where you see those prices even a set of VERY hazed for any e39 in may area and with 200 miles is $150+. many of them over $250. It's crazy what they think they can get up here in New England.

But to the OP stay away from anything on ebay or amazon for less than $200 per side. They are cheap Chinese crap.

Haha! There is a yard not far from Trenton on the PA side. They are always dirt cheap and the headlights are really hazed so they look much worse than they are. did I mention bulbs and ballasts were included? LOL

FWIW, this thread got really good. You guys are awesome!

[amancuso]

fyi it is very easy to swap the lens on the prefacelift lights (ones you have) so it is possible that someone replaced one lens with a different lens cause they were cheap. If you open your hood and look at the top and backs of the lights I think you should find some manufacturing stamps so you can tell what is going on (the lens might be stamped with diff info).

Budget Friendly Option
If you have OEM prefacelift xenons and someone just changed the lens on one, then keep those lights may be a good idea. You would just have to buy a new matching lens or a pair of matching lens and you would have good performing lights for very little money and there is no adhesive to worry about. If you wanted you could add angel eye rings to them as others have done. It does not give the exact look of the facelift lights, but some people really prefer that route. Of course you can go for facelift light if you prefer that look, I just wanted to mention a more budget friendly option.

fyi if there is a small silver/grey box on the back of the lights that means you have xenons. You can also tell with prefacelift lights if you have a projector lens surrounded by a reflector lens on the low beams. I can post some pics if it is helpful.

Used Prices
You may be able to score a deal on facelifts, but more than likely they are going to be at least $150-$200 per side, more if they are xenons even with broken adjusters. If you happen to find a set for $50-$60 great, but don't expect that to happen.

Adjusters & Adhesive
As you are probably learning the weak spot of the OEM facelift lights are broken adjusters. They are fairly easy to replace with a more robust material that will last a long time. However, they used two different types of adhesive to hold the lenses on. One adhesive is butyl basedand you can remove the lens with heat, the other adhesive can not be removed with heat. It is easiest to replace the adjusters, by removing the lens, but there are other methods if you have the permanently sealed lights.

Dates
The back of the OEM facelift headlights are date stamped. If the date stamp if before before 7/2002 then the light has butyl based adhesive that responds to heat. From 7/2002, the adhesive is urethane (or something similar) and will not respond to heat. The date stamp looks like this
e39_headlight_Date copy.jpg

fyi if you need to remove those later "permanently" sealed lens to change adjusters, swap in a bi-xenon projector or just want new lenses it is possible. You use a dremel to cut off these lenses about 1/2" from the glue, then cut and pick out the remainder of the lens and glue from the channel of the headlight base. There are diys on it.

My Preference
Personally I prefer the OEM facelift lights. When I upgraded my lights to xenons I went with used OEM xenons. I swapped in new adjusters, retrofitted EVOX-R bi-xenon projectors, and refinished the lens (I already had LED angel eye bulbs). It was expensive, but I am very happy with them.

fyi I think DJ auto may have gone out of business so it may be harder to find their lights for sale.

Thanks for putting the dates on the facelift headlights... My car was made 8/02 but is an 03 MY. I'll have to check them.

[Mless5]

Look in your local salvage yards. Often times way cheaper than looking on Craigslist. I bought a set of facelift headlights with broken adjusters and gazing at my local pick and pull for 33 each light, all mounting tabs were intact too. Retrofitted some hella g4 projectors for another hundred bucks. If you’re willing to do the work yourself you can get some great results.


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Got a link to the said projectors? Were they bolt on upgrade?

Thanks.

[nikh23]

I purchased mine through a group buy with blackknight530i. Try messaging him and see if he has any left. They were a simple bolt in but it requires disassembling the headlight housing. I purchased a set of used halogen housings and swapped in the xenon projectors, there are a few people who have done build threads for them.


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[Solo12]

fyi there are a couple of different projectors that are easy swaps for the OEM facelift xenon projector. The EVOX-R, Hella G4, and EVOX-R 2.0 (which may be the same as the G4). I can confirm the EVOX-R drops right in without any mounting modifications. The other two may require some mounting tweeks.


TLDR Version
These are some aftermarket projectors that are an easy swap for OEM facelift xenon projectors. I know from personal experience that some other projectors like the FX-R v2 had mounting points that where a little off from the oem mounting points (you either had to make a bracket or only use two of the four mounting points).

• EVOX-R Bi-xenon projectors are a direct bolt in swap for OEM facelift xenon projectors. No mounting adjustments/modifications are necessary. The rubber dust boot on the back of the headlight does have to be trimming to account for the different bulb retention for the bulb (uses same D2S bulb).

• Hella G4 Bi-xenon projectors' bolt holes line up the same as OEM facelift xenon projectors. However, due to the different dimensions of the projector it sits slightly differently in the OEM headlight housing (iirc it sits a little further back). Some mounting adjustment is necessary if you want it to sit like the OEM projectors. I think you use some spacers or modify the OEM mounting bolts, but I don't remember exactly I think blackknight530i posted the info in a thread. Whether it is necessary to make the projectors sit just like the factor ones I don't know. The G4 also uses different bulb retention than factory (also different than EVOX-R) so trimming the rubber dust boot is still necessary (although it may require slightly less trimming than EV0X-R).

• EVOX-R 2.0 Bi-xenon projectors are updated slightly different version of the EVOX-R. The EVOX-R 2.0 housing's dimensions are slightly smaller, but it appears the mounting holes are the same. It may therefore sit a little differently in the OEM housing. The EVOX-R 2.0 also uses a bulb retention ring that looks to be similar, maybe identical to the Hella G4 so trimming the rubber dust boot is still going to be necessary.

Performance
All of these aftermarket projectors have a clear lens, and the ability to operate as both high beam and low beam (through the use if a moveable cutoff shield). The clear lens is supposed to give better light output than the fresnel OEM xenon lens. The ability to operate as a high beam is something the OEM xenon projector lacked.

The low beam light output of my EVOX-Rs is far superior to my OEM facelift halogens, which had functioning adjusters and clear lens. I was always dissapointed in the OEM facelift halogen output. I never actually ran the OEM xenons so I can't comment on light output of EVOX-R vs. stock projectors (my used xenons came with broken adjusters so I did the projector swap when I replaced the adjusters). The high beam performance of the EVOX-R is incredible, even better than stock facelift halogen highbeam performance which I found adequate.

The Hella G4 and EVOX-R 2.0 are supposed to have better performance than the EVOX-R. I am not sure if they are supposed to have a more intense hotspot, further throw, or wider throw. Maybe someone else can clarify if any of those apply. I have not had a chance to see the G4/2.0 performance in real life so I can't compare them to other projectors. fwiw I am running my EVOX-R with the used stock D2s bulbs and I have never found them lacking. The light output is great, I don't feel I need more. I would be surprised if the newer projectors offered that much of a noticeable improvement. Perhaps cost will be the deciding factor because ease of perfect drop in housing fitment seems to favor the EVOX-R if you ask me.

Product Names & Sources
Since these are all aftermarket projectors, the EVOX-R 2.0 and the Hella G4 may in fact be the same items just different names from different sources. A quick google search seems to show different names and pictures for what appear to be very similar projectors. Maybe someone who knows more can chime in and clarify. If anyone goes this route, just make sure you buy from a good vendor that offers returns/ exchanges. But if you do your homework you can probably to get the same items for a lot cheaper from some direct from china website or other innexpensive source. I have had good experiences with the Retrofit Source and Umnitza. I don't know if Blackknight530i has any projectors left, but he is a wealth of e39 knowledge. Personally I would go one of those three routes.

fyi as of right now Retrofit Source has the EVOX-R 2.0, although they often have other items available so calling them might be useful if you are looking for the EVOX-R. Umnitza has the EVOX-R (they have it labeled as the EVOX).

[umnitza]

We now also have the EVO-XR 2.0 - the standard EVO is gone - but we can still get some.
We're going to revise the site to reflect that.

[tnord]

in my opinion, sometimes it's just not worth it to try and go the OEM route. my lenses are trashed, my adjusters are broken, and some of the housing for the bulbs and whatnot are broken as well. it's just no use to try to crack them open to fix the adjusters.

OE units are stupid expensive, and even used ones that are cheaper than new aftermarket need work done. at minimum a lens refurb. I'll likely be getting the most basic units with the easiest install umnitza has to offer (facelift non-xenon car), hopefully on a Black Friday sale.