HID to LED on a E46

[ifightfire]

I just acquired a 2005 330 XI with HID headlights. My issue is they don't seem focused or very bright. Is it possible or a bad idea to change them to HID? Also the inner lights that have halogen light bulbs only come on dim when parking lights are on. Please explain if this all is normal or do I have issues

[evankirkhart]

I would not upgrade to LED. LEDs are not actually brighter than Xenon bulbs, just more efficient. I replaced the headlight assemblies on my E46 and they were a bit brighter (due to aging, slightly burned projectors. There are projector replacements out there. Osram night breakers are also better bulbs. Also check the adjusters to make sure they aren't dead.

[Mless5]

1. Simply sticking LED bulb into HID housing will diminish light output.
2. Yes, it is normal for inner beams to come on at half brightness when you start your vehicle. This is called DRL - daylight running lights. You can code this feature out with PASoft.
3. Adjusters don't break in e46, this is a trait of e39 housings.
4. Make sure your front plastic is clean and bulbs are fresh. Do not cheap out on bulbs, you get what you pay for.
5. Make sure your headlight housings are not made by ZKW brand which have plastic reflector bowls that burn out over time. If you do, it is very unfortunate because the only real way to get light is to swap them out for AL brand housings.