Headlight solution

[Unitedleeds1919]

I have just been looking through some old posts regarding headlights and bulbs, I looked because I went out for a night drive a couple of evenings ago and the lights on main beam are pretty poor, so my coupe has headlight washers so I can get xenons fitted by the looks of it, or I try the performance bulbs but I have from memory tried performance on an old coupe and they were not a great improvement infact it’s bordering on dangerous. So can I get a decent light out of these headlights that’s legal? Does anyone on here do a light upgrade service? Some idea of costs? I followed a link on one post to an eBay advert but they were sold out…I definitely need an upgrade

 

[Barty]

If you’ve got washers, have you not already got xenons?

A good upgrade is to better projectors. After 12-15 years the originals will have become opaque and dirty. Retrofitlab or similar sources have plug and play solutions.

If you’ve not got xenon’s, then you could either retrofit new projectors and HID’s, or alternatively switch to LED.



Ive retrofitted LEDriving Osram LED’s to my halogens (the projectors are also suitable for xenon). You’ll need the correct adapters too, but otherwise they’re plug and play. The image above still shows the original projectors. I’ll retrofit a set of Marimoto’s later on which should further enhance output

 

[javis20]

Are you sure they are aimed properly?

 

[1536Z4]

If you’ve got washers, have you not already got xenons?

Not always the case unfortunately Barty . I didn`t have them on mine and I had washers so I upgraded to some HIDs and cleaned the projectors . Much better

 

[1536Z4]

headlights and bulbs

This is the post showing the ones I fitted https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=126382

 

[Unitedleeds1919]

If you’ve got washers, have you not already got xenons?

A good upgrade is to better projectors. After 12-15 years the originals will have become opaque and dirty. Retrofitlab or similar sources have plug and play solutions.

If you’ve not got xenon’s, then you could either retrofit new projectors and HID’s, or alternatively switch to LED.

IMG_5898.jpeg

Ive retrofitted LEDriving Osram LED’s to my halogens (the projectors are also suitable for xenon). You’ll need the correct adapters too, but otherwise they’re plug and play. The image above still shows the original projectors. I’ll retrofit a set of Marimoto’s later on which should further enhance output

wow that is amazing

 

[Unitedleeds1919]

Are you sure they are aimed properly?

yes but they are just really poor seriously took the fun out of a usually enjoyable thing I do, go out with a cuppa and some music on low and drive the z

 

[Unitedleeds1919]

headlights and bulbs

This is the post showing the ones I fitted https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=126382

nice 1

 

[Unitedleeds1919]

Wow the lights on that thread i need that light

 

[Mr Tidy]

I think all 3 litre cars had the washers, but Xenons were on the options list!

My first E86 had Xenons but my 2nd had Halogens and they were pretty crap to be fair, although I didn't use it that much in the dark.

The cheapest option would be to get some better bulbs, like Osram Nightbreakers and make sure the lenses are clear.

Thankfully Xenons were standard on Ms and my 3 Series has them too.

And FWIW there is no MOT requirement for working headlight washers on any car registered before September 2009. My MC has passed 3 MOTs with the washers disabled (Fuse 40 removed).

Good luck finding a solution that works for you.

 

[Barty]

think all 3 litre cars had the washers, but Xenons were on the options list!

Perhaps in the UK, but mine came without on the halogens

 

[Unitedleeds1919]

I think all 3 litre cars had the washers, but Xenons were on the options list!

My first E86 had Xenons but my 2nd had Halogens and they were pretty crap to be fair, although I didn't use it that much in the dark.

The cheapest option would be to get some better bulbs, like Osram Nightbreakers and make sure the lenses are clear.

Thankfully Xenons were standard on Ms and my 3 Series has them too.

And FWIW there is no MOT requirement for working headlight washers on any car registered before September 2009. My MC has passed 3 MOTs with the washers disabled (Fuse 40 removed).

Good luck finding a solution that works for you.

cheers I will get some improved lighting as I enjoy a night drive with a brew nice and relaxed in the Yorkshire dales with some non loud music…always been a night owl when not working next day