Headlights - options?

[pdk42]

The headlights in my new Z4 are really puny - very yellow and quite dim. I think I'll upgrade them; but the question is - with what? I've done HID upgrades before (e46), but I'm not totally convinced in hindsight - I had flicker problems and if I'm honest with myself the beam pattern probably wasn't legal. Then there's the issue of what to do with the mains.

I could keep halogen and just put brighter bulbs in I guess, but I did this in my F31 recently with the "100%" brighter type, but TBH, the stock bulbs seemed much brighter than the Zed, so I'm wondering if there's some other issue at play.

Then I suppose I could go for a complete headlamp unit replacement (with HID), but I've no idea if the quality of the aftermarket ones are any good and the BMW ones seem expensive and complicated to fit.

So - do any of you guys have any experiences, ideas, opinions etc?

Thx

 

[srhutch]

Try raising the headlight up a bit, one or two complete turns of the adjuster (reverse at mot time)

It's what most end up doing along with brighter bulbs.

 

[pdk42]

Thanks. They do seem to be aiming pretty low. I'll give the "100%" brighter bulbs a go. I might swap the side lights too - they are so yellow they look like candles!

 

[NeilP]

The z4 does have projector lights so an aftermarket hid kit would give you an acceptable beam pattern however on its own would still be illegal due to the headlamps not being self cleaning and self leveling.

Of course you'd probably want to run a relay kit and ensure that your headlights are suitably clean when driving the vehicle if you're opting for this.