Re: E36 Low and High Beam Headlights

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

What do you mean by a "Xenon conversion kit"?  Are you talking about 
replacing the bulbs with xenon-filled bulbs (which Phillips/Sylvania 
currently sells...9005 and 9006 style)?  The headlight technology used on 
the new BMWs is HID, or High Intensity Discharge, and uses completely 
different technology than current lighting does.  I imagine that the price 
for such an upgrade would be incredibly high (and not worth the price).  I 
would also question Phillip's motivation to produce a headlight conversion 
system for a car model (E36) which is no longer produced by BMW.  If it was 
still being produced, Phillips would have an incentive to develop it because 
it could be incorporated into new production as well as be sold as an 
upgrade.  But for the pure upgrade market, I believe that the costs to 
develop and "productize" such an expensive upgrade wouldn't be worth it for 
them.

If you find more info, please send it my way.

Several people have upgraded their headlights to the Euro E36 lighting, 
which uses different low beams.  Also, the outside covers are glass, not 
plastic, and can be replaced independently from the lighting fixtures 
(unlike the US lighting, which must be completely replaced if the plastic 
cover is damaged).

The US lighting may not like a bulb upgrade to 80/100 watts...the plastic 
may melt.  The Euro lighting can accommodate higher wattage lighting.

Expect to pay $300-400 for the Euro lighting, and add in at least $50 more 
for higher-wattage bulbs.

- -rb

>
>Date: Thu, 25 Nov 1999 17:46:21 EST
>From: ODIPACO@domain.elided
>Subject: E36 Low and High Beam Headlights
>
>I would like to get some information on improving my current stock 
>headlights
>for my E36 325i 94 BMW....
>
>Are there any high quality higher wattage (i.e.  80 or 100 watt) Hella or
>Osram bulbs that I can use?  Where could I order these from.
>
>Also,  I have heard that Phillips is coming out with a "xenon light
>conversion kit" for the E36 in January 2000....if anyone has information on
>this,  please reply.   I understand that the conversion kit produces light
>identical to the new BMW's 5 and 7 series,  Mercedes,  and Lexus.
>
>
>Anyway,  any information and suggestions on upgrading my current stock 
>lights
>will be greatly appreciated....the lighting in the area where we live is 
>very
>poor and night driving is always a challenge.
>
>Thanks and regards!
>
>Odipaco@domain.elided
>E 36 94 325 and 93 325is

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