emma78
February 6, 2018, 1:54am
1
Seeking Advice on BMW 3 Series Headlight Upgrades
I’ve been thinking about upgrading the headlights on my BMW 3 Series and I’m looking for some guidance from fellow owners.
What I’m Considering
I want to improve visibility and give my car a fresh look. Here are the types I’ve been exploring:
LED Headlights : I’ve heard great things about their brightness and longevity.
Xenon Lights : These seem to offer a nice balance between performance and aesthetics.
Smoked Headlights : I love the custom look they can give, but I’m not sure about the effectiveness of light output compared to standard designs.
Questions I Have
Compatibility : Are there specific models or brands I should be looking at?
Performance Differences : How much of a difference do the upgrades make in terms of visibility at night and during bad weather?
DIY vs. Professional Installation : Is it hard to install these myself, or should I leave it to the pros?
Where to Buy : Any recommended places for purchasing these headlights? I want to ensure I’m getting quality products.
Any Experiences to Share?
If you’ve upgraded your headlights, I would love to hear about your experiences—what worked well, what didn’t, and any pitfalls to avoid.
Thanks in advance for your insights! I’m looking forward to hearing from everyone.
I’m also looking into headlight upgrades for my BMW 3 Series. I’ve heard that LED lights can significantly improve visibility. Any experiences with them?
bill21
July 13, 2018, 9:08pm
3
What about HID lights? I read they give off a bluer light, but I wonder if they have any downsides?
6 Likes
Yes, LED lights are great! They last longer than halogens and have a bright, white light. Just ensure they’re compatible with your model.
5 Likes
Custom lighting solutions sound interesting! Has anyone tried them? What are some popular options?
6 Likes
eperry
April 6, 2019, 2:02am
6
I went with a custom setup using RGB LEDs. They look fantastic and you can change colors, but installation was a beast!
3 Likes
HID lights are indeed bright and have that cool color, but they can take time to warm up. Plus, they might blind oncoming drivers if not properly adjusted.
Are there any specific brands I should consider for LED upgrades that fit the 3 Series?
I’ve had great luck with Hikari LEDs. They provide excellent brightness and are quite durable.
todd51
November 2, 2019, 8:12am
10
That’s awesome to hear! I’ve been hesitant, but your experience is reassuring.
Be careful with brightness! Some LEDs can be too bright and draw unwanted attention from cops. Has anyone had issues with that?
2 Likes
joyce13
February 29, 2020, 11:37pm
12
What is the installation process like for HID or LED? Do they usually require professional help?
Funny you mention it! After I installed mine, I got pulled over for ‘illegal headlights’! Just make sure you check local laws.
Installing LEDs can be easy, but for HID, I’d recommend a pro. It involves a ballast and can be tricky if you are not experienced.
I think it’s worth the upgrade for safety and style! Just make sure to get quality components to avoid any issues down the road.
I’ve been dealing with flickering headlights on my 3 Series for a while. It’s most likely a faulty bulb or a wiring issue. Have you checked the connections?
3 Likes
I had similar issues! Sometimes it’s just a matter of cleaning the terminals. Corrosion can really mess things up.
sgreen
July 15, 2020, 6:30am
18
Condensation in headlights can be a nightmare! I suggest checking the seals. If they’re damaged, you may need to replace the entire housing.
I just had to replace one of my headlight housings due to condensation. Such a hassle! Make sure to dry it out properly before sealing it up.
Replacing the ballast is straightforward. Just ensure the power is off before you start messing with it!
6 Likes