BMW: putting halogens in a 98 540

On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 07:41:53 GMT, "mc" <com> wrote:
 
Are you really referring to HALOGEN bulbs or because they are simple drop in
replacements for standard/stock bulbs. Sealed beam units haven't been fitted
for many years - since the US gave way to real headlamps - remember you were
restricted to 25watt headlamps so the makers fitted 2 (or 4 units) and that is
where the world got it's twin headlam styling from - probably the only nice
thing to come from Detroit (except the Dodge Hemi Charger/Challenger &
Barracuda).

I think - somehow - you are wanting to fit HID (High Intensity Discharge) units
which are a totally different kettle of fish. There is a conversion kit
available here in the UK from CA Electrics and in the US from
http://www.realhid.com

Give them a try......

Hugh
Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!

Hugh Gundersen
co.uk
co.uk
http://www.bognor-bill.co.uk
Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK

-------------------------------------------------
Vyisder Asmeni
Orsisarsis Asderisorsis.
B.Cozderiz
Vunarz
PERORZ
-------------------------------------------------

Sorry, I meant Xenon not halogen, haha...Maybe thats the same as HID? Its
late, forgive me.

-Adam

"mc" <com> wrote in message
news:55j2b.9326$gnilink.net... 
newer 
to 

In article <55j2b.9326$gnilink.net>,
mc <com> wrote: 

I presume you mean HID or Xenon as they are commonly known?

They are a different type of lamp entirely which needs high voltage so
has a power pack as well as the special bulb. The bulb design also
requires a different reflector to function as intended, and the fitting
has a self levelling mechanism. There are aftermarket kits that use the
same headlamp assemblies, but these don't conform to regulations in many
countries. To fit OEM parts is costly but can be done - I'd guess at in
excess of $2000.

--
*I speak fluent patriarchy but it's not my mother tongue

Dave Plowman co.uk London SW 12
RIP Acorn

On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 09:20:35 GMT, "mc" <com> wrote:

No it isn't Xennon is an inert used to stop the filament burning up just as
Halogen is. It allows the filament to run hotter and thus give out more light
(so they say!)

HID are a TOTALLY different kettle of fish.... believe me.

Hugh
 

Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!

Hugh Gundersen
co.uk
co.uk
http://www.bognor-bill.co.uk
Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK

-------------------------------------------------
Vyisder Asmeni
Orsisarsis Asderisorsis.
B.Cozderiz
Vunarz
PERORZ
-------------------------------------------------

On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 11:02:31 +0100, Dave Plowman
<co.uk> wrote:
 

Pretty close, Dave.

$1499.95 US for HID w/Angel Eyes conversion, $849.95 for Angel Eyes
only, $1799.95 for PIAA HID driving lights at Bavarian Autosport
http://www.bavauto.com

I guess I can do without that then. I was thinking in the area of $300-$400.

-Adam

"saeengineer" <net> wrote in message
news:com...
On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 11:02:31 +0100, Dave Plowman
<co.uk> wrote:
 

Pretty close, Dave.

$1499.95 US for HID w/Angel Eyes conversion, $849.95 for Angel Eyes
only, $1799.95 for PIAA HID driving lights at Bavarian Autosport
http://www.bavauto.com

Yeah, I guess it was an option even on the 540. I thought that they were
optional on other 5'ers but standard on the 540.

So if the poster is going to do the whole change over, I'd also suggest
getting the Euro spec clear lenses (no yellow)in the headlamps,
sidemarkers and rear assemblies. Rear and front changeover is a snap.
Side markers could drive you nuts (error messages). You HAVE TO USE THE
OLD (EXISTING) sockets and replace the clear bulb with the exact same
bulb only in amber. The "new" socket is a single pole only and it causes
the "check sidelamp" message to come up.

This is kind of weird, especially when you consider that I bought the
OEM Hella (lense) conversion package.

I would suggest you also stay away from the cheap (or probably ALL) non
OEM kits.



mc wrote: 

On Mon, 25 Aug 2003 10:12:45 +0100, Hugh Gundersen <co.uk>
wrote:
 

An unfortunate demise, since sealed bums satisfy both the budget
conscious needs of automakers and the convenience and upgradability
needs of consumers. It is regrettable that composite US-DoT
headlamps were legalized, since many of them are poorer performers
than the sealed bums of old.
 

The U.S. did not give way to real headlamps. At a federal level at
least, real headlamps have never been legal in the USA - the 1930s
SAE (not European) photometrics are still required. There are newer
lamps with new U.S. photometrics that better mimic the Euros, but
it's still no cigar.
 

Old tungsten sealed beams are typically 37W.
 

HID is fine, albeit very expensive, so long as the conversion is of
the entire headlamp fixtures and not some nasty, dangerous, illegal
hack'n'slash "retrofit" sold by less reputable types, which consists
only of a ballast and capsule to fit into a halogen fixture.

One plus of HIDs is extreme intensity at low power consumption. But
more important in terms of seeing (and especially not glaring
others) is to have a good beam pattern, for which a good set of E
code halogens will do the trick nicely. Of course, E code HIDs are
very nice too, if you've got the $$$...

See http://lighting.mbz.org/ for lots of useful stuff on lighting,
HIDs, the blue bulb scam, etc.

--
ricardo, ex-euroslav vancouver bc canada
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