aftermarket headlights

[gd96_328i]

I am wondering how much more light out put is really accomplished with converting to projecter style DEPO or ZKW and the H1 bulbs. I am perfectly happy with the stockers aside from the yellow tint which I understand can be buffed out. What I am really looking for is more light without the brights on but at this point am not ready to spend a 200+ for it.

[E36 Phantom]

Not much. You'll get some, but you can put Sylvania Silverstars or other PIAA Xtreme White's in your current lights, get an $8 bottle of Meguiar's PlastX and buff the headlights clear, and have just slightly less light output.

If you wanted to pony up another ~200 or so on top of the DEPO or ZKW's, you could get HID's, which will provide a huge jump in light patter quality and brightness over the current parabolic reflector USDM lights.

[Cal]

If you stay with halogen bulbs, there really isn't that big of a difference between stock headlights and projector headlights (depo, apexcone, zkws). The major difference comes if you decide to upgrade to HIDs. If you're not ready to spend hundreds of dollars, just upgrade your bulbs to silverstars or PIAA extremes like Chad stated.

The cheapest projector headlights you can find will be the apexcones at understeer.com. Depos are a close second in terms of $$$.

http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-lighting.shtml

[PJBIMMER]

This is probably the best deal you'll find on eBay, I bought the exact same set and they ship fast.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E36-PROJECTOR-ZKW-ANGEL-EYE-EYES-CCFL-HEADLIGHTS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33710QQihZ00 8QQitemZ180211422144QQtcZphoto

[gd96_328i]

thanks for the help guys

[dave00]

Hi, I restore a coulple sets of headlights a week, and I was in the same position as you I liked the original headlights so I restored them.When I got the car they were cloudy and yellow looked bad.All you have do is start with wet 600 on a jidder bug sander and sand them down untill the uv coating is all gone, you will see it sanding off.When it looks like its all off back them down with wet 1500.Now you are ready to buff them out, start with a heavy compound buff three times, the wipe off and buff with a finer compound like diamond cut or something simular.I can do a set in about 30 mins.I just thought I would let know that they can look new again.134418

134419

[jason_recliner]

...sand them down untill the uv coating is all gone...
My understanding is that is it illegal to have halogen lights without any UV protection. The UV output from halogen is substantial.

And yes, no one will know only by looking at them.

However, you can buy quartz bulbs which should specifically say they are UV proof.

[E36 Phantom]

My understanding is that is it illegal to have halogen lights without any UV protection.

So? :rofl:

The UV output from halogen is substantial.

Home tanning salon!!! Lol.

And yes, no one will know only by looking at them.

Now you're thinkin'!!!

However, you can buy quartz bulbs which should specifically say they are UV proof.

Meh, why waste the money. Besides, think of the money you save! Just sit in a lawn chair in front of your headlights for a while and tan, no need for tanning salons.
.

[odin328]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[c.j.dono]

HA this is saving me money! Whats the best way to get the yellow and crap and make the clear lens for the lights, What about the turning lights can you make them clear the same way?

[SCANDINAVIAN13]

Look for Meguiar's lens cleaning solution. It's your best bet for revitalizing old lenses if you don't want to buy new ones.

[jason_recliner]

My understanding is that is it illegal to have halogen lights without any UV protection.

So?

I will just assume that was a tongue-in-cheek post.
If everyone were actually that narrow minded and flippant about halogen lights, we'd all have cataracts and skin cancer. Design rules exist for a reason.