Xenon worth it?

Originally Posted by ChrisF02

I don't understand why any BMW would not at least have halogen projectors. I had them in a rental car, and although they're not as good as HID projectors, they're so much better than plain halogens.

Even the cheapest of toyotas, most of the scions have at least halogen projectors.

Not to hate on anyone who has halogens on their brand new 3, just seems like a silly place to cut corners on a premium car.

The best way to get someone to spend $900 on the Lighting Package is to give them lousy lighting.

BJ

Originally Posted by ChrisF02

I don't understand why any BMW would not at least have halogen projectors. I had them in a rental car, and although they're not as good as HID projectors, they're so much better than plain halogens.

Even the cheapest of toyotas, most of the scions have at least halogen projectors.

Not to hate on anyone who has halogens on their brand new 3, just seems like a silly place to cut corners on a premium car.

It's just the German way. Audi and Merc are the same.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

The best way to get someone to spend $900 on the Lighting Package is to give them lousy lighting.

BJ

No issues with my lights, i had plenty of bmw's with xenons before and i have no problems with the halogens. Only think i dont like is the non dimming rear view mirror, tho i learend you can twist the black knob and that fixes it

Originally Posted by justinnum1

No issues with my lights, i had plenty of bmw's with xenons before and i have no problems with the halogens. Only think i dont like is the non dimming rear view mirror, tho i learend you can twist the black knob and that fixes it

With the auto-dimming feature, that knob doesn't do anything. Not sure, though, with the alarm option if that black knob is red and blinks when the alarm is set. AFAIK, the knob in my F30 doesn't do a darn thing as I have the auto dimming feature (standard for 2013) but not alarm system. It's also clear and not black.

Originally Posted by AndDown

With the auto-dimming feature, that knob doesn't do anything. Not sure, though, with the alarm option if that black knob is red and blinks when the alarm is set. AFAIK, the knob in my F30 doesn't do a darn thing as I have the auto dimming feature (standard for 2013) but not alarm system. It's also clear and not black.

yes it does, it angles the mirror up and cuts the glare from lights behind, its pretty neat

Originally Posted by justinnum1

No issues with my lights i had plenty of bmw's with xenons before and i have no problems with the halogens. Only think i dont like is the non dimming rear view mirror, tho i learend you can twist the black knob and that fixes it

My E90 M-Sport lacked xenon's so I replaced the bulbs with Sylvania SilverStar Ultra's and they made a big difference vs. the stock halogen projectors. Best $30 I spent on that particular car. Increased visibility nicely, bright white light instead of yellow, wasn't xenon but it was a step-up from what I got from Germany.

Your replacement ride is a 2013 and it'll have the auto-dimming rear view mirror standard.

BJ

Originally Posted by justinnum1

yes it does, it angles the mirror up and cuts the glare from lights behind, its pretty neat

Yes but as AndDown said, that manual control is only provided if you do not have the auto-dimming (electrochromic) rear-view mirror option.

Originally Posted by Zeichen311

Yes but as AndDown said, that manual control is only provided if you do not have the auto-dimming (electrochromic) rear-view mirror option.

yep.

There is like no doubt to get xenon

The reason I got Premium PKG on mine was because you had to get it to get xenons on 2011's

otherwise I would of got Tech package with xenon instead of premium as it was a 3600$ package whihc was pretty pointless if you dont find keyless access useful

The swivel feature for me is far more useful than any increase in light output. The ability to see into turns on dark suburban roads is just fantastic. It is something you don't appreciate 100% until you jump into a car which does not have the feature. The execution of this feature is perfect, and they work seamlessly.

They also look damn cool, especially during the day. I am sure the halogens are just fine, but the xenons just scream BMW.

There's been a few threads about this. Maybe it's time to have a sticky showing that the vast majority of users in this forum do DEFINITELY recommend the option.
I myself, doubted a little bit at the begining if it should be part of my future build or not, but reading the other threads had me convinced.
There even a few posts of people who didn't get it, asking around about modifying the car.... It will never be the same and it would be a lot more expensive. With all the functionaities built into the package $900.00 is actually a very reasonable price!

My 2001 Acura TL came with Xenon lights as standard equipment. Several cars later, all have been fitted from factory with Xenon. It's a great safety innovation and all cars should carry as standard equipment.

As for me, I will never own a car without Xenon lights!

While i prefer them, they are an added cost. I think those who have them like me will be most vocal about it because going back to halogens is a bit of a shock. But If you're used to halogens, they work perfectly fine. I have windy roads with no street lights where I live so the xenons are worth it for me. If you live and drive in well lit areas, I'd probably pass.

Add the xenons, you won't regret it.

the lights are the best thing

We did not order? Can u change your self?

Originally Posted by zibawala

We did not order? Can u change your self?

No.

The cost would be too high if you try to do it the right way. And if you just go through a cheap retrofit, the car will look worse (IMO).

At first I was following the logic that since most of my drive is in well lit areas, then I wouldn't need that option. The thing is they look so good on the that my decision will mainly be based on this.
If you drive more highways or around poorer lit areas, then there is also a safety element to be considered.

If I were you I wouldn't worry any more if you didn't get them. Enjoy your car and when it's time to get another one, just learn from this experience and try to get them

Took delivery today. It's not even the same car without Xenons!!!

MANY MANY thanks to those on this forum who recommended Xenons which I was totally NOT going to get. Glad I listened to wise minds.

Originally Posted by 328i2013

Glad I listened to wise minds.

What the forums tell always do. Wise minds in the forums there are.

Originally Posted by 328i2013

Took delivery today. It's not even the same car without Xenons!!!

MANY MANY thanks to those on this forum who recommended Xenons which I was totally NOT going to get. Glad I listened to wise minds.

Nice car and a great call on the Xenons.

The more you drive at night the more you need the xenons. I wouldn't buy a BMW w/o then. N4S

I turned on the brights last night in a Cul-de-sac. It was NUTS how bright they were and how well light the homes were. I had to turn off the brights quickly or I would have woken some of them up.

Good choice, when I see a f30 with halogens I shed a single tear.

Originally Posted by evergreen2000

Good choice, when I see a f30 with halogens I shed a single tear.

I haven't even seen a single f30 in my town, besides mine of course

Originally Posted by evergreen2000

Good choice, when I see a f30 with halogens I shed a single tear.

Yep. Especially on a Luxury line.