Low voltage on driving lights - BMW Forum

Paraklas · 11-13-2005, 07:20 PM

I spent over a month trying different bulbs to get the best light output but I always had a problem; the light was yellowish even if I used the white bulbts etc.

Yesterday I measured the voltage (with engine running idle) and I noticed that the voltage reaching the H1 bulb was 11.2 volts only whereas the voltage reaching other electrical parts of the car was 13.5 (normal).

That loss of almost 3 volts is translated into innefficient light output and more generated heat on the wires. It seems that the problem is at the end of the wires and at the connectors, which are very dirty and rusted - copper wires became green (at the point that they need replacement).

Does anyone know where to get replacement connectors and wires for my E30 driving/high beam lights?

Kowalski · 11-13-2005, 07:38 PM

you could just go buy new wire, or you could run relays. if your going to go to that much work you may as well do a conversion as well.

Paraklas · 11-14-2005, 04:43 AM

Conversion to what? HID for example?

ldsbeaker · 11-14-2005, 02:22 PM

Here's a relatively cheap one.
H4/H1 CONVERSION

Paraklas · 11-14-2005, 03:08 PM

For a bit more amount of money I can get an HID conversion kit from ebay. The only thing that bothers me is that if an HID bulb will fit in the place of the H1 bulb.

Kowalski · 11-14-2005, 04:48 PM

i did an H4 conversion and i couldn't be happier. 110 watt high beams and i believe it was 85 watt low beams.

Paraklas · 11-14-2005, 05:14 PM

Did you change the entire wiring system? Cause 110 watts is a lot of extra Amperes for the stock wiring to handle

Kowalski · 11-14-2005, 08:48 PM

i used the original wires as the switch for my relays, and ran new wires from the power block under the hood for the actual headlight power, and i ran new grounds

Paraklas · 11-15-2005, 12:48 PM

hmmm sounds good to me... I'd like to keep my smileys though with the H1's so I consider changing the wiring from the fusebox (relay onwards) and using high wattage H1's

Kowalski · 11-15-2005, 01:39 PM

you can still keep your smileys... i think you may haev missunderstood what i was saying, the stock wires are just so i dont have to fool arround with switches, everything works the same. but anyways yes a nice high watt H1 would do the trick. im hoping to find an off road light that will fit in there somwhere arround 250 watts

...

Paraklas · 11-15-2005, 02:44 PM

Lol .. thats .5 kilowatts load? You better not forget them on with the engine off.

Kowalski · 11-15-2005, 06:33 PM

hahaha i know, but luckily they automaticly go off as soon as i turn the key off