buying hid kit, need some suggestions - BMW Forum

dementievafan · 06-23-2006, 02:28 PM

ok im a total noob when it comes to hids, never bought them and I don't even know which category im in(h-whatever). anyways i have a 97 bmw 328is coupe black.

1. if i get hids for headlights, should i also get hid foglights?
2. can i put hids on stock bmw headlights? stock foglights?
3. im looking for 6000k or 6500k what are some good brands and where do you recommend i buy them from?
4. what kind of hids do i need, specific category so i get the ones for my bmw.

thanks guys and if someone has hids for both fogs and headlamps plz lemme know i would liek to see a pic of how it looks, thanks again guys.

drz · 06-23-2006, 04:28 PM

In order to get HIDs, you will need to replace your stock headlight housings with European-spec housings. These are glass, and have ellipsoid projectors, which is necessary to direct the light from teh HIDs. I suggest www.jlevisw.com, our sponsor, as the source for the entire setup. There are many brands, but I recommend ZKW, and a second option would be DEPO, although the quality is not on par with ZKWs. Stay away from DJ Auto.

The decision for the foglights is completely up to you. I don't know much about HID foglights -- I think Rooz had HID foglights on his 328is before he sold it. I am sure he has pictures.

6000 K is probably as high as you want to go in terms of light temperature. It is a good compromise of brightness and "white/blueness."

dementievafan · 06-23-2006, 06:54 PM

thx good info darn so i have to give up my stock hella headlights? sob

97alpineM3 · 06-23-2006, 08:41 PM

www.jlevistreetwerks.com...

He is one of our sponsers... he will help you out... check out the web site...

They have all you will need.

Good Luck,

Les

dementievafan · 06-24-2006, 12:56 AM

is there a cheap way to get mod my oem headlights so i can get hids, ie like just buy the ellipsoid projectors?

wesmyth · 06-24-2006, 10:39 AM

I'm pretty sure that CHEAP and HID can not be used in the same sentence, paragraph or conversation. More than likely there are international laws against the combination of these words in writ.

Cruzin 323is · 06-25-2006, 12:50 AM

it is not recomended to put hid's in the stock headlamps... but you can do them...

it is SUGGESTED to buy the projecter headlights...

dementievafan · 06-25-2006, 01:26 AM

whats the science behind it, is there a big risk in blowing out the headlamps ? im planning angel eyes too, angel eyes + hids, is that excessive? i think ive gone mad

if i buy a headlight from a e36 in europe, are those stock euro ellipsoids already?

drz · 06-25-2006, 03:32 AM

Like I said in my first reply to your original post, the ellipsoids are completely necessary in order to properly direct the lights from the HID bulbs. Otherwise you will blind drivers, which is not only dangerous, but it can also get you pulled over and fined. Also, I can't imagine scattered light being too useful.

Angel eyes + HID is a very common setup. It is not excesive. Just look at the signatures of the peolpe how have posted in this thread -- cruzin and 97alpinem3 both have HIDs+DDE.

Yes, if you buy the headlights from an e36 in europe, those will be stock projectors already. Unless you are already there, it may not be worth the touble. Just get some locally. Where are you located? Are your headlights glass housing? Have any pics?

With regards to the DJ Auto question in your PM: I have never heard anything good about them. They are cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

preyash · 06-25-2006, 11:46 PM

Hey wats up i have a HId kit installed in my car like a week ago and it works fine with my stock headlamps and the light pattern is as good as my frineds infiniti i35 which doesnt have projector headlamps on his but it shines like his and the light is just amazing u dont even need to use ur high beams i mean the light is so powerful even using my stock Us spec headlights, just get the HId kit and let me know i am sure u will be happy..

preyash

wesmyth · 06-26-2006, 06:15 AM

as far as i have read you need the euro headlights to install Angel Eyes. So your out another 200 to 400 bucks. sorry.

drz · 06-26-2006, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wesmyth

as far as i have read you need the euro headlights to install Angel Eyes. So your out another 200 to 400 bucks. sorry.

I had forgotten about that. True, you will not be able to fit in angel eyes with the stock US spec headlights.

dementievafan · 06-26-2006, 03:08 PM

ic good info guys, now its either zkw or depos, hmmmm

dementievafan · 06-28-2006, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wesmyth

as far as i have read you need the euro headlights to install Angel Eyes. So your out another 200 to 400 bucks. sorry.

lol, give me a break i just bought another e36

wesmyth · 06-28-2006, 06:25 AM

sorry about that whole, "you need euro ellipsoids to get angel eyes" thing. Just think how my wallet feels. I am getting a second job just to pay for my BMW addiction. I swear that cars is like crack. You start to take care of it and BAM! Your shelling out money for wax, clay bars, buffers, new headlights, leather cleaner, saddle soap, various car parts, all on top of regular maintainance. Well at least i'm not robbing banks, all whacked on the scooby snacks.