Xenon Lamp

[postrio]

my 2004 325i didn't come with xenon lamp option.
is it possible to upgrade to it aftermarket?

many thanks!

[StephenA]

I've only seen them for the E39 and they cost $1595.00, twice as much as the built in ones.

[KillFox]

Using OEM parts to swap out ur halogens for xenons will be a LARGE project that will result in an iffy functionality and a large hole in your pocket.

Using an aftermarket HID retrofit kit, you will get better results, but it will cost you ~$1k. I am certain they make a kit for the E46, just cant remember who does.

I would suggest you just keep your halogens, unless you want to spend a large amount of $$ on the project.

If I may ask, why didnt you just order your '04 w/ xenons?

[postrio]

Thank you guys. I'll simply forget about it.
I had a really great deal with my dealer but there weren't any 325i with xenon that fulfill my other more important preferences (body color, steptronics, premium package etc.)
I've been driving non xenon cars for long time, so i guess i can live without it.

[jefft325i]

Originally posted by postrio@Aug 19 2004, 09:53 PM
Thank you guys. I'll simply forget about it.
I had a really great deal with my dealer but there weren't any 325i with xenon that fulfill my other more important preferences (body color, steptronics, premium package etc.)
I've been driving non xenon cars for long time, so i guess i can live without it.

Don't give up so easily - it's not as difficult as these people make it out to be.

You'll wait forever to find them on this site - go to E46fanatics.com and check the classifieds. People sell, buy, and install OEM xenon kits ALL THE TIME - you should be able to get a right and left assembly for 300-600 bucks, depending on age, condition, xenon or bi-xenon, etc.

Most people have problems with them flickering - just get the dealer to re-flash your ECU and that should take care of it.

[El Presidente]

what size light does the e46 use?

I have a Hella HID kit that only cost $400, and comes in H1-H7, 9004-9008. Pretty much all the bulb styles.

[alpinestar]

I don't quite know the difference between xenon and bi-xenon headlights. My 325i has Xenon projection low beams but the high beams are regular halogen lamps.

As far as conversion to Xenon, some interpret this as retro fitting orignal Xenon headlight assemblies to replace the regular halogen assemblies. Then there are kits that are meant to only replace the halogen bulbs with HID bulbs (inlcuding the ballasts). Replacing the whole OEM BMW Headlight assembly with the auto-leveling projector Xenon seem to require deeper pockets and a little bit of 12V electrical system know-how.

[StephenA]

I wouldn't mod a brand new car like that!