Confused Confused Confused

[WindowPro]

I am a little confused ... information overload you could say.

First let's start with the taillight assemblies...

I have read the required installation steps (bmwtips.com) for the Celis Tail lights. Seems pretty straightforward. It seems 2001 LED taillight assemblies (Celis -- Brand Name?) were used on a 2000 e39 model car. That part I understand...upgrading to the newer look. Where I get confused is:

1. Did they use 2001 model tail light assemblies because that was all that was available when the initial install was performed? A year ago or whenever it was performed? I am assuming that's the case because I am having no problem locating model specific upgrades. (97-00 LED, etc.) Bekkers, Bavauto, etc.
If so, are the model specific now the same as 2001? I am trying to determine if I should order 2001 assemblies or 2000 model. CONFUSED ?? ME TOO!

Another question -- What brand is most favored by everyone? Hella, etc?

Next Headlight Assemblies

Without going into much detail here ... $*#^^% ---- what's up with all the Angel Eye choices? / Xenon / HID / DDE / ... no wonder I'm confused.
SIDE NOTE: As a business owner I can appreciate technology and competition but what the ...

I do like "other members" Angel Eyes (check out user "Woobiee" car and photo shoot in the pics forum, unbelievable!) , however I am not sure what to purchase? SIDE NOTE: (Woobiee -- if you're reading this ... note the compliments -- I'm just trying to keep my name at the top of the list)!

So...
1. What are most peoples desires here (remove all sexual connotations please -- spelling? ---- ARGH!
a. halogen?
b. Xenon?
c. DDE -- newer technology?
e. etc. -- oh now -- "demon eyes"...


2. What seems to be the latest trend / technology in aftermarket upgrades for both headlights / taillights?

And finally
Best Value? Of course, I can weigh that myself but would like some input from everyone.

I apologize if I am all over the map here, I am at work trying to finish another project and had a moment ... gotta go.

Thanks
Jim

[LOS]

I'll try to keep it simple.

Rear lights:
There are two types you want to go with. L.E.D (celis) lights and your standard bulb type. The brand you want to stay with is Hella.

1997-2000 your tail light & side markers (by the doors) is amber in color. amber ligt bulb
2001-2003 lenses are clear in color. LED type light bulb. I belive the LED was an option but in either case, the rear ligt were clear. To install the LED lights in to a car prior to 2001, you need to modified the sheet metal panel housing in order for the LED light to fit inside. Please go to BAVAUTO.COM for additional information and click on "tech info". They carry both types (std lightbulb with clear lense & LED type bulb with clear lenses)

Front headligts:
1997-2000, the corner lights are amber in color and the headlights were either your std hallogen or xenon (old style). The bulb made the light look kind of white/purple in color
2001-2003: The corner lights are amber in color and the headlights changed to the newer xenon (HID) look. Stay with the hella brand!


Angel eyes are the rings around the headlights. They are not very bright in color (compare to demon eyes).
Demon eyes are very bright and can come in different colors (red and blue)

I have attach pictures of my car so you can get an idea. I hope this clear up a few things...

LOS

[LOS]

FRONT!

[WindowPro]

Originally posted by LOS@Nov 4 2004, 06:53 PM
FRONT!

[snapback]224618[/snapback]

LOL

THANKS FOR THE GREAT INFO!

Can't tell -- Do you have Angel Eyes? Brand?

What brand are the tail lights? Hella?

What year is your car? 2000?

My car does have the older Xenon lights (purplish in color). Do you think these are factory? If so, is there a big difference with the HID? I assume BIG $$$$ for HID?

Thanks again
Jim

[LOS]

Yes, I have the angel eyes. I bought the whole lamp assembly & the rears from bavauto.com The brand is hella, that's the only brand they sell. I have a '97 540i with 77k miles.

You're car probably has the old style xenon lights and yes those are factory. I would suggest for you to go to a BMW dealer and check-out the used car lot and compare headlamps. You migt get lucky and see the difference between a pre-2000 model vs a newer model...

Can you post some headlamp pictures?

LOS

[WindowPro]

Originally posted by LOS@Nov 5 2004, 10:58 AM
Yes, I have the angel eyes. I bought the whole lamp assembly & the rears from bavauto.com The brand is hella, that's the only brand they sell. I have a '97 540i with 77k miles.

You're car probably has the old style xenon lights and yes those are factory. I would suggest for you to go to a BMW dealer and check-out the used car lot and compare headlamps. You migt get lucky and see the difference between a pre-2000 model vs a newer model...

Can you post some headlamp pictures?

LOS

[snapback]225033[/snapback]

LOS,

Thanks so much for the info. I will post some headlamp pics tonight. (I'm at work today)

BTW - LOS for L. A. Lakers fan?

[///Matt]

I agree with LOS, if you're going to be doing any kind of lighting upgrade, keep with HELLA. I've replaced headlights and tail-lights on my 97, Hella makes it fit perfectly.

[BeelZibub]

HELLA is the only way to go baby!!!! BMW trust em to fit oem so don't even think about goin elsewhere (there's some real cheap rubbish out there).

[WindowPro]

Originally posted by LOS@Nov 5 2004, 10:58 AM
Yes, I have the angel eyes. I bought the whole lamp assembly & the rears from bavauto.com The brand is hella, that's the only brand they sell. I have a '97 540i with 77k miles.

You're car probably has the old style xenon lights and yes those are factory. I would suggest for you to go to a BMW dealer and check-out the used car lot and compare headlamps. You migt get lucky and see the difference between a pre-2000 model vs a newer model...

Can you post some headlamp pictures?

LOS

[snapback]225033[/snapback]

LOS,

Sorry for the delay uploading the headlight pics. Please let me know what you think. Factory Lights? Best way to upgrade to Angel Eyes?

...I'm an idiot ... need some with them turned on don't you? I'll post some later on this afternoon, sorry... Working today ... brain is fried!

Thanks
Jim

[andymarshal]

the angel eyes are nice, but if you look at my car http://www.photobox.co.uk/shared/photo.htm...99&page=&group=

its suprising how musch newer your car can look with standard clear side repeater lamps.

angel eyes are nice though.

andy

[LOS]

Sorry for the delay uploading the headlight pics. Please let me know what you think. Factory Lights? Best way to upgrade to Angel Eyes?

...I'm an idiot ... need some with them turned on don't you? I'll post some later on this afternoon, sorry... Working today ... brain is fried!

Thanks
Jim

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[/quote]



Those are factory headlamps. They are the old style xenon lights.
The new style lamp, is more rounded and clearer lamps. I believe
the angel eyes alone go for $800-900 per bavauto pricing. If you have the money
and plan to keep the car forever, go for the whole headlight upgrade ($1500).
I think the if you just buy the angeleyes it might look weird because you have the old lamps. i have never seen old lamps with angel eyes...

LOS

[WindowPro]

Originally posted by andymarshal@Nov 8 2004, 05:33 PM
the angel eyes are nice, but if you look at my car http://www.photobox.co.uk/shared/photo.htm...99&page=&group=

its suprising how musch newer your car can look with standard clear side repeater lamps.

angel eyes are nice though.

andy

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AGREE AGREE AGREE! Again thanks -- Your car looks spotless! One more thing... Brand of wax?

[WindowPro]

Originally Posted by LOS,Nov 8 2004, 08:09 PM

Sorry for the delay uploading the headlight pics. Please let me know what you think. Factory Lights? Best way to upgrade to Angel Eyes?

...I'm an idiot ... need some with them turned on don't you? I'll post some later on this afternoon, sorry... Working today ... brain is fried!

Thanks
Jim

[snapback]226326[/snapback]

Those are factory headlamps. They are the old style xenon lights.
The new style lamp, is more rounded and clearer lamps. I believe
the angel eyes alone go for $800-900 per bavauto pricing. If you have the money
and plan to keep the car forever, go for the whole headlight upgrade ($1500).
I think the if you just buy the angeleyes it might look weird because you have the old lamps. i have never seen old lamps with angel eyes...

LOS

[snapback]226996[/snapback]

[/quote]

Thanks LOS ... I'm with you.

When you say "whole headlight" upgrade you mean H.I.D.'s ? If so, I'm sure I will figure it out when comparing pricing... Off to bavauto...Thanks again.

Jim

[LOS]

HID is the same thing as XENON... By the way, you'll get clear corners when you upgrade to the new style headlights. Meaning, no more amber light covers!!
As for the wax, I use KARTZ. BMW dealers sell it, $20 a bottle.

LOS

[WindowPro]

Thanks for the info ... HUGE help!