headlight replacement lesson needed for 528i - BMW Forum

revronrowl · 12-12-2007, 10:54 AM

OK.. I've tried cleaning up the scratchy headlight lenses on my 98 528i but they seem to just go back to their ugly ways. I'm considering replacing them but after reading so much about this process on this forum, I must admit I'm very confused. xenons, hid, angel eyes, etc... where's a guy to start in knowing my options, costs, differences, how to replace the actual light etc. Anyone have some pics of their replacements and/ or experiences w/ this process from some other year than 2004? Any good tips on the actual replacement process for a diy'er? Any brands to steer clear of? Any brands you'd recommend? Cost info?

Oh well... maybe there's a school in which I can enroll.

Any help, or direction here, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
RR

AlpineSixAndSeven · 12-12-2007, 09:59 PM

^ lol Deanza college has a good auto program

what do you wish to acheve looks wise....?

Teh Prof · 12-12-2007, 10:33 PM

Simple. Go to jlevisw.com, buy their p39's with xenon option, and installation is fairly straightforward.

LOS · 12-13-2007, 09:09 AM

It also comes down to how much money you want to spent. I bought my whole set from bavauto.com... Yes, they were expensive but I haven't had any problems, it was a perfect fit, no leaks, etc.

M3UOND: Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't you having problems with your lights? Is it the voltage regulator?? I think that's what's called. I think you mentioned you're going on your third set?

LOS

Teh Prof · 12-13-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOS

It also comes down to how much money you want to spent. I bought my whole set from bavauto.com... Yes, they were expensive but I haven't had any problems, it was a perfect fit, no leaks, etc.

M3UOND: Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't you having problems with your lights? Is it the voltage regulator?? I think that's what's called. I think you mentioned you're going on your third set?

LOS

You must be thinking of someone else. It is, however, true that ballasts and rings tend to go out. I've never had a ballast fail, but I've had several rings fail, and in fact have a dim one right now.

LOS · 12-13-2007, 09:37 AM

Got it! Thanks for the clarification Sr.

Going back to the original topic, prices range from $350 to $1500 for the set depending on the options. If you want your lights to look like the 2001-2003, expect to spend up to $1500. They're similar to M3's pic above. Also, do a search on this forum under "headlights".

LOS

dannyb · 12-13-2007, 09:49 AM

what pic? am i the only one not seeing this?

Teh Prof · 12-13-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyb

what pic? am i the only one not seeing this?

I assume he means my signature.

And by the way, mine were el cheapo compared to what LOS is quoting.

dannyb · 12-13-2007, 10:33 AM

ahhh thats what he meants by M3's... im used to teh prof

Teh Prof · 12-13-2007, 10:44 AM

I probably should just go ahead and have an admin change my name. That would be the second name change...started out as 528UOND.

dannyb · 12-13-2007, 10:51 AM

why not TehProf?

Teh Prof · 12-13-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyb

why not TehProf?

I would likely put in a space, but why not indeed?

AlpineSixAndSeven · 12-14-2007, 02:43 AM

^+37

revronrowl · 12-14-2007, 06:15 PM

Great pics guys. I spoke w/ the dealer and they used my vin # to tell me xenons were not an option for my car. Said oem lights were $400 a piece. I just want to get rid of the smoky/scratchy/hazy lenses and get some decent light on the road when on lowbeams. Thanks for the help.

Teh Prof · 12-14-2007, 07:26 PM

Umm dude the dealer has no idea what he's talking about. Of course xenons are possible for your car.