Full Light/Fogs Replacements

[Dathaeus]

Ok so you all know I have had issues with lights... now one is out and the high beams look bad also and my fog has a slight crack and I would like more light anyways.

Please rate these products if they are ok for me... I am looking for max brightness as my aging eyes are having trouble in my almost no light neighborhood.


FOGS: (I am assuming these have the bulbs and casing all-in-one)
https://www.morimotohid.com/xb-led-bmw-330-03-06-fog-lights-mm?quantity=1
I assume getting direct from Morimoto is better than from like Retrofit, Turner, Redline, etc?)


Light Case:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-fk-parts/angel-eye-headlight-set-chrome/fkfsbm015/


Bulbs
https://www.morimotohid.com/morimoto-d2s-50w-xb-hid-bulbs


Ballast (I need this right?)
https://www.morimotohid.com/morimoto-d2s-50w-xb-hid-ballasts





Am I missing anything, will this setup do? What about high beam bulbs?

[John in VA]

Here are the Morimoto XB LED Fog Lights we did in a group buy through The Retro Source:
https://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?21708

High beams are an H7 bulb - buy a good Osram/Sylvania Night Breaker or Night Breaker Laser bulb, or Philips NightGuide platinum or CrystalVision platinum bulb.

[Dathaeus]

Here are the Morimoto XB LED Fog Lights we did in a group buy through The Retro Source:
https://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?21708

High beams are an H7 bulb - buy a good Osram/Sylvania Night Breaker or Night Breaker Laser bulb, or Philips NightGuide platinum or CrystalVision platinum bulb.


It says the group buy is closed... can i still get them?

And for the rest, I am good to go, it'll all work for me?

[John in VA]

Group buy is long closed, but those are the lights you need - not the round ones in your link.

[Dathaeus]

Group buy is long closed, but those are the lights you need - not the round ones in your link.

The link is dead and these are the only XB I see on the site:
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/morimoto-xb-led-bmw-330-03-06-fog-lights-trs

They also look round and I assume u mean it needs to be oval?

Like these?
https://shop.redline360.com/products/morimoto-fog-lights-bmw-m3-e46-2001-2005-xb-led-black

[John in VA]

It seems TRS doesn't carry much for BMW these days. The lights at Redline360 appear to be what you need.

[fredo]

If it was me, I would look for an used set of AL headlights.

The ZKW headlights have the burnt bowl issue. I believe all the ZHP sedans have ZKW from the factory.

[Dathaeus]

If it was me, I would look for an used set of AL headlights.

The ZKW headlights have the burnt bowl issue. I believe all the ZHP sedans have ZKW from the factory.

I need everything as u can see (not just a burnt bowl issue), its too much trouble to go through and trying to find something used and then worry about later when it goes bad or whatever.

So the stuff I listed looks good?

[fredo]

I'm not sold on the FK headlights. From the ECS Tuning link: "For off road show or display use only."

Have you considered new halogen headlights? I believe there's some coding involved.

ECS Tuning has some options: TYC, Magnetti Marelli, Hella.

[Vas]

As far as headlights go, personally I would buy a used set of AL brand like the ones below and then purchase new bulbs, gaskets and lenses and fix the issue with quality parts. Aftermarket replacement headlights are not great

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126577297000?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Ve_C7OCyRUu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=nTb2_pFvQIG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[Dathaeus]

I'm not sold on the FK headlights. From the ECS Tuning link: "For off road show or display use only."

Have you considered new halogen headlights? I believe there's some coding involved.

ECS Tuning has some options: TYC, Magnetti Marelli, Hella.


If I'm going to spend money I wanted to get the brightest HID from places like Morimoto... Are there new halogen lights that will fit with the complete case and kit and is just as bright? I have no idea how far halogen tech has come.....

[Dathaeus]

As far as headlights go, personally I would buy a used set of AL brand like the ones below and then purchase new bulbs, gaskets and lenses and fix the issue with quality parts. Aftermarket replacement headlights are not great

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126577297000?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Ve_C7OCyRUu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=nTb2_pFvQIG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Thats a good find....

Do you think this means these used headlights pretty much work like new as far as initial brightness and all that?
Would be nice for him to show the actual lumens these have but I am sure thats not happening.
Has no photos of the lights actually on, low and high beam...

But if these are in good shape, I probably dont need new bulbs right, for now anyways, I can take my time...

But the foggy lens just makes this deal so lukewarm again, cant just replace those can we?
Buffing and even clear coating them, we talking about, like 6 months right, and then have to do it again.

[John in VA]

New lenses for sedans are inexpensive & easy to replace. Be sure to get new gaskets.
Bulbs slowly dim & should be replaced in pairs. If you don't have the $$ run the bulbs the used units come with & assess them before purchasing new bulbs.

[Dathaeus]

New lenses for sedans are inexpensive & easy to replace. Be sure to get new gaskets.
Bulbs slowly dim & should be replaced in pairs. If you don't have the $$ run the bulbs the used units come with & assess them before purchasing new bulbs.


You they sell JUST the lenses that always cloud up from use? On ebay or somewhere brand new?

And ya I can assess and then see if we need to replace, it is nice these ones are also angel eyes, I always wanted that.

And I need a blinker bulb anyways so this takes care of that also.

BTW what about the fog lights? Maybe if I get those I mentioned I will have enough light regardless for a while.

[John in VA]

Search for Magneti Marelli BMW 3 Series E46 Headlight or Headlamp Lens - they are or are close to factory quality.
https://www.google.com/search?q=marelli+headlight+lenses+bmw+e46

You need the oval (not round) fog lights if you go that route.

[Dathaeus]

Search for Magneti Marelli BMW 3 Series E46 Headlight or Headlamp Lens - they are or are close to factory quality.
https://www.google.com/search?q=marelli+headlight+lenses+bmw+e46

You need the oval (not round) fog lights if you go that route.

This just seems like a convoluted way to go because what if this used light suffers a burnt bowl issue in a few months.. the guy is not even replying and I am sure he will not tell me the truth on the life of the item so far, and this is still the same compatibility issues with the Morimoto lights I wanted, especially with the amount of extra money I have to spend with the lenses etc...

[John in VA]

AL bowls don't seem to have the problem like the others. Clemsone46 on the forum refurbishes light assemblies:
https://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?11085

[Dathaeus]

AL bowls don't seem to have the problem like the others. Clemsone46 on the forum refurbishes light assemblies:
https://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?11085

Are we talking about taking out my lights and shipping them to this guy and waiting for them to come back to me and then put them back in?

[John in VA]

Are we talking about taking out my lights and shipping them to this guy and waiting for them to come back to me and then put them back in?
He had a set ready to ship back in November, if you saw the last page of the thread. Contact him (Max) for details.

[Dathaeus]

He had a set ready to ship back in November, if you saw the last page of the thread. Contact him (Max) for details.

Seems like this is guy dealing with it,
Jaleel Part <jaleelpart@gmail.com>

Is he legit? Hard to just send Venmo to someone I dont know.

[John in VA]

Seems like this is guy dealing with it,
Jaleel Part <jaleelpart@gmail.com>
Is he legit? Hard to just send Venmo to someone I dont know.

I understand that! Perhaps you can contact some of the members that responded to his thread to see how the transaction went.

[Dathaeus]

I understand that! Perhaps you can contact some of the members that responded to his thread to see how the transaction went.

This thing is getting way too convoluted

I'll look myself for something and risk it, seems like no one here knows a new part I can just put in. I emailed the major retailers, only one replied... maybe I should just call them. Not sure why getting lights is this hard nowadays.

[fredo]

I like Vas idea on post #10. Just make sure you pay with PayPal.

Don't use PayPal "Family and Friends" option.

[Dathaeus]

I like Vas idea on post #10. Just make sure you pay with PayPal.

Don't use PayPal "Family and Friends" option.


So I was doing some additional research and I'm wondering about this solution, is there something terribly wrong with this that doesn't take care of the ZKW burnt bowl issue and light brightness?

Keep my ZKW headlights & replace:
✔ Projectors (Morimoto Mini D2S 5.0) $174
✔ Bulbs (Morimoto XB D2S 35W) $65
✔ Lenses (FCP Euro Magneti Marelli) $70

And these fogs:
https://www.beefcakeracing.com/morimoto-lf600-bmw/?sku=morimoto-lf600-bmw&srsltid

[fredo]

So I was doing some additional research and I'm wondering about this solution, is there something terribly wrong with this that doesn't take care of the ZKW burnt bowl issue and light brightness?

Keep my ZKW headlights & replace:
✔ Projectors (Morimoto Mini D2S 5.0) $174
✔ Bulbs (Morimoto XB D2S 35W) $65
✔ Lenses (FCP Euro Magneti Marelli) $70

And these fogs:
https://www.beefcakeracing.com/morimoto-lf600-bmw/?sku=morimoto-lf600-bmw&srsltid

Are you keeping your same bowls? If yes, the above solution won't help.

[Dathaeus]

Are you keeping your same bowls? If yes, the above solution won't help.Ugh really? I thought the projector itself will override the bowl??

FML

Ok so we are back to

1. Get the AL light on eBay (maybe negotiate down to $400, fair? It's still for sale)

2. Bulbs are probably dimmer now so get the Morimoto HID bulbs (3500 lumens each and like 4500K color)

3. New lenses (on FCP euro for like $65 each)

Is this my best plan... And then the Morimoto foglights (like 1200 lumens at 5000K color i think)

Sent from my CPH2583 using Tapatalk

[fredo]

Ugh really? I thought the projector itself will override the bowl??

FML

Ok so we are back to

1. Get the AL light on eBay (maybe negotiate down to $400, fair? It's still for sale)

2. Bulbs are probably dimmer now so get the Morimoto HID bulbs (3500 lumens each and like 4500K color)

3. New lenses (on FCP euro for like $65 each)

Is this my best plan... And then the Morimoto foglights (like 1200 lumens at 5000K color i think)

Sent from my CPH2583 using Tapatalk

I think that will work. Just remember to add new gaskets for the lenses. :thumbsup

[Dathaeus]

Are you keeping your same bowls? If yes, the above solution won't help.

Someone told me about my last "solution":
[ Projectors (Morimoto Mini D2S 5.0) + Bulbs (Morimoto XB D2S 35W) + Lenses (FCP Euro Magneti Marelli) ]


If you’re replacing the projectors entirely, it removes the burnt bowl issue completely.
You are already planning to replace the entire projector assembly (Morimoto Mini D2S 5.0).
This means you will NOT be keeping the burnt bowls...
If you replace your ZKW projectors entirely (not just the bulbs), then the burnt bowl issue is 100% FIXED.


Are we missing something here?

These are the projectors I am looking at:

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/bi-xenon-mini-d2s-4-0-projectors-P-M-D2S5

Seems like a much better solution for this pesky ZKW issue.

[Dathaeus]

And even though these state for e46 M3 are we sure this will fit the 2003 ZHP?
Then it is assumed that the ZHP and M3 share the same bumper style vs stock 330i?

https://www.beefcakeracing.com/morimoto-lf600-bmw/?sku=morimoto-lf600-bmw&srsltid

[Dathaeus]

40653

Do I also need both of these or just the tube looking one?

[Dathaeus]

And I am thinking while i am on this, why not replace the ballasts as well, maybe with the Morimoto 50W?
I dont really care if the bulb lasts less... bright light is more critical for me.

[fredo]

Someone told me about my last "solution":
[ Projectors (Morimoto Mini D2S 5.0) + Bulbs (Morimoto XB D2S 35W) + Lenses (FCP Euro Magneti Marelli) ]


If you’re replacing the projectors entirely, it removes the burnt bowl issue completely.
You are already planning to replace the entire projector assembly (Morimoto Mini D2S 5.0).
This means you will NOT be keeping the burnt bowls...
If you replace your ZKW projectors entirely (not just the bulbs), then the burnt bowl issue is 100% FIXED.


Are we missing something here?

These are the projectors I am looking at:

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/bi-xenon-mini-d2s-4-0-projectors-P-M-D2S5

Seems like a much better solution for this pesky ZKW issue.

I was not aware of that. It may be a good idea to contact Marimoto's customer service to double check.

[cakM3]

And I am thinking while i am on this, why not replace the ballasts as well, maybe with the Morimoto 50W?
I dont really care if the bulb lasts less... bright light is more critical for me.

Using 50W ballasts would blind oncoming traffic if that's what you're going for.

[Dathaeus]

Using 50W ballasts would blind oncoming traffic if that's what you're going for.

So 50W ballasts dont have sharp cutoffs, they spray all over the place?

Cant be worse than half the cars out there with either high beams on or have their lights aligned to high and blinding half the traffic already, you dont see that? I am sure this is not even comparable to that.

[cakM3]

So 50W ballasts dont have sharp cutoffs, they spray all over the place?

Cant be worse than half the cars out there with either high beams on or have their lights aligned to high and blinding half the traffic already, you dont see that? I am sure this is not even comparable to that.

I can see you don't have a good understanding of how ballasts work. They provide the power to your bulbs so the higher the wattage the brighter the bulbs will output lighting. Typically cars come with 35W ballasts and the higher 50W ballasts are used for "off road" usage only. If you install and use the 50W ballasts on your car your light output will be a lot brighter and people coming on you at night will most likely flash their high beams at you thinking you're running with high beams.

Yes lighting is important but having the right setup for a clean light output is key, not wattage.

[BADCLOWN]

I didn’t know that either, honestly. Good to know moving forward

[sillieidiot]

This thread is interesting lol



Ugh really? I thought the projector itself will override the bowl??

FML

Ok so we are back to

1. Get the AL light on eBay (maybe negotiate down to $400, fair? It's still for sale)

2. Bulbs are probably dimmer now so get the Morimoto HID bulbs (3500 lumens each and like 4500K color)

3. New lenses (on FCP euro for like $65 each)

Is this my best plan... And then the Morimoto foglights (like 1200 lumens at 5000K color i think)

Sent from my CPH2583 using Tapatalk


Yeah that's a decent plan.

1. Yes, or if you find some other cheaper ones. I see them go anywhere from $200-$500
2. I would suggest going with like Philips or Osrams. Morimoto bulbs lumen #s are measured incorrectly and it only hits that peak in the first 10 hours of usage. After that it falls down to it would look like if you used it for 500 hours. They are decent, but it's more like 2000 lumens
3. no problems there. The ebay ones also work well too.
4. The fog lights, they are ok. I mean they are fog lights, so they really don't do anything, light up the sides during fog. Not sure it justifies the price.



And even though these state for e46 M3 are we sure this will fit the 2003 ZHP?
Then it is assumed that the ZHP and M3 share the same bumper style vs stock 330i?

https://www.beefcakeracing.com/morimoto-lf600-bmw/?sku=morimoto-lf600-bmw&srsltid

Yes they will fit. They just share the same style fog lights. There are lots of other e46 models that also use this like mt1 330.

Also 50W ballast will burn your bowls, even metal AL ones. More power, more light, more heat.



on another note, if you are going to throw away your current headlights, can I have it? lol

[Dathaeus]

I can see you don't have a good understanding of how ballasts work. They provide the power to your bulbs so the higher the wattage the brighter the bulbs will output lighting. Typically cars come with 35W ballasts and the higher 50W ballasts are used for "off road" usage only. If you install and use the 50W ballasts on your car your light output will be a lot brighter and people coming on you at night will most likely flash their high beams at you thinking you're running with high beams.

Yes lighting is important but having the right setup for a clean light output is key, not wattage.No i have a very clear understanding, my question is between my setup of projectors vs the other solution, not "what is a ballast" , not sure why you people are so obsessed with that 1% of my issue.

Sent from my CPH2583 using Tapatalk

[Dathaeus]

This thread is interesting lol





Yeah that's a decent plan.

1. Yes, or if you find some other cheaper ones. I see them go anywhere from $200-$500
2. I would suggest going with like Philips or Osrams. Morimoto bulbs lumen #s are measured incorrectly and it only hits that peak in the first 10 hours of usage. After that it falls down to it would look like if you used it for 500 hours. They are decent, but it's more like 2000 lumens
3. no problems there. The ebay ones also work well too.
4. The fog lights, they are ok. I mean they are fog lights, so they really don't do anything, light up the sides during fog. Not sure it justifies the price.




Yes they will fit. They just share the same style fog lights. There are lots of other e46 models that also use this like mt1 330.

Also 50W ballast will burn your bowls, even metal AL ones. More power, more light, more heat.



on another note, if you are going to throw away your current headlights, can I have it? lolSo those Morimoto projectors won't work? Or does no one here know what they are

Sent from my CPH2583 using Tapatalk

[dpark]

If it was me, I would look for an used set of AL headlights.

The ZKW headlights have the burnt bowl issue. I believe all the ZHP sedans have ZKW from the factory.

The Magnetti Marelli headlights also work. I bought one for the passenger front that was brand new on sale on ebay probably 5-6 years ago for $300. I never found one for the driver front that wasn't $600+

I also did the Clemsone46 refurbed projector bowls on my original headlights. The refurb is still working on my driver front headlight.

I still can't believe BMW avoided a mandatory recall on the ZKW headlights. Seems like a total safety issue to me.

[JohnnyGraphic]

I hate these stinking BMW headlights!!! I tried replacing the bulbs with Morimoto bulbs back in 2018 and only 13k miles ago. The headlights had gotten SO dim, I would barely drive at night. When I did, I would turn my fogs on for added illumination. And Sillieidiot is right, they lose their brightness after a VERY short time period. Not to mention, now I have water getting into my headlights. I guess I should've replaced the gasket too??? SHEESH!!!

Whelp, now both of my fogs are broken...not just burnt out, but broken. The lens have cracked and my only recourse is to replace the whole assembly.

The burnt bowl replacement thru the ZHP forum member is real appealing. But, that is further down the list of priorities for me right now. A full set of replacements is well over $1k for OEM BMW housing. This will just result in a burnt bowl again though. The Morimoto option seems good, but I'm not a fan of drilling into my headlights.

[cakM3]

There is enough information regarding the ZKW burnt projector bowls and how other forum members were able to rebuild their ZKW headlight assemblies by replacing the failed burnt ZKW projector bowls for better quality metal projector bowls thereby eliminating this issue alltogether. There is a detailed DIY that should help you achieve this permanent fix:

https://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?10787-DIY-The-Retrofit-Source-(TRS)-Retro-Quick-System-Burnt-ZKW-Bowls-Projector-Retrofit-doityourself