The ZKW Burnt Bowls Thread

[330i Lover]

Seems like these are the cheaper option though. He charges $240 + shipping. Is there a reason I should buy one over the other?

For me it was OEM and plug in play vs. 3rd party and cutting/drilling/the unknown. Plus there were quite a few other reviewers here that made it an easier decision.

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[NickZHP]

For me it was OEM and plug in play vs. 3rd party and cutting/drilling/the unknown. Plus there were quite a few other reviewers here that made it an easier decision.

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That makes sense. I don't think the TRFS retrofit will be that hard but if the quality of the remade ZKW bowls are better than I think I would go for those. But what if they don't hold up? Is there anyone who can chime in on how they compare in quality? Or is there anyone who has had the remade ZKW bowls for more than a year?

[330i Lover]

The re-dipped bowls are the same, arguably better than when they were new. I think "metalized coating" would be my best step to describe the ones from ClemsonE46. They are 100% OEM. If you search his burnt bowl page you'll see reviews from customers life me for quite some time. Maybe msg them to see how they're holding up? I highly recommend them over aftermarket, but that's just me.

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[NickZHP]

The re-dipped bowls are the same, arguably better than when they were new. I think "metalized coating" would be my best step to describe the ones from ClemsonE46. They are 100% OEM. If you search his burnt bowl page you'll see reviews from customers life me for quite some time. Maybe msg them to see how they're holding up? I highly recommend them over aftermarket, but that's just me.

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If they're 100% OEM doesn't that mean they are susceptible to becoming burned again? Or does the metal coating prevent that since the stock ZKW bowls were plastic?

[330i Lover]

To my knowledge the metal coating prevents them burning out again.

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[cakM3]

If they're 100% OEM doesn't that mean they are susceptible to becoming burned again? Or does the metal coating prevent that since the stock ZKW bowls were plastic?

With my ZHP, I ended up getting a set of AL headlight assemblies then transplanted the ZKW lenses into them. The AL headlight assemblies can be found for less than $600 a set and the rest is easy. The AL projector bowls are metal and will never burn like the plastic ZKW bowls did. Peace of mind here...


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[holyc0w]

Are there any retrofits that don't involve cutting?

Has anybody tried a retrofit other than the FX-R?

[melonz]

Does anyone have a mix of AL and ZKW headlight assemblies?

It appears I have AL on the drivers side and ZKW on the passenger side. However this is just from the covers but I do see a horizontal line across the driver's side projector and from what I've read that is an indication of AL.

I can't remember if the passenger side has the horizontal line present but I'll check when I leave in the morning.

Also a slightly related tidbit of info. The difference between the AL cover vs the ZKW lenses are night and day. ZKW have aged considerably worse than the AL lenses and are starting to haze/yellow. AL ones are definitely just as dinged up but have yet to haze/yellow.

[Vas]

Does anyone have a mix of AL and ZKW headlight assemblies?

It appears I have AL on the drivers side and ZKW on the passenger side. However this is just from the covers but I do see a horizontal line across the driver's side projector and from what I've read that is an indication of AL.

I can't remember if the passenger side has the horizontal line present but I'll check when I leave in the morning.

Also a slightly related tidbit of info. The difference between the AL cover vs the ZKW lenses are night and day. ZKW have aged considerably worse than the AL lenses and are starting to haze/yellow. AL ones are definitely just as dinged up but have yet to haze/yellow.

Look at the top of the headlight. There is a sticker there that says either AL or ZKW.

[jack.chris328]

Does anyone have a mix of AL and ZKW headlight assemblies?

It appears I have AL on the drivers side and ZKW on the passenger side. However this is just from the covers but I do see a horizontal line across the driver's side projector and from what I've read that is an indication of AL.

I can't remember if the passenger side has the horizontal line present but I'll check when I leave in the morning.

Also a slightly related tidbit of info. The difference between the AL cover vs the ZKW lenses are night and day. ZKW have aged considerably worse than the AL lenses and are starting to haze/yellow. AL ones are definitely just as dinged up but have yet to haze/yellow.

The information label on the top of the headlight is usually more than half covered up by the core support. But you can tell by the color of the label. An AL light will have a yellow label and the ZKW will be a shiny silver label.