The ZKW Burnt Bowls Thread

[Sockethead]

IMO, if I had to do it again, I would definitely gotten these reconditioned bowls rather than do the FX-R conversion. I like keeping these kind of things OEM. Unfortunately for me, He started offering these after I had my conversion done.

[holyc0w]

If I can't find anyone to do the retrofit in the area, I'll do the bowls or get a set of ALs. The worrying thing about the reconditioned bowls would be the bowls burning or cracking again.

[melonz]

Thanks for telling me how to identify the brand. Looks like I do have AL on the driver's and ZKW on the passenger side.

[theothersawyer]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my headlights! I went with "The Retrofit Source" and the install sucked, but it was so worth it!

[330i Lover]

I've had Clemsone46's replacement bowls for about 14 months with 0 issues and extremely happy with them. I highly recommend it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[dpark]

I just installed Clemsone46's bowls today. While the instructions were straightforward, being careful to not break any plastic tabs in the process, it took 4 hours for both headlights. Getting the bowls in/out takes quite a bit of patience (IMO) but the fact that it is OEM is a big plus.

The only thing that isn't "perfect" is the consistency of the light output. This is not a criticism of the brightness. The reburb bulbs definitely put out a lot of light (especially compared to the burnt bowls), probably as much as the original bulbs. But the light is not "even" on the road. From left to right across the road, the headlights have areas that are brighter than others. Not a "dropout of light" by any means.

I posted a new thread with pics of before and after. In the "after" photos, you can see the headlights on my garage cabinets and get an idea of what I am talking about.

[holyc0w]

My mechanic said they could do a retrofit. I was thinking the EvoX-R kit should be good, but I know there are brighter options. What are the things to consider and parts needed for the different options?

[JPMo]

I just installed Clemsone46's bowls today. While the instructions were straightforward, being careful to not break any plastic tabs in the process, it took 4 hours for both headlights. Getting the bowls in/out takes quite a bit of patience (IMO) but the fact that it is OEM is a big plus.

The only thing that isn't "perfect" is the consistency of the light output. This is not a criticism of the brightness. The reburb bulbs definitely put out a lot of light (especially compared to the burnt bowls), probably as much as the original bulbs. But the light is not "even" on the road. From left to right across the road, the headlights have areas that are brighter than others. Not a "dropout of light" by any means.

I posted a new thread with pics of before and after. In the "after" photos, you can see the headlights on my garage cabinets and get an idea of what I am talking about.

I agree, I've been running the refurbished bowls for a week or so now and while a MASSIVE improvement over the burnt bowls, there are definitely hot spots in the light output. Hoping they last 2 years or so before I buy a set of Magnetti Marelli's.

[dpark]

I agree, I've been running the refurbished bowls for a week or so now and while a MASSIVE improvement over the burnt bowls, there are definitely hot spots in the light output. Hoping they last 2 years or so before I buy a set of Magnetti Marelli's.

Funny you mentioned the MMs. I saw those for sale on ebay. Both sides for $1000. When the reburbs go out, I will buy probably buy those too...

If the refurbs last a couple of years, I will be very happy. Just glad I can see at night again

[Cadeez]

I read through the last 10 pages or so, hoping for some specific info but wasn't able to find anything. I see a few different replacement options mentioned, Lightwerks, The Retrofit Source, etc. Does anyone have a link for either one? The Lightwerks site is pretty vague and I couldn't find anything regarding BMW. Is the below the right link for the Retrofit Source? Is this a good option? $175 seems like a great deal. Open to all options, ready...GO!

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/al...ect_restrict=1

Also, I'm looking for a good DIY to follow. Sorry if these questions are answered somewhere in this thread, but frankly I just don't have time to read through 36 pages of stuff... Thanks in advance!