Headlight Upgrade

[m3f_3Series]

I've searched and I now I'm more confused.



Can someone help me out with a summary?



1.) High Quality replacements (Bosch etc.) ~$1,000

2.) Depos

3.) DJ Autos



I'm looking to replace the entire housing with one with a projector in it.



FWIW, I purchased Umnitza Projector 46's, 7-8 years ago for like $700 or $800 dollars. I received a housing, ballast and bulbs that were plug and play. Now, I see similar products being sold for $100-$200. I'm fine with a similar quality.



What's the deal with digital and analog ballasts? 35W or 55W?



I have no idea what wattage the Projector46's were. However, I had to pull a fuse and kept it off and I received no error messages. I had no problems with this setup.

[m3f_Potenza]

I've searched and I now I'm more confused.



Can someone help me out with a summary?

Have you read this yet? It's in the E36 FAQ.



Why Ellipsoids are better than US lights

[m3f_3Series]

I read that.



What is a DDE?



All I want is a ffactory look but with HID.



Do these come with a ballast and bulb? I'm going to call a vendor but wanted to post here first. On the Umnitza site, it seems like I'm getting nickel and dimed, with options for bulbs, different types of ballasts.



I'm just looking for a all-in-one kit that will work, without paying a grand for Bosch.

[m3f_3Series]

I think I'm going to buy the DJ Autos from DDM Tuning.



What's the difference between Raptor 35W/55W and DDM 35W/55W



For the bulb, I'm going with 5000k.



Is the clear cover worth the $20?

[m3f_fiveightandten]

These may help you out:


E36 lighting for noobs; 4 part video tutorial: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=253961


E36 lighting FAQ: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=217994

What's the difference between Raptor 35W/55W and DDM 35W/55W

The Raptors are normal sized traditional ballasts. They draw a lot of current and are larger.


The DDM ballasts are slim, have an external ignitor, and are digital. They draw less current and are easier to place in the engine bay because they're slimmer.


Go with the DDM digital slim ballasts. 55W will be the least likely to throw an OBC error code. They will be brighter. They are not real HID's, so they will produce glare to oncoming drivers. Aim your headlights correctly when you install them.

For the bulb, I'm going with 5000k.

Good decision.

Is the clear cover worth the $20?

Yes.

[m3f_tectonic]

Bosch won't run you $1000. Check any European ebay site and you will find a set for $200-$300 plus shipping.

[m3f_Jrotax101]

I have Bosch euros and I've had retrofits on my other cars. Retrofits far out perform any oe lights. Clarity, width,cutoff etc. Don't waste your money on the ones you listed and get a retrofitted set with fx-r projectors,ap2,sc430.. and they will be 10x better.

[m3f_WRXEATR]

Do. Not. Get. DEPOS.



DEPO is overpriced considering what you get for the money. Get DJ auto.

[m3f_KBuva06]

Do. Not. Get. DEPOS.



DEPO is overpriced considering what you get for the money. Get DJ auto.

not that i condone either, but the depo's are actually $5 cheaper ($100 versus $105)

[m3f_WRXEATR]

Get the DJ Autos. 5 dollars in savings is not with 50 dollars in headaches. (probably way more actually)


They adjust themselves under vibrations, throwing off your aim, the reflectors dangle around inside the fixture like garbage, and the plastic for the housing is absolute rubbish. I will NEVER buy DEPO again.

[m3f_Porschetech]

get ZKW's

[m3f_SS3/4/5]

Bosch won't run you $1000. Check any European ebay site and you will find a set for $200-$300 plus shipping.

link?

[m3f__XeRo_]

get ZKW's

Go big or go home! (Seeing as they are an excellent alternative to Bosch)

[m3f_WRXEATR]

link?

ebay.de



ebay.co.uk

[m3f__XeRo_]

link?

I don't know how true this is, I just checked. Unless I am missing something. But I pre-judged this post in the first place when I read "eBay". If anything you could find an authentic used set on eBay.