Budget Lighting Upgrade.....

[SpencerM3]

I know headlights have been discussed a fair bit lately but bare with me.

My E30 is basically my winter car and I defintely like to spend as little as possible on it. It defintely needs an upgrade from the horrible sealed beams as I will probabily be doing a fair amount of night driving.

So it seems like there are a few options,
- H4 w/ upgraded bulbs (75 to 100w)
- US Ellipsoids (used, whats a fair used price on these?)
- Euro Ellipsoids (Depos, Hella, or maybe used)

So what would you guys suggest for a budget lighting upgrade? I'd like to spend under $150 total.

Any suggestions would be appreciated! 8)

[Jordan]

You can get used euro ellips for $150, then another $60 for bulbs.

[nando]

don't buy depos! get a set of used ellipsoids, or if you must get H4s, make sure they are Hella and not some other crap.

[spencers]

don't buy depos! get a set of used ellipsoids, or if you must get H4s, make sure they are Hella and not some other crap.

Either that or Bosch.

I've used Bosch H4s with Osram Silverstars. Was a good upgrade from Sealed.
I'm now using Hella Euro Ellips with regular osram bulbs. It's one step beter than the H4s. When my Osram Silverstars come in, I'm sure it will be one hell of a difference.

One quick word to you (Spencerm3). Don't buy depos. And DON'T BUY FROM SUVLIGHTS.COM.

[SpencerM3]

Ok, lets just run down some numbers, Fill in the blanks or correct my numbers,

- New Hella H4 $???
- New Euro Ellipsoids $399
- New Depos Ellipsoids $150
- New US Ellipsoids $???
- Used Euro Ellipsoids $150
- Used US Ellipsoids $???

Thanks for the help guys. I know everything there is know about E36's but I feel like I'm on the other side of the fence with E30's.... gatta love being a "noob" :P

[Jordan]

[DON'T BUY FROM SUVLIGHTS.COM.

Why not? I've had nothing but good experiences with them.

[royalflush313]

Ok, lets just run down some numbers, Fill in the blanks or correct my numbers,

- New Hella H4 $???
- New Euro Ellipsoids $399
- New Depos Ellipsoids $150
- New US Ellipsoids $???
- Used Euro Ellipsoids $150
- Used US Ellipsoids $???

Thanks for the help guys. I know everything there is know about E36's but I feel like I'm on the other side of the fence with E30's.... gatta love being a "noob" :P

got my euro ellips for 120 and came with bulbs. So if you wanna conserve money, then just get that, and whenever you feel like spending more cash on lighting, buy Osram Silverstars or get some HIDs.
I think shipping is like 10-15 bucks? So you could be rocking smileys for less than 150.

[SpencerM3]

Ok, lets just run down some numbers, Fill in the blanks or correct my numbers,

- New Hella H4 $???
- New Euro Ellipsoids $399
- New Depos Ellipsoids $150
- New US Ellipsoids $???
- Used Euro Ellipsoids $150
- Used US Ellipsoids $???

Thanks for the help guys. I know everything there is know about E36's but I feel like I'm on the other side of the fence with E30's.... gatta love being a "noob" :P

got my euro ellips for 120 and came with bulbs. So if you wanna conserve money, then just get that, and whenever you feel like spending more cash on lighting, buy Osram Silverstars or get some HIDs.
I think shipping is like 10-15 bucks? So you could be rocking smileys for less than 150.

Where are you guys finding these deals on used Euro Ellipsoids? I'm assuming its not ebay, where it seems like US Ellipsoids go for $200+.

[KenC]

[DON'T BUY FROM SUVLIGHTS.COM.

Why not? I've had nothing but good experiences with them.

I'm assuming that he's talking about their shipping speed... or lack thereof.

[spencers]

[DON'T BUY FROM SUVLIGHTS.COM.

Why not? I've had nothing but good experiences with them.

Unless you enjoy waiting 4 or more weeks to get some damn bulbs.

got my euro ellips for 120 and came with bulbs. So if you wanna conserve money, then just get that, and whenever you feel like spending more cash on lighting, buy Osram Silverstars or get some HIDs.
I think shipping is like 10-15 bucks? So you could be rocking smileys for less than 150.

Same here. I got mine from the same guy.

[bimmerphile]

- New Hella H4 $200 + $40 (lamin-x) = $240
- New Euro Ellipsoids $399 + $40 (lamin-x) = $440
- New US Ellipsoids $300 + $40 (lamin-x) = $340
- Used Euro Ellipsoids $150
- Used US Ellipsoids $60-$100

I took the Depo's off because you said you were looking for an upgrade.

[DON'T BUY FROM SUVLIGHTS.COM.

Why not? I've had nothing but good experiences with them.

as have I. fast shipping too. I got my silverstars a week after I ordered.

[SpencerM3]

Do the euro ellipsoids perform better than the US ellipsoids or are they more of an apperence upgrade? :?:

Seems like a used set of US ellipsoids would be the best choice for a "budget" upgrade.

[KenC]

If you're just wanting whichever lights will be brightest, go with the H4s and Osram Silverstars. US ellips with the 9006 bulbs suck; they're hardly an upgrade over the sealed beams unless you run the undipped 9005s in all.

[bimmerphile]

Do the euro ellipsoids perform better than the US ellipsoids or are they more of an apperence upgrade? :?:

Seems like a used set of US ellipsoids would be the best choice for a "budget" upgrade.

US Ellipsoids use 9006/9005 bulbs (if you do this, be smart and put 9005's in all 4 buckets).

Euro's use H1's, a different and higher-output bulb design.

I'd do a set of US ellips, with 4 sylvania xtra-vision 9005's. Should set you back no more than $120. Then you can take that remainder you saved from not getting Euro ellips (~180) and put it towards some HIDs.

[Mystikal]

I'd do a set of US ellips, with 4 sylvania xtra-vision 9005's. Should set you back no more than $120. Then you can take that remainder you saved from not getting Euro ellips (~180) and put it towards some HIDs.

Good advice. And after first hand experience with two E30's, both with the same temp and brand HID kit, one with Euro and one with US ellips, they both put out the EXACT same light onto the road. :idea: