What's the deal with sealed beams?

[fatsooo]

I'm lookin to pick up an 87 325is and from what I've read around is that sealed beams are NOT preferable. I'm kinda new to all this kind of stuff so please bare with me here lol.

I understand what sealed beams are, but how hard would it be to convert to regular beams if possible?
and how can i know if the e30 i want to pick up has sealed beams or not?

i've kind of searched around and didn't find much so help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[bloodshot-e30]

they suck...

[bernzpeed]

sealed beams are way way cheaper than projectors. aesthetically, the ellipsoid projectors looks so much better and also expensive.

[Jean]

Easy and cheap swap, that should be the least of your concerns imho. $100-150 will get you a nice/mint set.

Look at other things.....maintenance/body/paint/interior....suspension/engine/tranny/dash/seats/rust/carpet/headliner etc etc.

[mrgetbig50]

get some hid's and you will be happy lol

[CHIF8008]

"sealed beams" have a rounded front. the "projectors" have a flat face. easy to tell the difference if you just look

[fatsooo]

thanks for the info guys! so i'm guessing sealed beams came standard all years and the projectors were optional?

[u3b3rg33k]

Sealed beams were mandatory in the US for a while, hence everything having them.

[Holland]

Ellipsoids were optional, but are common and quite a nice upgrade. Sealed beams have poor lighting quality.

[redhatpat]

Whether an e30 has sealed beams should be the least of your concerns when you buy one. They're very easy to swap to ellipsoids if you want. Be much more concerned with the condition of the car.

[Van Westervelt]

Lies. US e30s up to '87 had sealed beams. Then ellipsoid headlights ended on '89 year cars. '90+ were back to sealed beams.

And yes, there have been people who have switched them out over the years, but it wasnt an off the shelf bmw option as the cars are wired differently for each light style.

This is why '89is cars were pulling top dollar for a while. Plastic bumpers, ellipsoids, and no airbag.

[u3b3rg33k]

You can go from Sealed beam to H4/H1 with no wiring modification, IIRC.

[Danny]

They suck bags of dicks.

[aknickintyme]

are there different brand's of projector headlights for e30's?

[fatsooo]

They suck bags of dicks.

LOL well said!

Whether an e30 has sealed beams should be the least of your concerns when you buy one. They're very easy to swap to ellipsoids if you want. Be much more concerned with the condition of the car.

it is, but its just something that im keeping in mind. i'm also just learning some more general info on the e30.



thanks again for the responses!