Better E30 headlights?

[MOTOMAN]

I have a late model E30 sedan & wanted to know what's the most effective headlight upgrade over the stock sealed beam system? Lots of options out there & can be confusing as to which ones to choose.

Thank you.

[MR 325]

Most household flashlights are brighter than sealed beams. :D

But seriously, it's all personal preference. Any US ellipsoid, Euro ellipsoid, or H1/H4 setup is going to be a major improvement.

[Jaxx_]

Honestly, I bought new sealed beams and I was impressed with the light output. It's no TSX projector, but it's better than what I've had in other cars I have dailyed. Peugeots, volvos, chryslers... Not to mention the fabled sealed beam technology is at least 10 years older than these cars.

[N2MYE30]

A huge improvement was the Hella H1 pots with a good quality bulb. They just drop in with no additional wiring. It was actually my 1st upgrade to my e30 many moons ago.

[blazinxpk]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=334417

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=339020

read those two threads and come back to us with questions.

[estoguy]

+1 on H4/H1. Mine had them installed already when I bought it. Puts out good light, especially with the high beams...

[DER E30]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=310439

http://squaredmotorwerks.com/

[rcsoundn1]

When I went from sealed to elips, it seemed as though i had less output with the elips than the sealed beams. My only option is to upgrade the bulbs, and I prob will not go back to sealed.

[nrubenstein]

When I went from sealed to elips, it seemed as though i had less output with the elips than the sealed beams. My only option is to upgrade the bulbs, and I prob will not go back to sealed.

Projectors are less efficient than reflectors, but offer better light control. Hence the option to use higher output options.

Additionally, sealed beams will always have fresh reflectors.

[blazinxpk]

Additionally, sealed beams will always have fresh reflectors.

i think this is the most overlooked fact when people are looking for lighting upgrades.
though, i do have a set of smileys myself, i often question how a set of reflector housings with high output bulbs will compare for my 25+ year old worn out projectors.

[MOTOMAN]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=334417

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=339020

read those two threads and come back to us with questions.

I had read the 1st thread but not the 2nd one. Thanks.

So, Hella bifocals are one option and smilies ellipsoids are only brighter if used with high output bulbs. I've seen new Depos for around $250 shipped. Also, lots of other options on eBay.

The Squared Motorwerkes option allows you to run Bi-xenon headlights for around $315 plus the cost of the smilies if you don't happen to already have a set. This seems to be a good option but at over $600 when all set and done.

Still unclear as of what's the best bang for the buck.

Thanks.

[uturn]

Best bang for the buck? Go with the Hellas, cheaper and easier to replace when the rocks chip them.

[MOTOMAN]

Best bang for the buck? Go with the Hellas, cheaper and easier to replace when the rocks chip them.

Are you referring to the Hella bifocals?

Thanks.

[blazinxpk]

lets establish what all of your options are:

1) Projectors---will be paired with either HIDS or high output bulbs.

-Hella/Bosch smileys (used/25+ yr old)

-Hella US ellips (used/25+ yr old)

-Depo (replicas)(new/used)

-retrofit new projectors into old projectors(new)

NOTE: everything other than the depos/retrofit will have 25+ years old projectors, therefore, you can assume they will not output at 100%.

2) Reflector---will be paired with high output bulbs only.

-Hella BiFocal(new/used)

-Cibie(new/used)

NOTE: keep in mind these will be brand new, assuming you dont buy used, and will output light at 100%

now, you should put a price next to each of the items i listed and then determine what you feel is the best bang for the buck.

if i have left out any options please add them in.

[shootnjunky]

Tag I'd like to know the answer as well


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