Better lighting with sealed beam convex lens look?

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  • dsphil
    E30 Addict
    • Jan 2012
    • 495

    #1

    Better lighting with sealed beam convex lens look?

    Are there any better headlight options that have the sealed beam convex lens look? Everywhere I search is either those cheap clear lens or the flat lens that Hella and the smiley ellipsoids have.
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  • ELVA164
    R3V Elite
    • Dec 2011
    • 4861

    #2
    No, not really. I mean, all the Cibie/Hella plug-and-play lenses are going to be flat as well as far as I know, and it's because a flat lens is just better at its job. Is it an aesthetic thing?
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    • dsphil
      E30 Addict
      • Jan 2012
      • 495

      #3
      ^ Yes, it is aesthetic thing. I have had hella, I can't get over it. dont know why.
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      • ELVA164
        R3V Elite
        • Dec 2011
        • 4861

        #4
        Maybe someone else can chime in, but I'm not aware of any better convex alternatives.
        Interested in vintage cars? Ever thought about racing one? Info, photos, videos, and more can be found at www.michaelsvintageracing.com!

        Elva Courier build thread here!

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        • Das Delfin
          R3VLimited
          • Sep 2014
          • 2293

          #5
          I had the Hella H4's alongside sealed beam highs and you do notice, but honestly the 35w sealed beam lows aren't safe at all so I got over it pretty quickly. Now all four are Hella conversions so they match again.


          it's a Kenny Powers quote on wheels

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          • Kershaw
            R3V OG
            • Feb 2010
            • 11822

            #6
            Hella h4s with hids. But you'd blind everyone else on the road.
            AWD > RWD

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            • AndrewBird
              The Mad Scientist
              • Oct 2003
              • 11892

              #7
              Buy an E36 if you don't like smileys. lol

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              • LateFan
                R3V Elite
                • May 2013
                • 4399

                #8
                I think a Cibie 5 3/4" light has a convex lens.

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                • 15Michaeljoseph
                  E30 Mastermind
                  • Aug 2013
                  • 1693

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Kershaw
                  Hella h4s with hids. But you'd blind everyone else on the road.
                  actually using a 35w with proper sheilding, like one of the legit sheilds by Casper Electronics, and considering since Hella H4's are E-codes..... maybe not. I have no experience with this, and I know what usually happens with hids in a reflector... but I want to try this setup someday just to see.


                  --Mike
                  (OO=[][]=OO) For Life

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                  • dsphil
                    E30 Addict
                    • Jan 2012
                    • 495

                    #10
                    Originally posted by LateFan
                    I think a Cibie 5 3/4" light has a convex lens.

                    [ATTACH]95662[/ATTACH]
                    thanks! I looked into that and they're quite expensive.

                    I am thinking about getting a reflector and use a sealed beam lens. Beam pattern will just suck but at least it will be brighter.
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                    327is
                    325es
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                    Fiesta ST
                    E46 M3

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                    • dsphil
                      E30 Addict
                      • Jan 2012
                      • 495

                      #11
                      I jumped sealed beam low and high beam together, and discounted the high beam lead from the 3-prong connector. Both filament is on so I am getting 70W and aimed it lower. I think I am happy now.
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                      327is
                      325es
                      325es
                      318is
                      Fiesta ST
                      E46 M3

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                      • MSGGrunt
                        Advanced Member
                        • Aug 2016
                        • 198

                        #12
                        I know this is reviving an old thread but, I too am searching for a replacement lens for the sealed beams that allows me to use replaceable H1/H4 bulbs and still retains the OEM look convex lens.

                        Autopal makes a convex lens 5 3/4" "E" code H1/H4 sealed beam replacement . These are a similar design to the Hella, Bosch and NLA Cibie lights. The light has a metal reflector and glass lens, though I have heard that the glass is thinner than that on the Hella and are made in India. I am running the flat version on my M6 and couldn't be happier.



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