Lighting Explained (headlights, bulbs, etc.)

[smonkbmw]

So my H1 HID kit will only work with euro ellipsoids? And If I got some U.S. Ellipsoids, I'd have to get the 9006's and 9005's?

exactly.

[goml23]

Would a US-spec 1991 318is have come with sealed beams stock? I just bought one (though it's not currently in my possession) and I'm looking into lighting options.

[DivineStyler]

It seems that nearly every week there is a new thread started regarding lighting (usually headlights). I though that I'd help everyone out and begin to compile a comprehensive e30 lighting FAQ.

Q: Which bulbs go with which headlights?

A:

Sealed Beams:
-Non-removable bulb (entire reflector housing must be replaced upon failure)

US Ellipsoids:
-Low Beam: 9006
-High Beam: 9005

Euro Ellipsoids:
-Low/High Beam: H1


Everyting you ever need to know about headlights is at this website:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com

READ THIS ARTICLE REGARDING BLUE BULBS!

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/blue/blue.html

*This is by no means everything regarding headlights. More will be added shortly.

Let's try to put together the most comprehensive e30 lighting FAQ on the web!

Does it matter if it's US or Euro Smiley Ellips? I mean do the Euro only use H1 or can US Smiley Ellips use H1 too...?

[stumble_t]

there is no such thing as "US smileys ellips"

[DivineStyler]

there is no such thing as "US smileys ellips"

word... I got confused when I saw a few post with statements like US smileys Vs. Euro... and such... But, I understand it now...

Thanks

[etaanyone?]

I've got a question to add to the thread. Just trying to get all the types of lighting straight. Here's what I can list:
-US Sealed beams
-US ellipsoids
-Euro ellipsoids
-Euro ellipsoids w/ smiley
-Euro non-projector headlights (w/ city light).

Right?

Is there a performance difference between the euro ellipsoid and euro smiley?

(I'm looking to upgrade the lighting on my euro 325e, trying to figure out my options. It's currently got the standard euro lighting, not projectors. I've come across a set of non-smiley euro ellipsoids for a good price, and am considering retrofitting a set of bi-xenon HID's into those housings. Make sense?)

[stumble_t]

H4/H1 setup with good bulbs is better than an ellipsoid setup in my opinion. Please don't put hid's in them