Ellipsoid Headlights

[Jscotty]

Ok, this is a noob question but what exactly are ellipsoid headlights? I never really knew what they were or what they looked like and I was certain that I didn't have them on my car until someone came over this morning and informed me that I have ellipsoids. I mean I have identified my particular type of headlights as being "composite" to indicate that the halogen bulb is separate from the lens and the reflective bowl of the lights in contrast to a "sealed beam" headlight.

Up until now, I thought that most E30's had this this type of headlight configuration but apparently not so. I had to go to the junkyard myself to see that there are actually E30's with sealed beams. So having said that, does the separate bulb/lens configuration distinguish my headlights as being "ellipsoid" or is there something else special about this category?

[motorsports_3]

They are projector headlights

[mikeedler]

yes, the ellipsiloid part in you 2 piece non sealed light makes it an ellip.

the ellips have a bulb you can change when it burns out, the "sealed beams" must replace the complete light assy.

[Jean]

Ellipsoids do look good though, but I've heard from people who went from Ellipsoids to Hella H1/H4 and reported much improvement.

[xLibelle]

jean, the info youve heard may be because of low-beam comparison between a non smiley ellip is said to not be as good as the Hella H1/H4.
The "smiley" cutout was an added feature to increase the amount of light to the road ahead. so "smileys" have a better light output pattern than a regular ellipsiod in low-beam mode.

a FAQ that i get is, are the units interchangable, and answer is not entirely. The lense housing is not left and right swapable but the refractor assembly is able to swap between left and right lens housings. The reason is simply because of the aim adjusters are bucket specific.

lastly, fyi, iydk, changing from sealed beam style to ellips means changing entire headlight assemblies, buckets included.

oh, and cheap ass sealed beams are not your only option if you dont want to go the ellipsoid route. You can get H1/H4 Hellas that are sealed beam style but have more light output and the other option (which there may be more than these two) is Cibie (sp?) which are phenominal in regard to light output, from what i hear. But they are almost as expensive as ellipsoids which capture and project something like 80% of light output compared to a sealed beam of like ~60%. (numbers are made up but should be close to what i recall reading, someone correct them if seen fit)

[Jean]

"jean, the info youve heard may be because of low-beam comparison between a non smiley ellip is said to not be as good as the Hella H1/H4.
The "smiley" cutout was an added feature to increase the amount of light to the road ahead. so "smileys" have a better light output pattern than a regular ellipsiod in low-beam mode."

You are most likely 100% correct, as the person who I heard this from had a 325is and I doubt it had smiley ellipsoids. I've upgraded from standard sealed beams to oem hella ellipsoids and there was improvement in light output but not a enough to write home about, although I haven't tried the best possible light bulbs in mine (osrams). My next lights are going to be Hella H1 or H4s drop ins and maybe HIDs if I find the right combo that works well together.

[Jscotty]

Thanks! Everything said so far is good info to know. And even though I have nothing to use as an exact comparison I am very satisfied with the light output that I get.

There was a Lexus commercial on TV a few years ago where they claimed that their headlights made it easier to see while driving at night because the light was focused vs. being shined aimlessly like in other cars.

[Raxe]

Just a few pictures if you're still curious.

Composite on top, Ellipsoid on bottom:



Composite lit up:



Ellipsoid lit up:

[ethree]

does anyone know how a kit like this:

http://www.rallylights.com/hella/5.75_lo.asp

compare to an ellipsoid conversion?