LF: facelift headlights

[e46zhpm3]

Hey guys, I have the burnt bowl problem on my 2005 zhp. Just asking if anyone has a pair of headlights already fixed. Either retrofitted or perhaps a set of AL headlights. I don't want to go through the hassle of the diy. Looking for a direct fit,

Thanks!

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[Boris3]

Take a look in the classifieds section of e46fanatics. In addition to individual sellers that pop up every once in a while, e46 Brandon tends to sell AL lights for $420 a set plus shipping.

Not sure what the market is like near you but also watch for local/regional sellers. That's how I found my set of AL lights. A guy was parting out e46 BMWs on Craigslist as a side business and had one with a set that worked for me. Remember also that you'll need the AL mounting brackets or will need to do some dremel work on your zkw bracket for the AL swap to fit.

Good luck with the hunt!

[e46zhpm3]

Thanks for the reply! I am aware of the AL option. Just like the sharper cutoff of the zkw lens. Ideally I could pick up a set that has already been sorted. As a last resort ill probably buy a kit from trs and diy it.

Just time constraints and life is not allowing me to do that currently, also I can't see at night!

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[Mless5]

ZKW lens transfers into AL housing with slight but easy modification.

[e46zhpm3]

What kind of modification?

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[az3579]

What kind of modification?

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Unscrew the projector, take it out - pop out the AL lens and install the ZKW one. Reinstall projector, done. Just need a screwdriver.

[e46zhpm3]

Lol that's zero modification. No cutting drilling etc!? Might change my mind and pick up some OEM AL headlights then

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[slater]

just saw this thread. :) i'll txt you. :)

[Mless5]

I am pretty sure you have to dremel out the notch in AL lens cradle in order to fit ZKW lens.

[az3579]

I am pretty sure you have to dremel out the notch in AL lens cradle in order to fit ZKW lens.

I don't recall having to do this the first time I retrofitted my lights to M3 AL's... I thought the M3 AL's were similar to sedan ones, no?

[e46zhpm3]

What If I bought the AL headlights and kept them stock and original. How is the light output minus the fuzzy cutoff . I can't see anything at night right now and I'm sure anything will be an improvement

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[Mless5]

I would spend a night and throw ZKW lenses in. If you end up using AL as is which is still a huge difference over burnt out ZKWs, PM me your price for ZKW lenses please.


I don't recall having to do this the first time I retrofitted my lights to M3 AL's... I thought the M3 AL's were similar to sedan ones, no?

Then your lenses aren't seated right: lenses won't go all the way into the cradle unless you shave down the notch. Coupe uses the same cradle for the lens.

[Vas]

I did the zkw lens swap from a burnt set of zkw headlights into AL headlights.

Direct replacement with no issues. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190108/0543a3ac2b4fca326fcec97e3b998b9a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190108/78e810ebb0e8beab7b059e7e66ba9505.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190108/d7a0210501bfa9893dab71285c5e32fe.jpg

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[e46zhpm3]

I did the zkw lens swap from a burnt set of zkw headlights into AL headlights.

Direct replacement with no issues. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190108/0543a3ac2b4fca326fcec97e3b998b9a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190108/78e810ebb0e8beab7b059e7e66ba9505.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190108/d7a0210501bfa9893dab71285c5e32fe.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using TapatalkHey, can you post more pics? What part did you have to unscrew? Looks pretty strsight forward. How was the output after the zkw lens swap compared to before ?

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[Vas]

Here is a before and after pic.

The AL lens is cloudy while the zkw is clear.

Highly recommend doing the swap.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190108/dff0ebe0b0c843a89333cb7e5a7779c4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190108/3173df66ba582537671de0192e74fcfc.jpg

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[az3579]

Then your lenses aren't seated right: lenses won't go all the way into the cradle unless you shave down the notch. Coupe uses the same cradle for the lens.

It was definitely done properly; nice sharp cutoff, everything fit right in.

I have FX-R's now so the cutoff is even better. :)