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      01-24-2012, 02:48 PM   #1
JoeyO
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Halogens to Xenons?

Has any BMW owner ever converted their halogens to xenons? I'm just wondering how easy or difficult it is. I understand the whole headlight assembly and ballast probably need to be swapped.

The reason I ask is because I'd like to purchase an F30 BMW 328i without a sunroof, but I REALLY want the xenons.

Yea, yea, the reason I don't want a sunroof is not because I'm cheap and can't afford the premium package. The reason is because I need the extra 1.5" of head room due to my height. Heck, I'd pay twice the price for the premium package if it didn't include the sunroof. But I really want the xenons. I'm kicking myself for not getting them on my last car. By the way, I want the full OEM designs, none of that weird aftermarket ricer stuff.

Yay, that's my 1st post on this forum :-)
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      01-24-2012, 03:05 PM   #2
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Im sure that technically anything can be done for a price, but you probably need more than just the light equiptment even if possible at all. HIDs have an autoleveling feature that is part of the assembly, so you would have to consider that as they may not work properly without this. Then you may need some programming to get them to work as usually is the case with most things or idrive will forever throw out errors that will drive you mad. but good luck, I would assume in the future this may be more of a possibility but as the car is just coming out, you may be the beta!
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      01-24-2012, 03:20 PM   #3
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lol!

im in a similar boat, im not bending over and giving bmw 3000 for xeonons...its a whole housing unit, its not like switching the bulb, tho i do think we can switch the bulb to something more "whiteish"(hope that makes sense)

otherwise, lets say someone had there head lights "stolen", and needed to be replaced, dont see why xenons couldn't replace those...
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      01-24-2012, 06:31 PM   #4
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The ultimate driving machine should have Xenons as standard. Come on BMW...
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      01-24-2012, 06:39 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ede92 View Post
The ultimate driving machine should have Xenons as standard. Come on BMW...
Agreed. But very few car companies offer them standard, i dont mind paying extra, they should have made it an a le carte option like in the e90
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      01-24-2012, 06:58 PM   #6
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I would take the hit and gt the xenons if I was buying the f30
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      01-24-2012, 10:03 PM   #7
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Yep, time to move up to the Bi-Xenons. I agree, they should be standard on F30 328i. In Australia, the Bi-Xenons will be standard on the F30 335i.
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      01-25-2012, 08:51 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yay-Z View Post
I would take the hit and gt the xenons if I was buying the f30
On a lease, your talking an extra 80+ dollars a month extra, difference for having xenons and not.(incl ZPP)
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      01-25-2012, 09:04 AM   #9
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If money was not an issue I would get them, imo
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      01-25-2012, 09:09 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xcution View Post
If money was not an issue I would get them, imo
no doubt, if money was not an issue for sure get them. and get a cayman s too
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      01-25-2012, 12:21 PM   #11
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you can add xenons for only 900 bucks. Check out the online build config, its one of the options after you choose the packages.
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      01-25-2012, 12:35 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMill
you can add xenons for only 900 bucks. Check out the online build config, its one of the options after you choose the packages.
You need to add premium package to add the xenons for 900.
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      01-25-2012, 12:58 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMill View Post
you can add xenons for only 900 bucks. Check out the online build config, its one of the options after you choose the packages.
i wish
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      01-25-2012, 01:49 PM   #14
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It's a PITA to add xenons to a car built with halogens. Don't do it. The premium pack is worth it, so you're not paying $3000 just to get xenons. You're getting real leather, and other nice features as well.

I agree, it should a la carte, but don't mislead by saying xenons cost $3000.
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      01-25-2012, 02:05 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lem144 View Post
It's a PITA to add xenons to a car built with halogens. Don't do it. The premium pack is worth it, so you're not paying $3000 just to get xenons. You're getting real leather, and other nice features as well.

I agree, it should a la carte, but don't mislead by saying xenons cost $3000.
Im alredy getting leather for 1450, it would be another 3000 to get the xenons,

dont need moonroof or power seats, thats 2 grand right there, and i would like the headlights, but its not a big deal. What important is how the car drives, thats why im buying it.
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      01-25-2012, 02:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
What important is how the car drives, thats why im buying it.
Xenon's do not affect how it drives. So then accordingly you don't need them at any cost.

They add $3600 for the Premium pack. For that 3600 you get leather, moonroof, autodimming mirrors all around, comfort access, lumbar, power seats. Still it's 2150 everything beyond leather.

I wish it still included BMW Assist and bluetooth. Now that's $650 more.
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      01-25-2012, 09:19 PM   #17
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Ive done this on my e90. It will take a while before any aftermarket xenons are available but you should be able to find OEM parts, will cost you near $2000 maybe more.

The DIY install on the E90 wasn't terribly hard, involved removing the whole front end, who knows on the F30. You will also probably have to reflash you ecu to switch it from halogen to xenons, the xenon require less power and will confuse the ecu if hasn't been reprogrammed. Point of the story is it should be possible.
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      01-25-2012, 09:53 PM   #18
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Newman028, I'm assuming you did aftermarket ones. That's interesting that the front end has to come off. I would have though just the headlight assemblies had to be removed. How much did you pay for yours, by the way?
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      01-25-2012, 09:58 PM   #19
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sounds like to much work, plus i barley drive at night lol
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      01-26-2012, 04:20 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xcution View Post
If money was not an issue I would get them, imo
In this world , money is issue Nr1, it always has been and alway will be.

Otherwise, the 'whole world' would be living in castles and driving Lambos and Ferraris (equipped with bixenons and leds, for sure)
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      01-26-2012, 05:47 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin Hood View Post
In this world , money is issue Nr1, it always has been and alway will be.

Otherwise, the 'whole world' would be living in castles and driving Lambos and Ferraris (equipped with bixenons and leds, for sure)
Being we don't live in an ideal world, some people do. For those few money is not an issue when talking about $900.

---------------

I think between the trouble and money to buy the lights and then install (remove bumber, screws, etc) woul dbe worth getting them right off the bat.
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      01-26-2012, 07:41 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xcution View Post
Being we don't live in an ideal world, some people do. For those few money is not an issue when talking about $900.

---------------

I think between the trouble and money to buy the lights and then install (remove bumber, screws, etc) woul dbe worth getting them right off the bat.
Its only 900 if you get premeium...then i would say its a no brainer...but for someone who only wants leather and xensons and not moonroof, powersetas and the other garbage most of us dont need. its an additional 3000
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