New Headlights - United Bimmer Community

**RealBmw 02** · 12-22-2005, 02:22 PM

So it's time that I get some new headlights for the 02. I was looking at BavAuto and have two options. Let me know what you think.

Option 1:
Replace with OE sealed beam headlights. $15 per headlight.

Option 2:
Replace with Hella Quartz headlight replacements for $54 per headlight.

The Hella Quartz lights are not sealed beam, and you can replace the bulbs without replacing the whole unit. They should be much brighter, but I am not sure by what factor.

I am hesitant to make the upgrade because of the massive price difference. I used to make late night canyon runs multiple times a week, but now I only do so while on breaks from school.

What do you all think? Comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

-Adam

**Numark318i** · 12-22-2005, 05:09 PM

well i wet from sealed bulb to a non sealed bulb. I got ellipsoids and the difference is very noticable. I think those are ellipsoid also so yea I would invest in the hella lights. maybe you should buy them two at a time to save money.(ie. regular lights first then high beams.)

**RealBmw 02** · 12-22-2005, 05:12 PM

Thanks for the infor Numark. I was hoping someone would have some experience with the sealed beams. The 02 doesn't have separate highs/lows like the E30, so I only have to buy one set.

**Numark318i** · 12-22-2005, 05:30 PM

oh my bad. lol didnt even think about that. then for sure get them.

**Neil** · 12-22-2005, 07:58 PM

My unscientific analysis is that the Hellas "feel illegal" but no one has EVER commented/flashed or been bothered by them.

**Neil** · 12-22-2005, 08:02 PM

Have you done the required reading?

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html

Daniel's educational website was a primary motivator for me to drop the required coin.

**komodo** · 12-22-2005, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Have you done the required reading?

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html

Daniel's educational website was a primary motivator for me to drop the required coin.

I'm not as knowledgable on the sealed vs non-sealed part, but as far as looks, I like the crystal a lot more. Looks sharper and cleaner.

witeshark · 12-22-2005, 11:32 PM

The Hellas. Hell yeah!

**Rooz** · 12-23-2005, 08:49 AM

lol, I always upgrade when I get a chance to, so my vote is the upgrade

**c1apton** · 12-23-2005, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

My unscientific analysis is that the Hellas "feel illegal" but no one has EVER commented/flashed or been bothered by them.

They used to be illegal because laws required "sealed beam" but mfrs change that when they went to OEM equipment with capsules type bulbs.
Sealed beams were used for years but if you ever noticed, cars w/sealed beams always seem to be driving "one eyed" whenever there was a temp change. Reason was seal between glass & backing contract at different rates. Once air got in -"adios" Capsules last longer and aren't affected as bad by temp changes

**RealBmw 02** · 12-28-2005, 03:27 PM

Thanks for all of the great info everyone. I am definitely going for the upgraded ones now. I think they will be much brighter and this way I can upgrade the bulbs if they come out with brighter/whiter ones for my car.

-Adam

**RealBmw 02** · 01-03-2006, 07:05 PM

Still in the mail... pics when they arrive

**RealBmw 02** · 01-26-2006, 09:21 PM

alright, I know I said I would get pics when they arrived, but they were shipped to my parents house (since I am away at college) and my dad was too lazy to take pics before he put them in the car. So when I go home this weekend I will take some pics of them already in the car.

**Neil** · 02-09-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealBmw 02

alright, I know I said I would get pics when they arrived, but they were shipped to my parents house (since I am away at college) and my dad was too lazy to take pics before he put them in the car. So when I go home this weekend I will take some pics of them already in the car.

Wow! What is your Dad's hourly rate?
I have been collecting bids for a rebuilt wooden console...
cheers,
Neil