Headlights from a BMW? In 1879, we invented the first light bulb, and in the 1880s, we invented headlights. We had headlights back when autos weren't even a thing and night vision wasn't even a thing.
They weren't quite headlights; they were acetylene lamps, to be precise. After 1898, electric headlights became available. Cadillac was the first company to produce cars with contemporary electric lighting in 1912. Headlights became a need as automobiles got more widespread.
Today, headlights and taillights are not only fundamental requirements, but also the reason a vehicle is allowed on the road. Even if that were removed, there would still be hundreds of reasons why we require headlights and taillights.
This is why companies like BMW invest millions of dollars in the research and development of the most advanced lighting solutions. In this article, I'll walk you through all of the BMW headlight/taillight options so you can pick the best one for your vehicle.
TECHNOLOGY AND TYPES OF BMW HEADLIGHTS/TAILLIGHTS
For years, BMW has been working on its light technology. Their main goal is to accomplish not only an advanced degree of aesthetically pleasing system, but also to make it efficient, useful, and unique at the same time.
BMW currently offers four different types of headlights, each with a different lighting technology, the most recent of which is the Laser Light technology.
So, let's begin with the most basic version.
HEADLIGHTS BMW HALOGEN
Halogen lights are one of the most prevalent and well-known choices for all types of manufacturers, especially in the budget segment. However, seeing that in a BMW is a letdown.
Apart from personal preferences, the BMW Halogen headlights are standard on the BMW 3-series, which is the company's entry-level model. The presence of Halogen gas in the bulb gives it the name Halogen light.
There isn't much to talk about in terms of technology. Halogen lights, in particular, are inefficient and inconvenient compared to BMW LED lights. They also expressed concern about not being safe, yet most cars still have Halogen-based headlights and taillights today.
If you don't like halogen lights, you can always go for the BMW light pack, which includes a full set of LED headlights and taillights. Yes, you receive your LED Drls, which are becoming a standard in the industry.
BMW HID
HID stands for High-Intensity Discharge and refers to the Xenon lights used by BMW. They create light by forming an electric arc between two electrodes in a xenon-filled glass. This produces a lot brighter light than Halogens while also being incredibly efficient and long-lasting.
HID is often available as trim or as an aftermarket HID kit. They are commonly thought to be unlawful, however as long as they comply with FMVSS regulations, they are completely legal. You may check a few things to see if your BMW has HID lights or not.
Xenon lights are white (blue) in color and far brighter than halogen lights. Simply park your automobile against a wall and examine the color of your headlights. HID headlights are normally projector headlights, which means you won't be able to see your bulb. Finally, if your BMW has factory headlights, see your owner's manual.
If you want to get a HID kit, it's best to contact BMW of Grand Blanc Service Center for more information so you don't make your car unlawful by accident.
BMW LED
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are one of the most energy-efficient lighting technologies available today. They are not only more energy efficient, but they are also more durable and may be constructed in a variety of ways to be both aesthetically beautiful and functional. Manufacturers employ LEDs as DRLs for this reason.
Most BMW vehicles now include LED headlights and taillights as standard equipment. But that's only true for the base trims; for a few additional dollars, you can upgrade to adaptive LED headlights.
The most up-to-date technology BMW's Adaptive LED Headlights are the company's pride and joy. They're so good that the Laser Light technology is available as an option in the more opulent 7 and 8 series.
When it comes to functionality, only real life can demonstrate it. To put things in perspective, imagine you're at a corner and a car approaches from the opposite direction. To avoid your lights reflecting on the windscreens of other cars, your automobile will purposely create a blind area, and at the same time, most of the lights will converge in the direction of a corner, allowing you to see well.
That is only one of the numerous functions of BMW adaptable headlights. They are, however, not inexpensive.
LASER LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY BY BMW
The BMW Laser headlights are the company's greatest and most modern headlamp technology. In Europe, they were initially debuted in 2014 with the BMW i8. They are still so new six years later that they are only available as an option on the 5 and 6 series and are standard on the top trims of the 7 and 8 series.
Actually, there is a reason for their rarity.
BMW's laser headlights are similar to the Ultra-instinct of Adaptive LED headlight technology. These lights not only integrate Adaptive LED technology, but they also improve it by a factor of ten. These lights are so bright that they can cast light for up to half a kilometer while still having all of the adaptive LED capabilities, such as BMW selective bead automated fade in/out.
The way they work is as follows.
First, lasers fire light through a series of mirrors, focusing it into a lens. This lens is made entirely of phosphorous, which amplifies the light and makes it 10 times brighter than an LED. All of this takes place in a headlamp assembly that is 30 percent more efficient than LEDs and is 30% smaller. When you combine this with their adaptive technology, you get a smart, precise, adaptable, efficient, powerful, and bright system.
Let's speak about how to replace BMW headlights and taillights now that we've learned everything there is to know about BMW headlights and taillights.
COST OF REPLACING A BMW HEADLIGHT/TAILLIGHT
We wish to replace our headlights for a variety of reasons. However, it still boils down to two factors: what you require and how much it will cost. Simply said, whether you want to replace your entire headlamp assembly or just a single bulb determines the cost of repair.
A BMW headlight kit without a bulb will typically cost around $1000. If you want to go with LEDs, you'll have to pay an extra $200. When you factor in the labor expense, you're looking at a budget of $1300-$1400. That is for a single headlight on one side of an automobile in general. The taillights are likely to be the same.
Your BMW headlight replacement cost might easily run from $1000- $2000 depending on the model of your car, the type of kit, and the quality of the bulb.
Here are two methods for extending the life of your head and tail lights
OLD HEADLIGHT CAPSULES SHOULD BE REPLACED OR UPGRADED.
The headlight capsules or bulbs are made to last the longest. These are the components that do not burn out quickly. Rather, with time, they become worn out and lose their intensity. This is also why their dimming goes unnoticed for such a long time.
A automobile headlight typically lasts 500-1000 hours, depending on the type. So, if you've been driving for a while, especially at night, it's a good idea to replace your headlights every now and then. You may get a 6- to 8-month window by simply replacing the bulb and save roughly $1000.
You can always choose to upgrade your headlights if you don't like them. If your BMW has a halogen capsule, simply request a HID capsule, which will fit in the same housing. If your BMW has projector headlights, you may easily replace them with LED capsules.
If you like, you can choose from a variety of brighter variations or aftermarket goods. Remember to replace or update both of your headlights/taillights, not just one.
Please contact BMW of Grand Blanc if you require any other information.
REGULARLY CLEANING YOUR LENSES
When we talk about headlights, we always think of bulbs and lamps, but it's your lenses that have the most impact. Your lenses' responsibility is to make sure that your headlight is shining in the right direction and at the right strength.
There are numerous lenses in a headlight unit. The outer lens, which you can physically touch, is the first. These are the ones that protect your bulb from various weather conditions as well as all sorts of large and little objects. Then there are the converging and diverging lenses, which determine whether you have a low or high beam. Then there are lenses inside the bulb that either increase or shift the focus of the light.
All of these lenses must function properly at all times in order for a headlight to function properly. However, the outer lens is mostly responsible for a headlamp being damaged by it. Your outer lens begins to develop a cloudy appearance from the inside as time passes. This is caused by oxidation and has an impact on your beams and intensity. The simplest option is to keep it clean on a regular basis.
This will not only improve the appearance of your headlights and taillights, but it will also boost the overall brightness of your headlights.
Finally…
UPGRADING YOUR BMW HEADLIGHTS IS REQUIRED, BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE.
You won't have to spend $1000 on headlight modifications if you understand your lighting units and know what can and can't be done. By conducting easy and regular maintenance you can keep your headlights bright and working for a long period.
Always check with our parts department before starting your projects, They may have specials going on and can also place orders for Genuine BMW parts.
