Xenon Headlight Info

[JBird]

Hi all,

Can someone with Xenon headlights tell me who the original manufacture is / was? There have been two manufactures of Xenon headlights in the shape that CSL has; AL (Automotive Lights) and ZKW. There will be other suppliers involved (e.g., Bosch did the outer lenses), but its the overall supplier name that I need. It will probably be written on the BMW partnumber sticker.

According to real OEM the current replacement part number is 63127165821/22, but this is a new part that supersedes what was probably originally fitted to our cars.

Also, was it only ever Bi-Xenon lights that CSL got, or did some get std Xenons?

Ultimately I am trying to source new reflectors, but don't have access to my own car at the moment, and its proving as clear as mud to know what is compatible with what.

Cheers
J

[sailorbaz]

I am keen to hear how you get on with sourcing new reflectors also as in due time, would like to refresh mine.

Good luck.

[JBird]

I have since learnt that ZKW did not make headlights for the UK market, all Xenons are from the company AL, and branded as AL/Bosch.

So I am looking into a company who can supply new projectors for the AL/Bosch Bi-Xenons in our cars (pojector = cuttoff + sheild + refloctor unit), for a reasonable price. Will post details once I know more.

Baz, I actually didn't realise the reflectors wear out, but I just read up on it and you are right, light output decreaces over time, and a car can eventually fail an MOT because of this. The reaason I need new ones is that I have to register my car in Germany, and I need the opposite cuttoff pattern to pass thir equivalent of a MOT. BMW want 2000 euro for a complete new set of LHD Xenons, which is absurd as 90% of the parts are common with RHD. So I am aiming to just swap out the projector units. Looks like it might be useful info for everyone as the years get on.

[sailorbaz]

I replaced my lenses last year and it improved the front end big time, just wish the paint was in as good condition what with the war wounds and stone chips.

I look forward to hearing how you get on with your quest, could always try and buy a used set from Ebay.de but could end up paying a small fortune for whole lamps with duff internals.

Good luck.

[JBird]

Originally Posted by sailorbaz

could always try and buy a used set from Ebay.de but could end up paying a small fortune for whole lamps with duff internals.

Good luck.

Exactly mate. Seems only about 15% of the used headlights on ebay have projectors compatible with the Bi-Xenon found in our cars (most are std Xenon), and of those, most look like they have been cracked open with a mallet and had angel eyes 'fitted' with half a tube of bathroom sealant. Then any good ones are from high milers, so are at the end of their like anyway. I'm gonna try to get new projectors.

[JBird]

To follow up on this....

I managed to replace my projectors a while back. I found an OEM set on Ebay. You need be carful that they are correct for your needs (LHD/RHD) as the shutters are physically different and can't be removed/swapped.

If it is Bi-Xenon headlights that you have, they from AL (Bosch assemble the overall unit, but AL provide the lense). Here is what an original AL lense looks like from my 2003 UK CSL which has Bi-Xenons + Headlight Washers). I was told all Xenons on the UK cars were from AL. Other regions may have ZKW ones.




Prior to finding the set on ebay I almost ordered from a site called retrofitlab, as they were very good with support. After a lot of research, these were what I was going to get
https://www.retrofitlab.com/en/xenon...rojectors.html

They also have some good videos on youtube showing how swap them over.