wrbusa

Like others have said in shopping list format:

1) European specification DEPO brand H4 bulb Headlights. Importvision.com Part Number: IV1131 $149 +shipping (1000X better than stock!, real glass lenses, pretty decent overall quality, same molds as BOSCH)

2) Upgraded wiring harness. Importvision.com Part Number: IVAHHH4A $39 (Kinda expensive, but if you don't feel like/capable of making your own.)

3) Search ebay for either OSRAM Silverstar's or OSRAM Hyper's. DON'T buy Sylvania Silverstars, unless you like less light. I like Hyper 65/70 watt bulbs, but be absolutely sure you do #2 above! $30-40

4) Install, aim, be able to see at night.

Total Bill:
$250-280

It really is that easy to get significantly better lighting just by following these steps. It all fits together like stock because it is. No modifications necessary, except adding a wiring harness, which is not as hard as it sounds.

I don't recommend making it harder than it has to be by getting H1/H4 lights imported. Besides, used H1/H4 headlights from europe will probably be extremely sandblasted from 20 years of use and the plastic brittle.

There's no better deal than what I posted unless you get lucky on AF.

wrbusa

Check the link for the difference in light pattern between the stock DOT spec headlamps and the European specification headlamps (the wider, brighter of the two).

You can get this light pattern with ANY european imported headlight (H1/H4, H4, RS2). Depo brand H4's are the cheapest and easiest to install on US adulterated spec cars.<ul><li><a href="http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/electrical/ipf_h4_01/headlight_compare_low_big.gif">http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/electrical/ipf_h4_01/headlight_compare_low_big.gif</a</li></ul>

roomabuzzy

are there any major downsides to what you've suggested compared to what others have posted. I like the idea of better lighting for under 300$, but it seems a little too good to be true.

I'm guessing I'll eventually have to change the hood to get a good look out of it, but besides that are the lights a direct fit? And will I have the side marker problem that I would have with the other lights? TIA!

wrbusa

Headlights look good because they're new, not sandblasted and dull. They fit perfect because they're stock, just european stock. Das heisst direct drop-in, bolt-on. Sidemarkers are a direct fit with no wiring changes.

If you want an updated look, order some clear corners at the same time. Gives a wrap around effect w/o having to rewire the turn signal. IMHO looks good.

Light output is identical to a H1/H4. The RS2 has slightly more efficient optics, but both cost tremendously more.

Light output is better than my '00 328i. I look forward to driving my old car at night because I have total vision of the road.


Personally, unless your paint is terrible and you're ready to repaint, a B4 conversion adds needlessly a lot to the price, but not a ton in the looks dept. If you want a B4, sell the B3 and get one, you'll get wider fenders and updated suspension and engine options along with the hood look.

Pre95

*cough* The light output is not identicle to the H4/H1.... but better than stock

roomabuzzy

ok well that seems like a good option. I know I'm repeating myself, but I just want to make sure I've got this 100% right:

I'll buy the lights and harness from Importvision for less than 300$. Work a little magic on the harness and drop in the lights. Plug it in and I'm all set to go. No if ands or buts. Much better lighting. I think I got the gist of it right? Then I can add the clear sidemarkers which should also fit it directly right?

oh and as for the hood, I'll probably end up changing it anyways just because I bent the ends of my hood already (stupid ice). I've heard that putting a B4 hood in a B3 is real easy, so I'll probably end up doing that... well, if I can find one that is :P

wrbusa

The extra H1 bulb is a 2nd Hi beam. Useful if you travel the back roads a lot. I agree 60 watt hi beams aren't always adequate. However if you Get Hyper bulbs with 70 watt hi beams, you won't miss them.

Pre95

H4 also comes in an 80w/100w but the low beam is a bit excessive.

roomabuzzy

would that be good? From the way you guys are talking, I'm starting to worry that, without the extra H1 on the highs, the H4 won't be that great. I don't live out in the country, however I go see my girlfriend many times a week, so I have to pass by the countryside. I just want to make sure I'll have enough light, and stock is really not enough from previous experience.

wrbusa

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/126375/ecodes-web.jpg"></center><p>
Low beam won't blind anyone, but is still awesome, High beam is AMAZING!! at 70 watts Hi-beam it is brighter than my '00 328i and that uses quad 55w H7 bulbs.

I agree 80w/100w are overkill. If you aim low you'll only end up seeing less road brighter.

I know you will be happy with what I posted above.

I know you only can compare to what you have right now, but these headlights are simply the best upgrade I have ever done to this car for my money. They are light years ahead of the crap our cars started with.

Here's a pic of the Euro spec lens. Compare it to your stock ones. The pattern on US DOT spec lights create diffuse and unfocused light. The European spec lenses control the light dispersion so that it is more even and focused on the road, and less is scattered into the air and into oncoming driver's eyes. That means even with the same wattage you will see tremendous improvements.