Headlight bulbs

[davidrbroder62]

The headlight on my '97 Z3 burned out. When I went to remove it, this is what came out.
I'm sure it's not stock. Someone who owned the car before me tried customizing certain things and the job was completely FUBAR. Is this in fact an non stock bulb?

 

[John_B]

Dipped beam: HB4
Full beam: HB3

 

[davidrbroder62]

Is this stock or after market? Is the bulb supposed to have the wires attached because the bulb does not separate from the wires. I never saw anything like this before. It's a horrid design whether stock or not. If it's after market there is no indication of the brand, nor is there any brand name on the assembly.

 

[Ianmc]

What came out?

 

[Mike Fishwick]

Later headlamps use an H7 for the dip beam - I found this when I bought new LHD lights in 2004.

 

[Mint]

Is this stock or after market? Is the bulb supposed to have the wires attached because the bulb does not separate from the wires. I never saw anything like this before. It's a horrid design whether stock or not. If it's after market there is no indication of the brand, nor is there any brand name on the assembly.

This is where a photo is worth a thousand words, can you post one.?

 

[Mint]

...Later headlamps use an H7 for the dip beam...

Not always Mike, mine's a 2002 RHD with HB3 and HB4 headlamps.

 

[davidrbroder62]

Dipped beam: HB4
Full beam: HB3

Dipped beam: HB4
Full beam: HB3

This I know but it doesn't answer the issue.

 

[davidrbroder62]

This is where a photo is worth a thousand words, can you post one.?

This is where a photo is worth a thousand words, can you post one.?

I'm sorry I thought I did. Must have goofed somewhere. Here's the picture of the part in question.

 

[davidrbroder62]

I'm sorry I thought I did. Must have goofed somewhere. Here's the picture of the part in question.

 

[davidrbroder62]

This is where a photo is worth a thousand words, can you post one.?

 

[John_B]

They're aftermarket HIDs

 

[davidrbroder62]

They're aftermarket HIDs

HIDs? I'm not familiar with that nomenclature.

 

[John_B]

aftermarket HIDs - Google Search

 

[Pond]

HIDs? I'm not familiar with that nomenclature.

HID = High Intensity Discharge.

 

[Stevo7682]

Be careful with the components of these type of lights they deliver very high voltage at various points at times when on.
If you track the other end of the 2 cables it will come to a box ( metal or plastic) this is the ballast resistor it converts the 12v to the 26000v kick it needs to bring hid bulb to life .
The cars original headlight multiplug will be plugged into that .
Get rid of all the aftermarket hid bulb stuff get some decent stock stuff and all will be well.

If hb3 / hb4 will look similar to the picture ( picture is an hb11 but similar look to hb3)
I dont know if you can get them there but Osram Nightbreaker range make good replacement to stock.
Stephen.

 

[Mint]

I'm sorry I thought I did. Must have goofed somewhere. Here's the picture of the part in question.

Yes, your post#1 intimated there should be a photo.

I think your question has been answered. Good advice from Stephen in post #16

 

[GDavis]

Osram Nightbreakers are usually very highly recommended on here and I believe there's a new updated one out

 

[davidrbroder62]

Osram Nightbreakers are usually very highly recommended on here and I believe there's a new updated one out

I'm only interested in stock.

 

[davidrbroder62]

Be careful with the components of these type of lights they deliver very high voltage at various points at times when on.
If you track the other end of the 2 cables it will come to a box ( metal or plastic) this is the ballast resistor it converts the 12v to the 26000v kick it needs to bring hid bulb to life .
The cars original headlight multiplug will be plugged into that .
Get rid of all the aftermarket hid bulb stuff get some decent stock stuff and all will be well.
View attachment 321041
If hb3 / hb4 will look similar to the picture ( picture is an hb11 but similar look to hb3)
I dont know if you can get them there but Osram Nightbreaker range make good replacement to stock.
Stephen.

I agree. One of the former owners (I'm no. 4) tried to customize the car but didn't know what the fudge he was doing. Nuts and screws are missing, looks like the rear oddments box was messed around with, plastics are broken all over the place, he made a "floor" for the boot with plywood. I'd like to find him...
But since you seem to know alot more than I would you mind answering a few questions. Photo 1. Does this look aftermarket to you or is this the original assembly.
Pic 2. These are what the bulb connected to.
3 - 6. I have no idea what these wires do. There doesn't seem to be any connections for them unless I'm missing something, which I probably am.