Fitting OEM xenon headlights to E46 coupe pre-facelift

[drift838]

Understand that this issue may have been discussed in the past.
But need help as I am thinking of:
1. fitting oem xenon headlights to my E46 (pre-facelift) coupe
2. to minimiuse cost, I only plan to get the headlight cluster and xenon lighting, not the full set which includes the washer system (this is also because PML parts dept confirmed that there is no parts no. for my car when they checked by chassis no.)

The question I have are:
1. Is it simple plug & play?
2. will the levelling adjustment function still work
3. would there be any fault codes shown
4. can I use normal halogen bulds in place of the xenon bulbs (to save cost as I only want the M3 projector lights look)?
5. where;s the best place to buy the parts and fit them?
6. est. cost

Sorry for the numerous questions, but really need help.
Thanks v much

 

[chickenbackside]

Re: Fitting OEM xenon headlights to E46 coupe pre-facelift

1. Is it simple plug & play?

It's quite a straightforward install. You replace the whole headlamp assembly and flash your ECU to tell it that xenons are installed so that they work properly and no fault codes will appear on your dash.

2. will the levelling adjustment function still work

No.

3. would there be any fault codes shown

After you flash your ECU, no.

4. can I use normal halogen bulds in place of the xenon bulbs (to save cost as I only want the M3 projector lights look)?

No, the OEM headlight cluster comes with the xenon bulbs and ballast. It comes as a set and you cannot buy them separately.

5. where;s the best place to buy the parts and fit them?

Best is to buy them used if you don't mind. It's the cheapest route. Keep a lookout on the Bazaar Section of this forum. They pop up once in a looooooooong while (especially for coupes) so you gotta be really patient.

Otherwise, buy them new from Eng Soon:
Eng Soon -
1094 Serangoon Road
Tel: 62917775

You can go to BVO to have them installed (yes they can flash your ECU for you too):
BVO Auto
Blk 15, Sin Ming Ind Est #01-111
Tel: 64551566
http://www.bvo-auto.com

6. est. cost

Eng Soon sells it for S$2100. It includes the headligh assembly, lowbeam xenons ballasts and bulbs, highbeam halogen builbs and Titan (kinda matt aluminium look) headlight insert. No you cannot buy each item separately. It comes in a set.

 

[drift838]

Re: Fitting OEM xenon headlights to E46 coupe pre-facelift

Thanks so much for the quick reply. It's really useful.
May I know if there's just one part no. for this headlight assemply, I have looked at magazines (BMWCar) and noticed that some M3 have slightly different low beam reflectors.

Will get it from PML when they have the 20-25% disc.

Thanks v much.

 

[drift838]

Re: Fitting OEM xenon headlights to E46 coupe pre-facelift

Sorry, forgot to ask.
Will it pass LTA inspection?
Thanks.

 

[shaaz]

Re: Fitting OEM xenon headlights to E46 coupe pre-facelift

Sorry, forgot to ask.
Will it pass LTA inspection?
Thanks.

It will as it is OEM to ur car marque, as long as its an option/standard you have no worries at all.

 

[chickenbackside]

Re: Fitting OEM xenon headlights to E46 coupe pre-facelift

Sorry, forgot to ask.
Will it pass LTA inspection?
Thanks.

My car came with halogens. I changed them to OEM xenon headlight assembly without self-levelling and lens washer spray. I even used Philips Diamond Vision bulbs for the high beams.

Passed without a single issue.

 

[chickenbackside]

Re: Fitting OEM xenon headlights to E46 coupe pre-facelift

Thanks so much for the quick reply. It's really useful.
May I know if there's just one part no. for this headlight assemply, I have looked at magazines (BMWCar) and noticed that some M3 have slightly different low beam reflectors.

Will get it from PML when they have the 20-25% disc.

Thanks v much.

If I'm not mistaken, there are a few possible part numbers for the pre facelift coupe. Call up Eng Soon to ask. They will ask you which year your car is made.

BTW, most of the time, PML with 20-25% discount = Eng Soon regular price.