Hi Sergio, you are correct, fit is an important issue, I think that's why Rik (2phast) went with the lights that he did, as it has the maximum room inside to work with (and why I went for the same ones too). Even then, my Hella Generation 4 bi-xenons barely clear the front lens - they're almost touching. I estimate that at most I have 2-3 mm of clearance!
As such the second one doesn't have the height to fit your E46 bixenon : (
Eric,
Why wouldn't the E46 bixenon projector fit on the second headlight assembly?
According to the pictures (I calculated the diameters) the hole is 3.5 to 3.7 inches in diameter so the E46 with a diameter of about 3 inches should fit in the hole. The concern I have is the depth and the room you have inside for the possible larger diameter of the E46 projector (the back side of it). I'm sure the projector that comes with that headlight assembly is not as deep or as large in diameter as my E46 projector. This is why I would love for someone who owns these to take the rear cover off and take pictures. I'd hate to spend over $400 only to find out I can't put my E46 projectors in there.
Won't the seller of these units do the measuring for you? Seems they would be willing to in order to make the sale.
Just a thought..
Good Luck,
Jayare
I've asked a couple of sellers for info and they are vague, at best. Got no answer. For example, I asked one of them what type of bulbs are used for low, high, fog beams. He said "same as W124" which is impossible since my W124 has H4 for low/high and these headlights have separate low/high light bulbs.
If they are not willing to provide me with the info I need, then I'm not willing to purchase.
Interesting. I am running Euro, glass lens units in the CE. I also came upon 100/80W H4's instead of the normal 60/55's. I have no problem with ample light on low beams while running 75 - 85. Certainly no problem when I click on the hi's.
I also haven't ever had anyone double flash me as if the lights are to bright for the on coming driver. The euro's really make a nice even spread.
Like I said, I have very little clearance front-to-back. However, my HID projectors, being the 4th Generation Hellas, have the coil right behind the bulb, thus contributing to the tightness factor - not only is it tight in the front, but also in the back! As you can see from Rik's article, he had to modify the back to clear the coils (as did I). However, it's a nice design, as there are no external coils to mount or high-voltage leads to deal with.
It MIGHT fit the second picture - but it's a risk, and, like you said, it's a $400 risk, which is a bit much. Personally, I went for the bigger diameter projectors because there is more light output.
__________________
Eric
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
1992 400E
1995 Toyota Camry (sold)
1990 Saab 9000 Turbo (gone...337K km)
1985 Nissan Multi (sold)
1980 Saab 900 GLE (Propane)(sold)
1970 BMW 3.0 CS (sold)
1971 Datsun 510 (2.0 liter / 5 speed)
1975 Montego Station Wagon (sold)
Personally, I went for the bigger diameter projectors because there is more light output.[/quote]
I've always been impressed at the light output and beam pattern that BMW's have. The E46 projector is not much different than the E55 projectors (which I believe are the ones you have). When the project is done, someday, I'll know if it was worth the effort but based on other projects I've seen that use this projector, I should be satisfied with the results.
On my W202 I had installed 100W low beam bulbs AND 100W fog bulbs (with relays, of course). The light output was very good but no matter what halogen bulbs you use, the light output (lumen) and color will never match HID. Bulbs didn't last long either. In addition, it's an extra load on the alternator.
Linear Mode
