BMW E46 3 | Replacing burned Bi-Xenon HID projector in Bosch AL headlight Repair and Upgrade DIY

[@gplusgplus2286]

3:52 so if headlight is working why not just have the plastic mirror recoated/remirrored?

[@mcclivant]

I thought the 3Five ballasts were crap so ended up buying a new retro-quik projector and then VOILA! 3Five was more than enough i promise you.

[@leonidasgr2003]

At 03:15 what those wires do ? i want to replace also mine but its ZKW not AL ! When i turn xenon ON they adjusting.. this wire is for that purpose? Can i move the mechanism from the old to the new lenses to save some money? Bmw 3 series 318i E46 2005

[@Retrofitlab]

This is the solenoid cable. It activates the solenoid inside the BI-Xenon projector which, then activates the high beam. We have no experience changing the AFS assembly from one headlight to the other unfortunately.

[@leonidasgr2003]

@@Retrofitlab probably my car also have solenoid mechanism but doesn't have high beam function in D2S. Instead there is a high beam from H7 halogen lamp. So a simple reflector/projector with d2s socket would also work for my car? Probably the lights wont adjust when turning on, they'll have a fixed position

[@Retrofitlab]

@@leonidasgr2003 Hi, Can you send me an Email at: [e-mail]

[@afntn]

Does anyone have a tip how to undo the self levelling clip. Can’t really see what they do an 0:17.

[@jdupre7877]

I was wondering the same thing. Not shown too well in the video. I used a flat head screwdriver to push up on the self leveling rod and ball until was out of it's joint on the white clip and I held it there while turning the adjustment knob that pushes projector assembly out of the headlight housing and away from the self leveling motor. To get the self leveling rod and ball back into the clip, I just reversed the operation. Hopefully I was descriptive enough.

[@Rebak714]

This is a Bosch projector headlight?

[@Retrofitlab]

Correct, Bosch / AL

[@georgesunnyt]

Miss the days when headlamp lenses could be removed this way.

[@Retrofitlab]

You are not the only one 🙂

[@davidreynolds3082]

Looks like how dull the dipped lamps are on my Transit Custom projectors when you see the comparison!

[@Alex555-o]

My 1999 e46 has a Bosh original single xenon. The projector is 2.5 inches. Can I install 3.0 inches bi-xenon projector?? Its hard to find 2.5 inch replace projector.

[@Retrofitlab]

Hi Alex, The projector supplied with this kit is 2,5'' and for single xenon headlights: retrofitlab.com/collections/bmw-3-e46/products/bmw-3-e46-1998-2005-single-xenon-headlights-bosch-al

[@carbonstore8266]

thats great to hear that since alot of people need a fix for this problematic headlights, i would like to know if you guys are gonna sell just the bowls or the entire proyector? cause i only need that

[@Haider_Malik]

Thank you for this vid! Very helpful

[@cparente7]

Excellent video. Is that all there is to it? In the comments section on product page some talk about having to splice wiring.

[@Retrofitlab]

Thanks! Yes, it is quite easy with this projector. And yes, originally there is a 3 pin connector and the new projector only uses 2 pins, but this is quite easy and we have available which wires need to be used when you need help.

[@TheBeko17]

I have burned projector on a 2006 bmw x5 e53.. Bi-xenon headlights, do you have solution for this type of headlights?

[@jr8073]

Wow that ability and speed. Im studying Mechanical Engineering i hope one day i learn how to do this as good (unfotunately there's barely practices in my career)

[@jr8073]

+Retrofitlab Thank you a lot for the offer! Im currently studying in the Canary Islands, (Spain) so it's a bit far away for me but thank you indeed :P

[@abdullah09q8]

Excellent work

[@jester3954]

I am talking about the effect just to the right of the black line on the wall at 4:09

[@Ghost.uppercut]

thank you so much for these. Hey do you guys sell that outer like piece for the headlight? Mine is broken.

[@aymanismail567]

Nice job man iwell do that but if iwant to chang angel eyes and out cover its sold separet?

[@yordan961]

How can I know if my headlights are ZKW or AL??

[@Retrofitlab]

The brand is mentioned on the headlight/headlight lens :-). More info here; blog.retrofitlab.com/the-great-bmw-3-e46-headlight-page/

[@jeygaliza1834]

Hi, i have a e46 m3, but i want to change my projector lens. I don't know what size for my car.

[@ecksman97]

I wanna replace my projectors on my AL headlights but I'm confused on which model to order from your website or which model projector is being used in this video. Also which shroud is that?

[@luisvaz599]

I'm having a hard time taking out the blue conector 0.47 how do you do it ? Did you just push it out?

[@b864r]

Is it possible to put led bulbs instead of hid?

[@ripskee67]

So, my xenon lights aren't working at all. don't think its a wiring issue, i tried replacing the bulbs and everything. seriously running out of ideas, let me know if you've got any. would greatly appreciate it

[@Mrdubomb]

Anybody know where to get the white ball and socket clip for the auto leveling motor?

[@mikegr7274]

Hi! Can you change these bi-xenons from rhd to lhd? Thanks!

[@rootsdat]

I just realized i have a burned ignitor with model 1 307 329 076 that came with vehicle 2007 GTI . Will 5DD 008 319-50 ignitor work for my light. My question is are the compatible with each other. Interchangable? Thank you

[@gianifgs8350]

It’s 2,5" or 3"

[@Retrofitlab]

3 inch

[@jester3954]

There is an effect where the "brow" plate just inside the projector lens is offset. One side of the plate is higher than the other side. I just installed projectors onto my car and my lights have the same effect which makes the far left of the left headlight much lower than the far right of the left headlight beam. Is there a way to fix this?

[@machina_spirit]

The passenger side bixenon on my ‘04 E46 M3 no longer turns on high beam, just stays low beam. I think the shutter is dead or stuck. Would the replacement projector you have linked in the description solve that issue? Sorry, I’m new to lighting diy’s and want to make sure it solves the issue of not having high beam working on one bixenon.

[@Retrofitlab]

It depends on the cause. It can also be from the wiring inside the headlight getting old and brittle for example. When it is the projector itself, the kit can solve the problem (and improve the light output :-)).

[@Serëga-iz-espanii]

E46 to restyling(xenon) - my car. and also had to change projectors :-)

[@Tsaty]

Why not renewed the original lens? You are changing the original parts for neoriginal and even to China?

[@Ramzi_Ghanmi]

Because they can't be renewed or recoated. Several people tried and failed. The only solution is to buy new projectors (the whole kit because the reflector is not sold separately).

[@ren7428]

Will it be the same process to replace the projector for an e70 x5?

[@Retrofitlab]

For the xenon headlight of the X5 the installation is even easier. You don't have to open the headlight you can just replace the projectors from the back of the headlight. For more information, please email to [e-mail]

[@LIONKING1103]

Is this for non bi also.. does the bowl play a roll in the lighting in the xenon headlight

[@Retrofitlab]

For the single xenon headlight version a different replacement kit is needed; www.retrofitlab.com/en/bmw-3-e46-1998-2005-bi-xenon-single-xenon-headlights-bosch-al.html And yes, the bowl play's a big role in the output. When it doesn't reflect anymore, the light output is affected a lot.

[@LIONKING1103]

@@Retrofitlab I was painting mine and got paint in bowl housing. They weren't damaged prior to that. Also, will my custom 2.5 lenses fit in them? Appreciate the reply

[@Retrofitlab]

@@LIONKING1103 could you please explain custom lenses? Are they etched for example or are ou referring to the complete projector? A 'generic' won't fit without a mounting bracket.

[@LIONKING1103]

@@Retrofitlab i has them etched... I have the oem 2.5 lenses. Based off your response, I assume I'll need new projector bowls, being i got paint inside mine while spraying housing!

[@Retrofitlab]

​@@LIONKING1103 the projector bowl is important for the light output, so when they a got a fresh layer of paint 😬, the light output will be affected

[@Tunehead99]

I have depo projector with bi xenon headlight e46,is this projector better than the depo projector?and will it fit the depo headlight?

[@Retrofitlab]

We have not tested every Depo headlight, however, in general we see that our projectors are way brigher compared to the Depo headlights.

[@Tunehead99]

@@Retrofitlab ok,and do projectors have any affect on bulb color temperature?

[@Retrofitlab]

@@Tunehead99 No, this is not affected.

[@Tunehead99]

@@Retrofitlab ok thanks for the response,the reason why i asked is because when my bulbs warming up its the color I want,but after fully warmed up it have a slight yellow tint, so it's either my projector, ballast or bulb brand

[@Retrofitlab]

@@Tunehead99 Please contact the retrofitlab customer support so we can see how we can help you. Please email to [e-mail]

[@carbonstore8266]

Do you have the bowls for the zkw headlight?

[@TheTyronix]

Hi I have the complete set Bosch AL for the E46 with bi-xenon USER! Now I have the problem when I switch on permanent main beam, the aperture where normal down works immediately comes down and remains closed, how can I solve this problem? Connection plug and play at the original port

[@TheTyronix]

***** I have done! But since then moves certainly nothing, neither down or up, it only turns on the high beams!

[@cirealreviews1776]

How would I know if my halogen projector bowls have been burned? Will there be streaks in the beam?

[@Retrofitlab]

If your projectors are burned the light output will be very low :)

[@BrunoMezenga2408]

Is this inner portion with xenon and high beam reflector the same as in pre facelift coupe/cabrio It seems it is the same, just the headligh housing is different. Can anyone confirm?

[@Retrofitlab]

There are some different versions based on brand/model etc. but when it is bi-xenon and from AL it should be the same :-) retrofitlab.com/products/bmw-3-e46-coupe-convertible-2001-2005-bi-xenon-d2s-xenon-headlights

[@alejandroaguilarcaloca810]

Hola muy buenos tus videos felicidades, puedes hacer un video de la instalación de proyectores en faros de stratus SE 2002, gracias.

[@Retrofitlab]

No planeado, pero tal vez en el futuro :-)

[@jasondoe5741]

How to do you know if it is the projector or the igniter?

[@Retrofitlab]

You mean which is faulty when your light is no working properly?

[@jajuca18]

Will these fit on an e46 compact?

[@Retrofitlab]

We have several complete kits for the BMW E46 Compact, see this link: retrofitlab.com/collections/bmw-3-e46-compact If you need personal assistance with picking the right products for your car, feel free to send us an email. [e-mail]

[@rg2135]

Dónde compraste esas lupas?

[@Retrofitlab]

Aquí puede encontrar el kit: retrofitlab.com/collections/bmw-3-e46/products/bmw-3-e46-1998-2005-bi-xenon-d2s-bosch-al-bi-xenon-headlights

[@Drtorky]

I have a Audi A6 Facelift 2009 with d3s xtremevision bulbs. is this also possible? greetings!

[@Drtorky]

+Retrofitlab Strange, I cleaned my projectors a few weeks ago. Did not need to open the headlights. I just removed 4 screws and pulled so the black ring jumped of the projector.

[@joseosorio6839]

Can anyone tell me where to buy the replacement projectors?

[@Retrofitlab]

www.retrofitlab.com please check which headlights you have (single xenon/bi-xenon) and the brand (AL or ZKW) for the correct kit. www.retrofitlab.com/blog/the-great-bmw-3-e46-headlight-page/

[@mtechbmw4323]

Satış linki var mı

[@Retrofitlab]

www.retrofitlab.com/en/xenon-projectors-1/aharon-e46-r-bi-xenon-projectors-bosch-al-design-1.html

[@trackmedixuk]

If only it was this easy on the e92

[@Retrofitlab]

Yes, those newer ones can be quite hard to open...

[@trackmedixuk]

@@Retrofitlab I tried to restore my headlights yesterday only to find out the slight hazing I was attempting to remove was coming from inside the projector of the xenon. Not sure if it's the actual projector that's damaged/dirty or another thought I had was it could be actual burn marks on the bulb. Either way I need to sort it. Will try changing the xenon(ds1) first

[@Tasjurek77]

Спасибо. Круто.

[@ragtop63]

Sorry, had to thumbs down this one. No verbal or written instructions on what's happening. Parts of the process are being obscured by the person's hand(s) and/or headlight assembly so we can't see what's happening. Recommend making a new video with those items corrected.

[@robertwalker696]

Agree

[@noligarcia5200]

Agree

[@abdullah09q8]

عمل ممتاز ★★★★★

[@Durrpadil]

Showoff. Jk, nice job xD