2001 E39 Headlights?

spoonz

spoonz

spoonz

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18 May 2004
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2,218
The standard bulbs are like tea candles :( very poor.

I need an upgrade, a quick simple fix, but don't want to spend a fortune.

Are upgraded bulbs an option and if so which? I've seen "xenon" upgrade packs on the bay for £30 but most likely a load of tosh.

Advice please.
 
Osram nightbreakers are good bulbs which just straight-swap for your OEM bulbs. I'm pleased with mine.

Also worth considering are the Phillips equivalent, their name escapes me though.
 
Yes those are the ones.

Osram have a thing to tell you which bulbs you need here click the "select your vehicle" link.

Remember that dipped and full beams use different bulbs. I think for your low beam you'll need H7 (like those you posted). For your high beam you'll need H7 if your car is post August 2008, if it's older then you'll need HB3.

I wouldn't worry about sidelights if I were you, how often do you use them?
 
side lights emit a tiny ammount of light by design

pointless upgrading them as they will never emit an ammount of light you can see on the road. They're just supposed to make you visible to oncomming traffic when its not dark, but you need to be more visible to others.
 
The problem you have is that the headlight lenses on the facelift E39 are made of polycarbonate and chip/get hammered with stones etc etc and eventually become faded and pitted. This SERIOUSLY reduces the light output.

I replaced the headlight units with brand new ones which made a huge difference. Upgraded bulbs will help a bit.
 
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