[TheWhiteBMW]

I have a BMW 228i second hand and it came with projector headlights not the lighting package. Would i be able to buy the upgraded headlights and just swap them? Or is it a huge amount of labor that isn't worth it?

[aozer]

Not currently possible. I'm hoping with the LCI it will be possible to swap with the non-adaptive LEDs

[Gabrola]

Yes, you can. However, there will be wiring and coding work. It's either a DIY job or you'll have to take it to a specialized shop; the dealer will not do it.

[overcoil]

What's the lighting package ?

[DanG]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

What's the lighting package ?

The lighting package added Xenon lights to a 228i.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by DanG

The lighting package added Zenon lights to a 228i.

so the base halogen is a projector style?

to the original poster, I have a xenon equipped 235, and also drive halogen equipped cars. and my feels is that xenon and LED aren't that big a deal, I think I might even prefer halogen over the fancy lighting for night time driving comfort

[p912guy]

I'm going to disagree with ScottSinger, in that I strongly prefer the Xenon HD headlights to Halogen whether they are the reflective or projector type. The Xenon is a white light and I find a big difference with it. I just purchased a new GMC Canyon and it came with the Halogen projector lights as the top option as opposed the the Halogen reflector lights on the lower end models, While the projectors do seem to be better, they are not nearly as good as the Xenon lights on my M235i or my wife's Q5. Our previous vehicles (MINI Cooper S and Mazda CX-9) also both had the Xenon lighting. If it's available I would opt for it always, even at a higher cost. That said, I wouldn't go the the trouble and expense of trying to retrofit Xenon to a vehicle which didn't have it as factory delivered equipment. Regarding the LED lighting, I have read that many vehicles tested with it didn't do as well as vehicles with the Xenon HD lights, but I have also read there are various types of LED lighting reflector and projector and the projector types are better than others.

[xantdieselx]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

so the base halogen is a projector style?

to the original poster, I have a xenon equipped 235, and also drive halogen equipped cars. and my feels is that xenon and LED aren't that big a deal, I think I might even prefer halogen over the fancy lighting for night time driving comfort

You're xenons along with almost every BMW headlamp from the factory is probably aimed too low. There have been quite a few posts on the subject.

I came from an F30 with halogens so I thought there would be a night and day difference with the xenons on my M235i but I was wrong. At least until I aimed them that is. Now they are absolutely awesome at night and in bad weather.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by xantdieselx

You're xenons along with almost every BMW headlamp from the factory is probably aimed too low. There have been quite a few posts on the subject.

I came from an F30 with halogens so I thought there would be a night and day difference with the xenons on my M235i but I was wrong. At least until I aimed them that is. Now they are absolutely awesome at night and in bad weather.

Great info , I'll have them checked

[TheWhiteBMW]

Thanks for the help Guys. I really do like that they make a considerable difference to others along with the aesthetics of it. However Depending on the price it might not be worth it and i'll just save room for other upgrades but i will definitely consider, thanks.

[rightrudder]

Originally Posted by xantdieselx

You're xenons along with almost every BMW headlamp from the factory is probably aimed too low. There have been quite a few posts on the subject.

I came from an F30 with halogens so I thought there would be a night and day difference with the xenons on my M235i but I was wrong. At least until I aimed them that is. Now they are absolutely awesome at night and in bad weather.

As for adjustment, aim them up a little at a time, till other cars start flashing their lights at you. Then back off a notch.

[p912guy]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Great info , I'll have them checked

Use the search function on this forum and you'll find a least one good thread on adjusting / aiming the Xenon headlights. It's very simple, just a few turns of a screwdriver.

[Maynard]

I'd second the plan to take it to the dealer first, if it is still under warranty. I had the same issue - felt that the Xenons just weren't very good, and seemed to cut off too low, right out ahead where I was trying to scan. Dealership returned it stating 'they were fine, no changes' but clearly much better, now the best lights I've had, other than my old '80's setup with the super-oscars. I'm thinking that they don't like to admit they f'd up the initial prep. If that doesn't work, there are good links here for how to DIY, but some disagreement about which way to turn the screws to raise the beams, so experiment a bit.

For the OP, I really doubt a conversion would ever be worth it. Based on the few parts prices I've seen, I imagine this would be many thousands of dollars, even if it was a plugNplay, which it certainly is not. Get some hi output bulbs in a whiter (bluer) color and spend the rest on something you'll notice.

[xantdieselx]

Originally Posted by rightrudder

As for adjustment, aim them up a little at a time, till other cars start flashing their lights at you. Then back off a notch.

Lol! That's exactly what I did! Aimed them against my garage door. Marked the starting point with some painters tape and adjusted them up a little at a time.