[330volts]

Which one would you recommend (and what's the difference) for 1998 M3?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400294961925...ht_4503wt_1270

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400295228726...ht_4485wt_1270

APpreciate if someone can point me to a DIY. Thanks

[Richardsperry]

They are the same, they are DEPO's and the plastic is junk. The tabs break very easily, amd the rail that holds the corner lights is brittle.

But they are cheap, the optices aren't too bad. I'm not sure what the current thinking is for headlights, I got my ZKW's about 15 years ago, and never had a problem.

No matter what you get, also get the Lamin-X headlight film. It will protect the glass lens from damage and pitting.

[fiveightandten]

Originally Posted by 330volts

Which one would you recommend (and what's the difference) for 1998 M3?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400294961925...ht_4503wt_1270

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400295228726...ht_4485wt_1270

APpreciate if someone can point me to a DIY. Thanks

The only difference are the 'nipples' at the top of the outer lens. Purely an aesthetic thing.

And like Richard said, Depos have been around for a long time. The plastics suck, so be very careful when installing them. But the optics are better than the stock US lights. There are other companies that make similar lights (DJ Auto and Apexcone) in a similar price range.

I don't think you'll find a DIY, as replacing headlights is extremely easy. Just unscrew the mounting screws from the old headlights (there's one on the bottom too...look at the new headlights to see the location of the mounting points), pop the connectors off, and they're out.

The only thing that may not seem straight forward is the 4 wire plug and play connector. One side plugs into the low beam connector in the car, the other plugs into the high beam connector in the car. On the light side of the connector there are 4 wires. They plug into 4 spade connectors on the back of the light....then just slide the little rubber shroud over them. I recommend securing it with a zip tie.

The color codes for the wires should be on the bottom of the light, it it should come with instructions. But just in case color codes *should* be as follows (looking from the back of the light)
Top - High beam - White
Right - Ground - Brown
Left - Low beam - Yellow
Bottom - City light - Gray

Don't forget to aim the new lights properly. Google it.

City light is a small light in the high beam bowl that kind of serves like a daytime running lamp. Some people like the look. I don't have mine plugged in.

[330volts]

What do you think of this? http://www.umnitza.com/depo-dotus-el...ons-p-145.html

The other option is this: http://www.*******.com/e36depo.php

Does the pre-installed option mean that the unit can just be plugged into the existing plugs/sockets? I don't want to slice the wires and solder it etc. Thanks.

[fiveightandten]

Originally Posted by 330volts

What do you think of this? http://www.umnitza.com/depo-dotus-el...ons-p-145.html

The other option is this: http://www.*******.com/e36depo.php

Does the pre-installed option mean that the unit can just be plugged into the existing plugs/sockets? I don't want to slice the wires and solder it etc. Thanks.

I'd strongly recommend you do some research on Umnitza before giving them any money.

The 2nd link you posted is censored for some reason.

By 'pre-installed', are you referring to the FX-R retrofit they offer with it? By pre-installed, they're referring to the projector itself being installed into the headlight for you. These are projectors designed for HID's. The regular Depo projectors are designed for halogens. Very different projectors. If you want to run HID's use a proper HID projector. It's 2012, and with the costs of doing so being so low these days, there's no reason anymore to hack it and run the awful rebased HID bulbs that they give you to shove in the halogen projectors.

There is no soldering or splicing involved with any of the kits. Just plugging connectors in. Hence the term 'plug an play'.

You may want to take some time to watch these videos I put together a while back (follow the links to parts 2, 3, and 4):

BMW E36 Lighting For Noobs - Part 1 of 4 - YouTube

BMW E36 Lighting For Noobs - Part 1 of 4 - YouTube

[330volts]

For the 2nd url, replace the stars with 'b-a-v-t-o-y-s' (no hyphens).

[das borgen]

why is b a v toys blocked on this forum?

[Edgy]

Research carefully. Headlights are one area where spending a little more pays off. I'm happy with my Hellas.

One other thing to consider -- do you live in a state with annual safety inspection? Can be a problem with aftermarket headlights.

[fiveightandten]

Originally Posted by 330volts

For the 2nd url, replace the stars with 'b-a-v-t-o-y-s' (no hyphens).

I'd strongly recommend you do some research on b a v t o y s before sending them any money. Google "habbie b a v t o y s", or "ouri b a v t o y s". Habbie aka Ouri is the owner.

You can't even type the business name without it being censored on this forum. What does that tell you?

[cscat87]

I had ZKWs and then one got a bad rock chip so I got a set of Depos from Khoalty. Overall I'm pretty happy with them. The plastic is a bit more brittle, but just don't mess with it and take your time installing.