Headlight Mods

[Justin88na]

Now I have seen 5 series upgrades on headlights, but why hasn't anyone considered the late 90's 7 series. They seem to be closer in shape the the 5 series and approximately the same size. Now I am talking about the headlight assembly itself, not the side marker as well. Any you can get the 'halo' projectors for pretty cheap on eBay. I am strongly considering doing this modification. Q guys that have done headlight mods, any input?

[Infinitiguy19]

You are talking about a 1990-1993 Q45 right, And not the 1994-1996 Q45 WITH a grill?

[Justin88na]

Correct. Well, I've only seen the mods on the second gen G50.
Modified by Justin88na at 9:25 PM 1/19/2010

[Infinitiguy19]

Is this what you are talking about:

[Justin88na]

correct, the e38 headlights. I just love BMW headlights, growing up my parents had e30's and eventually a e34(which was one of my first cars) before going Infiniti and Porsche. There is nothing more classic than the quad round headlights. The e38 has the same design applied to a rectangular assembly which makes it appealing to the G50.

[Infinitiguy19]

I must be missing something because 1990-1993 Q45 headlights are more round where they meet the belt buckle:

[Q451990]

Oh man that makes me want to give the Q a bath and wax tomorrow...

[Justin88na]

What i was thinking was molding the e38 interior assembly to the G50 lens. With some careful dremel work and some epoxy/fiberglass strips I am sure it wouldnt be all that hard. Plus the portion that would be fabricated would not be visible with the hood shut, so fit and finish doesn't have to be 100%.

[maxnix]

Do you really understand the function of the lens and concepts like focal points and beam patterns?

[Justin88na]

Yes I do.

And the size/spacing are similar on the e38. The hi beams are on the inside just like the G50. Yes its not going to be optimal but close.

[TBrack]

I can tell you from experience that this project is a waste of time and money. If you want projectors then modify the existing headlight.

[Justin88na]

Not really a a waste of time, I have pretty advanced fabrication skills and would be able to do it in an afternoon and not that much $$ involved. I work for an auto parts supplier and parts are cheap with my discount.

Guess I'll just have to do it and show you guys when I am done.

[Infinitiguy19]

Have some one do a photoshop AKA Paint.net of what you want done and see if you like it before you start.

I have a spare headlight for the Q let me know.

[Justin88na]

Already did but with e36 headlights, it was before i did rough measurements. it was wicked quick so excuse the sloppiness...

[kimrober]

Not really a a waste of time, I have pretty advanced fabrication skills and would be able to do it in an afternoon and not that much $$ involved. I work for an auto parts supplier and parts are cheap with my discount.

Guess I'll just have to do it and show you guys when I am done.

Dude, if you can pull off a clean-looking set of modded headlight sets, let me in.I have pair of JDM headlamps that I wish to do a projector retrofit, but just collecting dust due to lack of time and motivation.Let me know how much you'll charge for such service if you decide to do it.

[Infinitiguy19]

I like it so far as will Tom AKA Heywier427 on NICO. Email me so we can meet up because I want more details on this.

[Justin88na]

I think the JDM headlights would be best for it considering the lens deflection. I just dont want to spend the money on JDM HL's and then on e38 HL's.

[Justin88na]

Its not about just having projectors, its changing the whole internal design of the headlight i am after.

-directed towards TBrack's comment

[Infinitiguy19]

See what Panda Garage charges for JDM headlights.

How much are BMW headlights?

Not really a engineer but can't you just use plastic lens's to save money?

[Justin88na]

I dont see Q45 headlights on there, only B14 HL's.

With plastic(lexan) you would have to shape it so it wouldnt look like crap, plus Lexan is prone to pitting and wearing faster than the OEM G50 Headlight Lens.

[Infinitiguy19]

Call up Panda Garage.

Glass is also prone to pitting.

[Q45tech]

I've replaced my 1990 head lights twice in 20 years once brand new [1997]and the final time from a car that had brand new ones from a previous wreck in 2005.Saved all the pitted glass for future.

Not having an accident in 20 years helped lower costs and insurance.Actually haven't had a ticket or accident in 25 years ..........407k.

The point is brand new glass looks exotic at least for first 6 years unless you have sandstorms.

[Justin88na]

Correct, Glass is prone to pitting, much less than Lexan as stated....

[Infinitiguy19]

N/A

[Justin88na]

Any progress?

Here is a places local to you that parts out BMW's: http://nh.craigslist.org/pts/1559907600.html

The Euro-Depot58 Chenell Dr.Concord, NH 03301USA1-866-497-3838 x207

The 7 series' front is gone on that car. I haven't made any progress on my Q recently. The girlfriends Jeep has needed a s*** load of work in the past couple weeks. Pretty much rebuilt the whole front end(steering/suspension) and the rear drums(i hate drums so much!!!) so my focus has been getting the jeep back on the road(which it is now).

Just waiting for new knock sensors and injectors(next Q project) then the stereo and rear quarter window, then I am going to work on the headlights. Provided I have enough $$ saved for Bonnaroo this year.

[kimrober]

[Justin88na]

those are for the second gen G50, right?

[kimrober]

Yup, they're for the 2nd gen G50 Qs...

[LoxMurda]

Yup, they're for the 2nd gen G50 Qs...

...What's going on here..is this for my 94Q? Can I buy this? What the...hey!

[Infinitiguy19]

Have you thought about the 2002-2006 Q45 headlight projectors (Gatling gun)?

I am sure many people including some I know would be interested. But the F50 Q45 is not old enough to be a junkyard car yet.