Lights query

[Cactuar]

Hey folks, new to the whole e34 world (and BMW ownership) and I'm wondering some things about lights...

- What are smilies? And I don't mean those hehe
- What kind of lights are on my canadian 95 525i? Plain halogen right?
- What are euro lights?
- From a performance point of view, is there an advantage to change the headlights on my car?
- Were lights introduced on E39 models or is there a perfect-fit kit for E34 as well?
- Is an lights conversion hard to do?

phew, that's about it for now I think... thanks to all who take the time to answer!

[bullyd]

see pic these are smileys, fitted to euro cars dunno why though?
as far as eyes go i cracked 3 lenses before giving up

[Cactuar]

Thanks for the pic, so they call them smilies because of the black curved stripe eh? Are they anything special or do people fit them just to be different?

Yeah from what I've read fitting lights in E34 cars seem to be quite a PITA but I really like the look :\

[Rory]

Hey folks, new to the whole e34 world (and BMW ownership) and I'm wondering some things about lights...

- What are smilies? And I don't mean those hehe

"Smilies" are European projector lights that are standard in Europe. They have a low powered "city light" that looks like a smile in them. The point is to cut the headlight in the city and use your city lights so that people can see you driving around since things are well lit. They are popular in the US because of the European look, but give no practical advantage. Also, they are paired to European ellipsoid projectors which have a much sharper cutoff than US spec lights which can give a better light pattern on the road.

- What kind of lights are on my canadian 95 525i? Plain halogen right?

Most likely, and probably projector beam.

- What are euro lights?

See above for the part about "smilies"

- From a performance point of view, is there an advantage to change the headlights on my car?

If you install projectors (US or European) and high performance bulbs and aim them properly so you do not blind oncoming traffic you will have a lot more light. I have 4300K Philip's HID's with US spec ellipsoids in my car and the light output is outstanding, significantly better than stock. I prefer the US Ellipsoid cutoff with HID's to Euro lights, but others disagree. Do a search in the archives for some pic comparisons, of course YMMV.

- Were lights introduced on E39 models or is there a perfect-fit kit for E34 as well?

Yes, 2001 was the first year (I think) but there are retro kits for 97-01 E39's. There is a small market for people that have done it on E34's. Google holds the answer if you want to see some examples and/or kits.

- Is an lights conversion hard to do?

You can either plug and play a most likely overpriced setup or take apart your lenses on your own. Again, Google has plenty of examples.

phew, that's about it for now I think... thanks to all who take the time to answer!

Your welcome, hope it helps.

Good Luck,
Rory

[Cactuar]

Wow thanks so much for your in-depth answers! This community rocks.

This really clears things up. Thanks again.

[Paul in NZ]

I dont know about the part about driving in the city with only the "city lights on" but all the rest is spot on.FWIW the euro projectors or smileys(the smiley refers to the cutout in the reflector which is related to the sharp cutoff see pic) use a 55w H1 lamp