Headlight bulbs

[KASPar]

I agree. One of the former owners (I'm no. 4) tried to customize the car but didn't know what the fudge he was doing. Nuts and screws are missing, looks like the rear oddments box was messed around with, plastics are broken all over the place, he made a "floor" for the boot with plywood. I'd like to find him...
But since you seem to know alot more than I would you mind answering a few questions. Photo 1. Does this look aftermarket to you or is this the original assembly.
Pic 2. These are what the bulb connected to.
3 - 6. I have no idea what these wires do. There doesn't seem to be any connections for them unless I'm missing something, which I probably am.

Aftermarket.

 

[KASPar]

I'm only interested in stock.

Do you not want to see where you are going in the dark?

 

[John_B]

Those plugs are what would connect to the back of the HB3 & 4 bulbs used in the stock headlight units. But as KASPar says, they aren't stock. If you look for replacements, make sure they're from the same spec car as your own, otherwise they may be missing the integrated sidelights (which are positioned separately in the bumper on widebodies and facelifts). Or vice versa.

If you care for my opinion, it would probably be a simpler solution to keep the headlight units and replace the bulb or ballast (or just fit a new HID kit). They do work well.

 

[Mint]

Agree, definitely aftermarket.

 

[t-tony]

You'll find unused connectors all over the loom on these old cars. They used 1 loom for all and just used what was needed on each car.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

Osram Night breakers are "stock" bulbs just a lot brighter. They fit in standard bulb holders. I know this won't be of interest to you but aftmarket HID kits should fail the MOT here in the UK.

Tony.

 

[davidrbroder62]

Those plugs are what would connect to the back of the HB3 & 4 bulbs used in the stock headlight units. But as KASPar says, they aren't stock. If you look for replacements, make sure they're from the same spec car as your own, otherwise they may be missing the integrated sidelights (which are positioned separately in the bumper on widebodies and facelifts). Or vice versa.

If you care for my opinion, it would probably be a simpler solution to keep the headlight units and replace the bulb or ballast (or just fit a new HID kit). They do work well.

I have no idea where i would get a replacement bulb for the headlight. All the ones I've seen are just the bulb. What I have has the wires attached to the bulb. I've not been able to find one just like the one I have.

 

[John_B]

I've not been able to find one just like the one I have.

I'm not familiar with your part of the world, but I would be mightily surprised if you found them on a shop shelf anywhere, you'll be needing to order them online.

Something like this (but from your regional ebay site, obviously, and the correct bulb type for your headlights) - ebay link

I'd trace the wires back to the ballast first though and see if there are any clues about the model or manufacturer so that you could try to find replacement bulbs from the same set.

 

[Richard29]

They are after market light assys

 

[t-tony]

All aftermarket HID kits are "plug and play" so you will need to trace back to where they were plugged into the original wiring and disconnect and discard it. Then you will be able to tell which bulbs you need.

Tony.

 

[motco]

The housings are not BMW original equipment.

 

[t-tony]

Well, same thing applies then. Remove the aftermarket light units and wiring and bin them. Fit a pair of "real" lights.

Tony.

 

[davidrbroder62]

The headlight on my '97 Z3 burned out. When I went to remove it, this is what came out.
I'm sure it's not stock. Someone who owned the car before me tried customizing certain things and the job was completely FUBAR. Is this in fact an non stock bulb?

I never thought I'd say this but my Jag XK8 was much easier to figure out and work on. So where I'm at now is I git the bulb in question working. Don't ask me how but I did, temporarily. Now it just tries to come on by flickering. Sometimes it makes it sometimes it don't.
Also I noticed when it was on with the engine NOT running it would shut off after a minute or two. The other working bulb also shuts off after a minute or so if the engine is off. Haven't tried it with the engine running. I probably should instead of assuming lights shut off automatically if engine is off as a way to preserve charge in the battery. What say the people who know the Zs better than I. God save the king.

 

[davidrbroder62]

Well, same thing applies then. Remove the aftermarket light units and wiring and bin them. Fit a pair of "real" lights.

Tony.

Got a line on a beautiful set of originals.

 

[t-tony]

That sounds like a plan David.

Tony.

 

[davidrbroder62]

That sounds like a plan David.

Tony.

Do you know if the headlights shut off automatically if the engine is off?

 

[Mint]

Do you know if the headlights shut off automatically if the engine is off?

Yes, when the ignition is switched off my headlights go out. If I then open the door [with the headlight switch still on] an alarm sounds.

 

[t-tony]

It sounds if sidelights are left on IIRC.

Tony.

 

[davidrbroder62]

Yes, when the ignition is switched off my headlights go out. If I then open the door [with the headlight switch still on] an alarm sounds.

With my engine off I turn on my headlights. They stay on for a minute or two then go off. So I'm assuming that's a normal function.

 

[Mint]

With my engine off I turn on my headlights. They stay on for a minute or two then go off. So I'm assuming that's a normal function.

Nope, with stock headlights they're only on when the ignition is on, whether the engine is running or not.