So confused about Halogen to Xenon? :(

[unreall_23]

Hey guys, I just purchased an used 07 SI Roadster - I am so pumped! Can't wait to get it (it is being freighted in). Much to my dismay, this car does not have Xenons, I just assumed for a 40k+ car, xenons would be standard. My mistake I guess. However, this car DOES have the clear corners already. Looks like I have several options from what I have searched:

1) Conversion at dealer to Xenons: $2k+

2) Aftermarket HID kit - MTEC or Phillips?

3) Replace the bulb only with an aftermarket.

Not sure I understand, but people talk about facelift and LCMs etc? What does this mean? I am assuming my model has projectors, why is it so difficult for BMW to swap out the halogen for the Bi-Xenon kit?

Guess I am a true noob lol.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by unreall_23

Hey guys, I just purchased an used 07 SI Roadster - I am so pumped! Can't wait to get it (it is being freighted in). Much to my dismay, this car does not have Xenons, I just assumed for a 40k+ car, xenons would be standard. My mistake I guess. However, this car DOES have the clear corners already. Looks like I have several options from what I have searched:

1) Conversion at dealer to Xenons: $2k+

2) Aftermarket HID kit - MTEC or Phillips?

3) Replace the bulb only with an aftermarket.

Not sure I understand, but people talk about facelift and LCMs etc? What does this mean? I am assuming my model has projectors, why is it so difficult for BMW to swap out the halogen for the Bi-Xenon kit?

Guess I am a true noob lol.

I would suggest you wait and see as some are surprised the cars have more options than they think. You have not seen this car in person correct? If the car really is HID-less, your best option is to get the OEM HID light housings and ballasts. They are a different design than the halogens. I would recommend a retrofit of HID bulbs into halogen lenses. You also won't get the angel eyes without the entire lens assembly.

[XMetal]

I'm sure "Conversion at dealer to Xenons" will be much more than $2k+. It's gets too complicated. Not only would you need new light housings, which will already put you over $2k+, then you'll need to add the ballasts, bulbs, leveling sensors and possibly new wiring harness. The Light Control Module (LCM) may need reprogramming or replaced to work with the HID...all these are just parts. You have to factor in labor cost as well.

I agree with the poster above that it's best to just replace the halogen with an aftermarket HID kit using the same halogen housing. But you won't get auto-leveling going this route, which may be illegal in most states.

[Hawkeye]

Yeah, apparently for the 2007 Roadster (nonM) they were a $700 option. They were included in the Premium Package for the Coupe though, which is nice for me!

Being a $700 option I would think they should be able to do it for less than $2K, but then again just new housings will run you $1.5K without any of the other electronics.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Yeah, apparently for the 2007 Roadster (nonM) they were a $700 option. They were included in the Premium Package for the Coupe though, which is nice for me!

Being a $700 option I would think they should be able to do it for less than $2K, but then again just new housings will run you $1.5K without any of the other electronics.

I just checked the original price/ options sheet for my 2006 Z4 3.0si roadster and it shows a $700 charge for Zenon headlights.

Cheers!

[unreall_23]

Found out a few days ago my Z4R comes with sports and premium package...Sweet! That means xenons!

[dekaliber]

To this date, I've yet to see one Z4 without Xenons.

Doesn't make sense not to get it if you're buying a $40K+ car.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by dekaliber

To this date, I've yet to see one Z4 without Xenons.

Doesn't make sense not to get it if you're buying a $40K+ car.

What doesn't make sense is BMW charging extra for HID's on a $40K car. My S2K had them standard(along with a power top and leather for 35k...). The Germans are horrible about nickel-and-diming folks for options.

[dekaliber]

Originally Posted by chickdr

What doesn't make sense is BMW charging extra for HID's on a $40K car. My S2K had them standard(along with a power top and leather for 35k...). The Germans are horrible about nickel-and-diming folks for options.

A good point. I guess the other way to look at it, though, is that it gives people who don't care the option not to spend the money. If you're buying a track toy, you probably don't really care about leather, power seats, xenon, auto-dimming mirrors, etc.

I imagine that manufacturers that include it as "standard" have already built it into the cost of the vehicle. TANSTAAFL.

I don't think dealers generally ever order cars without Xenons though, and I would venture to guess that probably 90% of BMWs sold are those already sitting on dealer lots.

[chickdr]

And of course if you charge and people don't complain and buy other makes, they will keep the practice up. Most German manufacturers follow this practice(Porsche, MB, VW) so it follows suit.