E28 headlight troubles. I can't see! (in the dark)

[Mark 178]

The headlights on the E28 are RUBBISH!!! In fact when I first drove the car in the dark I pulled over to see if all the bulbs had blown there was such a pathetic amount of light being projected from the low beams. I have to drive with the fogs on to get a sufficient amount of light.

The odd thing is the car passed a warrant with these sad excuses for headlights!

Can I simply replace the bulbs, or are there headlight assemblies from other models that will fit? Could I convert to HID on a car this old?

If it makes a difference, the car is 1983 528i with the headlight washers (that actually work I've now found out.... it's a very cool party trick!)

Edited December 11, 2008 by gannetboy

[Eagle 1662]

Could put 100W bulbs in but need a higher powered relay for best results

[BM WORLD 1283]

normally the problem is the silver coating inside teh reflector part is crappy and old .

so just fit new headlights and should be ok .

i have swapped some of mine around with some that where better and made a difference.

i might have some with better relectors on my 525e parts car .

Edited December 11, 2008 by Brent HARTGE535i

[Mark 178]

Cheers Brent, can I pull the reflector off to see if that's the problem?

Also... does that 525E have ABS? I've just had a call from the mechanic to say my car may need a new ABS control unit.

Thanks, Mark.

[BM WORLD 1283]

no abs sorry . but martyn (BM weapon) might have one from his M535i .

021438735.

no you cant pull the reflectors out , but just look closly into them and you will see what i mean