lex400sc

Okay, I finally got back home and finally got a dummy 2000 model 3-series BMW optic to play around with. Here are just some preliminary pictures comparing the two optics. Not surprisingly, the Lexus projector is A LOT better built . I will bust open the headlight assembly sometime today and figure out how to mount this projector into our housing. The three aiming screws on the BMW's flange are all short compared to the Lexuses'. If I get this test dummy to fit securely, I will thumbs up a purchase of the full E38 system and attain the color flicker, cut off, brightness, and depth of a BMW HID system. $500 total cost for two Bosch OEM ballasts, two Bosch OEM optics, and two Philips OEM bulbs, I'm working out with my guy a group buy on these in case it's successful and you guys want in.

lex400sc

Tail end...

lex400sc

Top view...

The BMWs are a lot smaller lenses and shorter length projector as you can see, but at least the distance from the flange to the back of the lens is nearly identical, which means it will be flush with the reflective cover in our headlights.

lex400sc

Oh, and here is the complete unit, for those curious...

lex400sc

Side view...

Overclocker

Interesting proposition, if you can make it work and I have any money left I’m in. One question though, what about the light diffraction manaray noticed from the shape of the plastic lens cover on our car? It seemed to put a bright spot a few feet in front of the bumper on the ground.

Overclocker

SC400onDubs

Oh boy .... your project with the lenses swap is great. I was looking at my brothers 330xi lenses and thought about doing the same thing, but decided not to. (Too much complications and work) But mad props to you lex400sc. Keep us posted on your project.

howiedoit

iTrader: (9)

cool...thanks for the pics.

there are guys out there who will do he swap for about $500 including parts and labor...

XX400

Very nice . What diffrences do you notice between the to of them, can you tell what makes the color flicker. I don't see that big a diffrence aside from it being open in the middle where the lexus unit is totally sealed front to back. Is the cut off plate in front of the bulb polished on the inside? Maybe we can mod ours to look the same.

lex400sc

Well a lot of differences actually. Our lens is about 3/4-inch larger in diameter, twice as thick with more curvature, and the distance from the the back of the lens to the butt is another 1-inch longer. Also the shield is a lot different between the two. I don't think there is any modification you can do to match the BMW flicker.

Howie, who does all the work for $500? What is he using for the swap?

howiedoit

iTrader: (9)

that "see fu" dude would do it...now that i think back about it, i think it was about $600, not 500. Maybe high 500-low 600. i swapped some im's with him on AIM a while back. he said he would use whatever projector like you'd like...audi, bmw, s2000 (hard to find), and i don't remember. and he'd need your car for the weekend. i was thinking of letting him do it to my car, but i have no cash anymore.

2Lexus430s

where does the auto leveler from the BMW fit on, and it there anyway to retro fit it as well.

Manaray

Lex400SC - Cool project...can't wait to see what you come up with!

SC300TURBO

iTrader: (2)

i just installed my HID last night....it was a conversion kit for the 9006 bulb...and they look awsome...incredible the amount of visibility these lights give while driving.....i see you know alot more about these lights then i do but i dont see the need for all the trouble your going through...mine look great and have a very nice cut off and pattern......ill get some pics soon for everyone.....Jeff

XX400

What is the diffrence between the two shields.