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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > Sharp Cutoff



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      01-17-2013, 08:10 PM   #1
SubzeroVR4
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Sharp Cutoff

I assumed buying a BMW would net me sharp cut off as far as the projectors go. However, I am disappointed with the project and output. I see plenty of pre LCI and they seam to have nice bright white lights.

I'm coming from a Acura TL with factory HIDs which I upgraded to ZKW-R clear lens (which is a replica of E46 lens) and Phillips 85122+ bulbs. Those were bright and the cut off line was razor blade sharp along with the distance these things produced.

I wish there was something like this for the BMW but as the same time I don't think I want to take apart my nice lights and start having adaptive headlight failures.
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      01-17-2013, 08:20 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SubzeroVR4 View Post
I assumed buying a BMW would net me sharp cut off as far as the projectors go. However, I am disappointed with the project and output. I see plenty of pre LCI and they seam to have nice bright white lights.

I'm coming from a Acura TL with factory HIDs which I upgraded to ZKW-R clear lens (which is a replica of E46 lens) and Phillips 85122+ bulbs. Those were bright and the cut off line was razor blade sharp along with the distance these things produced.

I wish there was something like this for the BMW but as the same time I don't think I want to take apart my nice lights and start having adaptive headlight failures.
I have the same headlights and I agree with you! Our headlights doesn't seem to have a very sharp cutoff line and when you drive on uneven pavement the headlights be jumping or vibrating a LOT! Kinda wished they kept the auto leveling than the this adaptive which I hardly ever use.

I bought a spare headlight off Ebay and I was able to open it up but by slowly prying along the channels to break the sealant and by the time I got it opened the channels where the sealant goes onto is pretty much toast! I wouldn't recommend messing with these lights although it is doable because it's been done before. Just not for me!
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      01-18-2013, 09:42 AM   #3
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If you want the sharp cut-off like your TL you need to get the ZKW-R lens again as the TL and LCI projector use the same clear lens.
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      01-18-2013, 09:50 AM   #4
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ZKW-R:
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...roducts_id=136

I'm sure you can do the same again. Or no?
I've been waiting for someone to try it on the e92.
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      01-18-2013, 01:54 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vigorous View Post
ZKW-R:
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...roducts_id=136

I'm sure you can do the same again. Or no?
I've been waiting for someone to try it on the e92.
Will it fit the e92? Id be down to do it if I dont have to do a ton of modding.. lol
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      01-18-2013, 01:57 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shinzi View Post
Will it fit the e92? Id be down to do it if I dont have to do a ton of modding.. lol
I'm not sure. I sent an email a long time ago, but didn't get a response. You should try contacting them too.
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      01-18-2013, 03:30 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vigorous View Post
I'm not sure. I sent an email a long time ago, but didn't get a response. You should try contacting them too.
I got a buddy that works for Retrofit Source, ill just have him ask when hes at work
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      01-18-2013, 04:08 PM   #8
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I didn't mind doing it on the TL because it doesn't have those expensive leveling/cornering components that move the headlight. I just removed bumper and the ballast from the headlamps, and baked the headlight for a few mins and was able to pop it open. I had re-sealing issues on one headlight (condensation) and ended up having to remove front bumper a second time and re-bake the headlight. I'm skeptic because I imagine doing something like this to the E90 would be detrimental to the adaptive functions.
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      01-18-2013, 10:23 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SubzeroVR4 View Post
I didn't mind doing it on the TL because it doesn't have those expensive leveling/cornering components that move the headlight. I just removed bumper and the ballast from the headlamps, and baked the headlight for a few mins and was able to pop it open. I had re-sealing issues on one headlight (condensation) and ended up having to remove front bumper a second time and re-bake the headlight. I'm skeptic because I imagine doing something like this to the E90 would be detrimental to the adaptive functions.
Baking the E90 LCI headlighs does nothing to the sealant as it's sealed with some type of gasket maker.
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      12-04-2013, 06:02 PM   #10
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can anybody confirm if the ZKW-R from retrofitsource will be a direct replacement for our e92 lens?
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      12-04-2013, 11:39 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NocturnalEVO View Post
can anybody confirm if the ZKW-R from retrofitsource will be a direct replacement for our e92 lens?
Yes. I have it.
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      12-05-2013, 05:08 AM   #12
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Quote:
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Yes. I have it.
For your E92, you went with the 3" then correct? and did you need the spacer for the lens?
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      12-05-2013, 11:15 AM   #13
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you can still level your xenons at anytime.
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      12-05-2013, 01:10 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E92-Lighting
you can still level your xenons at anytime.
How?
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