I wanted to just change out my low beams for something better, but wasn't sure about the HIDs with all of the talk about needing to install relays.

So..., I stumbled on to a different solution. The stock high beam bulbs (1700 lumen) can be modified to fit in the low beam (1000 lumen) sockets.

See this site:
http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/more_light.htm

I just bought the cheapest 9005 bulbs at WalMart: $7.50 each and spent about 20 minutes carefully grinding down the bulb bases per the instructions.

There are some other websites where people have discussed this and it seems to be a safe/carefree mod.

They're not going to appear as bright to oncoming traffic since the reflector shape is different, which seems to be backed up by people on other boards.

Cheers!

How does this work? Much better than stock low beams? Any overheating issues in the housing?

I've done this on several vehicle with no problems. the 9005 bulbs have two little tabs inside the socket that need cut out...thats it. I used a dremel. try the 9005 Silverstars for even better results.

How does this work? Much better than stock low beams? Any overheating issues in the housing?

I'm not sure what you're asking with that first question.

Like I said in my first post, you're replacing a 1000 lumen bulb with one that produces 1700 lumens. That's how much better it is.

I just did it myself last night, so I don't have the personal experience to confirm that there will never be overheating issues. That's why I said that there are a bunch of other car forums where this has been discussed and the consensus is that there isn't a downside to the install. Go look at the wiring and housing for your low and high beams. Do they look any different? Does the high beam setup appear to be more heat resistant? I don't see a difference, so I'm not worried.

This is the cheapest way to improve low beam performance. It's good enough for me. HIDs would be better, but they cost more and require a little more work to install.

I'm not sure what you're asking with that first question.

Like I said in my first post, you're replacing a 1000 lumen bulb with one that produces 1700 lumens. That's how much better it is.

I just did it myself last night, so I don't have the personal experience to confirm that there will never be overheating issues. That's why I said that there are a bunch of other car forums where this has been discussed and the consensus is that there isn't a downside to the install. Go look at the wiring and housing for your low and high beams. Do they look any different? Does the high beam setup appear to be more heat resistant? I don't see a difference, so I'm not worried.

This is the cheapest way to improve low beam performance. It's good enough for me. HIDs would be better, but they cost more and require a little more work to install.

Try 9005's in the fog's as well. Same concept, with much better lighting. Learned that trick on the "blue" site. Thanks for the tip on the low beams. Will try this mod as well. If it's anything like the fog light change, It'll be a huge improvement for little cost.

Try 9005's in the fog's as well. Same concept, with much better lighting. Learned that trick on the "blue" site. Thanks for the tip on the low beams. Will try this mod as well. If it's anything like the fog light change, It'll be a huge improvement for little cost.

I've heard of this before w/the older GC's, but I was just catious about possible overheating(more likely w/the 80+watt bulbs). It sounds like it is an easy safe improovment. :)

Any updates on this?

Any updates on this?


I did this for both low and fogs with 9005 silverstar ultras' it came out great - they're rated at 65w and the beam is so bright you can see the projection light at night and it will project a straight flat beam across the front wall, similar to strong oem hids.

Any updates on this?

What do you need to know? I did the mod and have had no problems. I have more light than stock, but less than a HID kit. Nobody has ever flashed me. (By just modding stock high-beam bulbs and mounting in the low-beam location.)

I can see that some people put high beam bulbs in the fog light, and it bugs the sh&* out of me, since I don't think it's much different than high beams if you happen to be the oncoming traffic. Razorecko - I wrote this before I saw your post so this wasn't directed at you. However, I might suggest that you go out in front of your vehicle and have someone toggle through the different lights at night. Tell me if you think that the factory standard high beams (in their standard mounting spot) are too bright for oncoming traffic. Then see if these same bulbs mounted in the fog locations seem to be roughly the same intensity. I think the high beam bulbs are too bright for oncoming traffic whether in the high beam or fog location, and it's not just me. I don't recall the link, but the government acknowledges this is a problem and is considering legislating it. I hope that doesn't happen, but it could. I recently heard that it's illegal to use your fog lights in my specific town if there is no fog...

Our stock high beam bulbs are about $8 each at WalMart, so I'd say it's a cheap, effective mod. Now where can I find that cheap, effective supercharger??? :)

Thanks for the long term update guys.

I can see that some people put high beam bulbs in the fog light, and it bugs the sh&* out of me, since I don't think it's much different than high beams if you happen to be the oncoming traffic.

I actually did this yesterday, and it is not the same as running the brights. The dispersion angle of the reflectors inside the fogs is completely different then the high beams, which have a tightly focused beam. They are not blinding at all, but are noticeably brighter.