HID/True Xenon and "City Light" Upgrade
The low beams on my E38 are projector-style and used H1 bulbs. I decided to upgrade them to true HIDs, after trying several different types of "white" bulbs (including PIAA).
In the picture below, you can see the HID bulb mounted inside the H1 socket. I had to bend one of the metal tabs to get the beam pattern correct. You can also see the wiring (inside wire loom) tapped off of the parking light for "City Light" (more on this later).
These ballasts, unlike the OEM type, did not cause the "check low beam" message to appear.
Modified cover to accomodate wiring and ignitor
Another angle
Ballast (modified to fit under the high beam area with hook-and-loop)
Another angle on the cap (with grommet and RTV to seal out dirt)
Here you can see the ignitor mounted behind the cover
Finished product
Ballast mounted under the high beam area (similar to factory setup)
Passenger side
The HID bulbs I choose were "Crystal White". They have a very purplish tone, similar to Audi HIDs. They are much whiter and more purple than OEM BMWs. Notice that the high beams are slightly glowing. These are not Daytime Running Lights. They are 5W 194 bulbs installed inside the small side recepticles inside the high beam reflectors. They are wired to come on when the parking lights are on. They give off a very cool glow.
Another picture, notice the "City Light".
These lights look a lot more purple "in person" and at night.
City light alone.
Notice the nice and sharp cutoff.
Another
Night shot
Close up of beam pattern
Another picture showing the cutoff
