Your BMW's headlights are often the first line of safety while driving on the road. Headlights give you visibility of the road ahead and allow other road users to see your BMW in inclement weather and situations when visibility is impaired. Besides this crucial safety and practical function, vehicle headlights are often shaped according to the brand and model's design language, giving the front fascia its characteristic look. In the case of BMWs, their angel eye halo headlights make them instantly identifiable. If you want to replace your BMW's headlights, keep reading to learn more about their characteristics and be a savvy buyer of this vital part.

Sourcing BMW Headlights (OEM vs. Aftermarket)

When you purchase a brand new BMW, it comes with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) headlights made by its authorized manufacturers. BMW headlights made by third-party manufacturers and usable in BMWs fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.

Unless your BMW's headlights are out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in original BMW headlights to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket headlights offer more customization options, such as different colors. However, installing them may void BMW's warranty and even cause damage to your car. Moreover, they might not even fit into your BMW properly. When it comes to safety-related parts like the headlights, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.

Types of BMW Headlights

Halogen

Halogen headlights are the most common type and have been the industry standard for decades. They use an incandescent bulb filled with halogen gas, which raises the light intensity and projector output.

While these are still used in some older and entry-level BMW models, they are gradually being phased out for LED lights. Also, in some models, the halogen headlights are paired with LED-based daytime running lights.

LED

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs for short, are comparatively new but have made their way into many BMWs. They can convert most of the electrical energy supplied into light energy, making them more efficient than other headlights. While you might be saving on energy and preserving the lifespan of your vehicle's battery, LEDs usually come with a higher price tag.

BMWs feature various LED technologies besides the standard LED, such as extended LED, fully adaptive LED, and Laser.

Xenon (HID)

Also known as Xenon headlights, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are long-lasting and energy efficient. They can also be extremely bright -- up to three times as bright as the standard halogen bulbs. As with LEDs, HID headlights come at a higher cost. But that hasn't stopped car manufacturers from increasingly shifting to HID bulbs in recent years.

In BMWs, Xenon headlights are usually available only as trims or through aftermarket conversion kits.

Adaptive LED

BMW's Adaptive LED is their higher-end option, which only uses diodes for short and high beam phases and automatically adjusts to the vehicle speed, road conditions, and oncoming traffic.

Laser

BMW's Laser headlights are the crowning glory of their lighting technologies. They integrate the capabilities of Adaptive LED with lasers that are amplified to be ten times brighter than standard LED lights and housed in an assembly that is more efficient and takes up less space, ultimately making for a lighting solution that's smart, efficient, and powerful.

BMW's Angel Eyes

The halo ring lights in the headlight assembly of BMWs are more affectionately known as their "angel eyes." These were the parking lights in older models and, in newer ones, their daytime running lights. Of course, the design and functionality may vary across different models and generations.

How Different Types of Headlights Affect Visibility & Safety

Brightness & Color Temperature

A general rule of thumb is that brightness decreases as the color temperature goes into the extremely cool end of blue and purple, and visibility begins to drop off. This is why the preferred color of HID and LED lights is usually day white at around 6,000k, which provides good visibility and accuracy of color (of road signs).

Halogen bulbs have a color temperature of around 3,000k or a golden yellow light. These are relatively dim, which leaves no surprise as to why they are making way for HID and LED lights.

Maintenance Tips for BMW Headlights

Regular Cleaning & Maintenance Practices

Over time, environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and road particles will take their toll on your headlights. It's important that you clean them with a microfiber cloth to remove any buildup and to avoid scratching the headlights. You can also prevent these by installing protective films or covers.

Common Headlight Issues

Flickering or weak illumination may result from wiring and connection problems and might be more apparent when traveling on uneven terrain. Check the wiring and connections to see if there is any wear and tear, corrosion, or cracks. This can also be performed as part of your regular maintenance to prevent more severe headlight issues from developing.

If the headlights are dull or appear weak, the headlight cover may be dirty, in which case a wipe should solve the issue. Otherwise, the bulbs themselves may have problems, such as reaching the end of their lifespan.

When to Replace Your Headlights

Cracked or broken headlights or those with a burned-out spot that results in poor illumination might be unable to be solved by the above measures and may warrant replacement.

Are BMW Headlights Expensive?

BMW headlights can be pricey, especially their sophisticated Laser LED and Adaptive LED headlights.

Where to Buy Genuine BMW Headlights Online

Brand-new OEM headlights can be purchased directly from your country's BMW and OEM parts retailers. On the other hand, second-hand BMW headlights can be a cost-effective alternative. You can get these in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.