For base E90s, why didn't BMW opt for projector-style halogen headlights?

icedragon · 04-07-2006, 03:59 PM

I don't know the correct terminology, but for base E90s, why did BMW opt for the older "reflector-style" halogen headlights? Why didn't they opt for "projector-style" halogen headlights? Projector-style halogen headlights have a halogen "glass-like projector ball" that looks like the HID "glass-like projector ball". IMO, they provide a crisp appearance for an affordable price. Several cars, such as the base Mazda 3, base Subaru impreza, and base Mercedes B200 have them. If BMW had opted for these lights, they could've also easily incorporated angel eyes into them.

BMW E90 "reflector-style" halogen headlights

Mazda 3 "projector-style" halogen headlights

Subaru Impreza "projector-style" halogen headlights (Base and STI both have these)

Mercedes B200 "projector-style" halogen headlights

So why didn't BMW opt for them? Was it a marketing strategy so that they could distinguish the lower-priced E90s from the higher-priced E90s? Thoughts? Suggestions?

ALPINE6SPD · 04-07-2006, 04:08 PM

Cost I bet, and to make you get a little something extra by buying xenons.

enricob · 04-07-2006, 04:29 PM

I agree with ALPINE6SPD. Bmw want to sell extras. But it isn't right.

roppongicorolla · 04-07-2006, 05:24 PM

For the same reason that leather, power seats and CD changers are not standard.

enricob · 04-07-2006, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roppongicorolla

For the same reason that leather, power seats and CD changers are not standard.

It's not the same. the halogen headlight modified the standard front view. Bmw had to use the same type of headlight (lenticulars) also for halogen.

icedragon · 04-07-2006, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

Cost I bet, and to make you get a little something extra by buying xenons.

I don't think it would cost BMW too much ... I mean, even the base Mazda 3 has them.
I def think they want to make some extra $$ from selling Xenons.

simnew · 09-21-2006, 06:20 PM

The answer in my mind is simple. The Halogen reflectors work BETTER than the projectors without Xenon. Check it out for yourself and you will see that the positioning of light is better with the projector but you lose some light for the thickness of the lens. The light on the road from the reflector is brighter as a consequence. If you fit uprated halogens as well, he difference in performance between halogen and Xenon is reduced.

04-07-2006, 04:08 PM	#2
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 156 Rep 10,411 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	Cost I bet, and to make you get a little something extra by buying xenons. __________________ 2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills 2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone 2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned 2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-07-2006, 04:29 PM	#3
enricob First Lieutenant 21 Rep 339 Posts Drives: Bmw M3 e92 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Italy iTrader: (0)	I agree with ALPINE6SPD. Bmw want to sell extras. But it isn't right.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-07-2006, 05:24 PM	#4
roppongicorolla all systems are go 2 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 325i SG SPP Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Jackson, Texas iTrader: (0)	For the same reason that leather, power seats and CD changers are not standard.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-21-2006, 06:20 PM	#7
simnew First Lieutenant 106 Rep 310 Posts Drives: 2018 440i GranCoupe MSport Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London iTrader: (0)	The answer in my mind is simple. The Halogen reflectors work BETTER than the projectors without Xenon. Check it out for yourself and you will see that the positioning of light is better with the projector but you lose some light for the thickness of the lens. The light on the road from the reflector is brighter as a consequence. If you fit uprated halogens as well, he difference in performance between halogen and Xenon is reduced.
	Appreciate 0 Quote