Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

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wogden700
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Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by wogden700 »

This is my shark, I just bought it a month ago. 1985 635csi Its my first E24. About 15 years ago I had an 91 750iL, but even then I wanted a shark becasue I thought it was just about the best looking car ever made.
I have a fog light out and started researching and have come to the conclusion I have stock sealed beam low and high beams. Sealed beam Hella fogs and "elephant ear" markers. From what I have read, the sealed beams are the worst. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. Also what exactly is meant by "elliptical lights"?
I think I'dd like to get rid of the sealed beams all around, at least the 4 big ones. and get rid of the elephant ears. So basically go "euro".
I am looking for a good source for the lights and suggestions of any kind.
Also please correct me if I am wrong about something. I did my best to research this stuff, but it's mind blowing how many different setups came on this car.
Thanks ALL!

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1985 635CSi Diamondblack/Llama
1991 750iL (sold)
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jps635
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by jps635 »

I think technically they're semi sealed, as you can replace the bulbs. You can improve them as long as the reflectors and lenses are clean and clear by using decent modern bulbs, and get them aimed properly, but obviously will not be up to modern standards, especially spread.

If you do decide to pull them apart (I mean the lights and buckets out of the car that is - not just the bulbs) be prepared for the nylon adjustors and bucket mounts to bust up as they will be extremely brittle, so suggest source replacements first.
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rhanley 635csi89
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by rhanley 635csi89 »

I've ordered new lighting from Daniel Stern, he's been around a long time and will assist you in your needs and sells all the components (turn key solution).
Contact through:

https://www.danielsternlighting.com/

Roger

corrected link on 5/7/19
Last edited by rhanley 635csi89 on Tue May 07, 2019 11:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by bpoliakoff »

Daniel Stern features Cibie lights which are very high end. You might also want to try Susquehanna Motor Sports here in the US for Hella products. I bought my H1 and H4 products from them and am very happy with them, great quality and more reasonable than the Cibie's, but again, the Cibies are the top of the line. In addition they also furnished me with the wiring diagram and necessary relays to wire my lights so that on high beam all 6 filaments are lit and will light up the world in front of you They may have the Euro turn signal lenses which by the way are almost the same as those on the very late sixes in that they are almost flat. If not they are dealer available and will give you the look you are after and get rid of the hideous "elephant ear" lenses.
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
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86_6series
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by 86_6series »

I love elephant ears!
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by bpoliakoff »

So does an elephant
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
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86_6series
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by 86_6series »

Repeat

Still think these are the best.

https://www.rallylights.com/vehicle-typ ... w/6-series
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by hornhospital »

FYI, here's a link to Daniel Stern Lighting that works. The one above doesn't.

https://www.danielsternlighting.com/
Ken Kanne
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by bpoliakoff »

86_6series wrote: Tue May 07, 2019 9:07 pm RepeatStill think these are the best.https://www.rallylights.com/vehicle-typ ... w/6-series

+1
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
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Ralph in Socal
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by Ralph in Socal »

Try Amazon for Hella H1 and H4 lighting. Better pricing and sold in kits for even more savings. Try the link below and if it doesn't work just punch in Hella H4 in the search. Good luck

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-002850811- ... 205&sr=8-8

Ralph

BTW - Ellipsoid lights are the ones used on the e32 and e34 cars as well as the 88/89 e24
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panthercity
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Re: Going Euro lights up front, looking for advice

Post by panthercity »

I just replaced my Hella H4 low beam lights with Hella H1 bifocals and the difference is impressive. The H1 bifocals are as bright as most modern cars where as the Hella H4 low beams were not that much better than the old sealed beams. I'm giving away my like new Hella H4 lamps to anyone who can pick them up from me in Fort Worth. Otherwise they are going in the garbage. Send me a message if interested.

Hella H4 - https://www.amazon.com/Hella-002850021- ... YOZi55N59o
'85 635CSi Euro
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