[TSpence]

Hello - I need new headlight assemblies for my 2006 330i. Xenons are in there now. Can I put non-Xenon (halogens) in? Would they fit? Halogens are about half the price of Xenon.

Thanks.

[colorado.e9x]

They'd fit you'd just need to code the car to accept them. Definite downgrade though. Why do you need to replace them?

[Serf27]

They will fit.
You will need to disable “bi-xenons installed” option in the frm module for the high beams to work.

[TSpence]

Serf and Colorado - thanks. Replacing because:

1. They are really foggy. That can be fixed but-
2. Left side adjustment screw housing is broken and the BMW dealer told me it cannot be fixed. The light aims really low making night driving difficult.

How would I go about changing the FRM module?

[e90yyc]

Are you buying brand new headlights? If so, don’t. Yes, headlights are expensive even on the used market, but they’re wayyyy more expensive new.

You sure you want to downgrade to halogen? I understand your point about cost, but if you look at used headlights you should be able to find something for a reasonable price.

Originally Posted by TSpence

Serf and Colorado - thanks. Replacing because:

1. They are really foggy. That can be fixed but-
2. Left side adjustment screw housing is broken and the BMW dealer told me it cannot be fixed. The light aims really low making night driving difficult.

How would I go about changing the FRM module?

In that case I’d suggest replacing the side with the broken adjusting screw. I’d first check to make sure it’s truly not repairable. Can you upload some pictures of the issue?

For the foggy side, assuming it’s hazing on the outside of the lens and not contamination inside the housing, that’s an easy fix. I’d polish and clearcoat or otherwise apply protectant to that side.

Should you choose the dimly lit road of a halogen downgrade, you shouldn’t need to actually replace your FRM. What Serf is describing is known as coding, which is making software changes to tell the module what kind of headlights you have. Lots of info on this board. Doesn’t cost much to buy the stuff to do it yourself, but if you aren’t comfortable with that other people can do it for you.

[TSpence]

Definitely buying used. In fact the BMW service manager suggested I buy used because BMW replacements are so pricey.

[e90yyc]

Okay gotcha. So your original post was in reference to used part prices then.

Regardless, I’d still give serious thought to whether you want to step down from xenon to halogen. While there’s no way I’d ever do this, I realize some people are indifferent and you might not care.

Out of curiosity, what kind of prices are you looking at? And if you can attach some pics of the foggy headlight too that would help.

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by TSpence

Serf and Colorado - thanks. Replacing because:

1. They are really foggy. That can be fixed but-
2. Left side adjustment screw housing is broken and the BMW dealer told me it cannot be fixed. The light aims really low making night driving difficult.

How would I go about changing the FRM module?

Is the housing broken or just stripped out?
I’ve found a hex bit (a 5mm I believe) fits much better than the Phillips adjustment which is also built in. The socket accepts both types.

The foggy headlights can be fixed with any quality headlight polishing kit, and then sealing them with automotive clear coat.

Here’s a left pre-LCI xenon for $150:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22438193666...temCondition=4

[TSpence]

e90yyc - I have found some in the $500 range for a pair. I'll try to attach photos.

Hoody - I think stripped. But the BMW mechanic told me it cannot be fixed. Is there a video tutorial somewhere that you know of? I'll check YouTube. Thanks for the ebay link.