Euro M5 xenon headlight question

FiveFreshFish · 17th November 2005, 07:26

Actually, this would apply to any Euro E39.

I bought a pair of HID projectors from a vendor on eBay that were advertised as "ECE" E39/E53. When I got them, they had the fresnel lens (i.e. has concentric rings), but I expected them to be clear, without the rings. As I understand, BMW only uses the fresnel lens on US vehicles and I suspect I received US projectors instead of ECE.

The vendor claims that both Euro and US projectors have fresnel lenses and there's no difference between them. Does someone have a closeup photo of their Euro E39 xenon low beam projector that shows the lens? Please post your photo so I can verify or debunk the vendor's statement. These projectors are for my E36 retrofit.

Thanks in advance.

HDClown · 17th November 2005, 13:32

What's the part number on them? That will tell you if it's the Euro part.

More simply, if it has no amber corner piece in it, and no fiber optic cable going to what would be the amber corner to light it up, then it would indicate it's the euro ones.

Oh, and PS, my Euro's, ordered from Bekkers, have the same lens in your picture.

FiveFreshFish · 19th November 2005, 09:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDClown

What's the part number on them? That will tell you if it's the Euro part.

More simply, if it has no amber corner piece in it, and no fiber optic cable going to what would be the amber corner to light it up, then it would indicate it's the euro ones.

Oh, and PS, my Euro's, ordered from Bekkers, have the same lens in your picture.

Thanks for the quick reply, HDClown.

I have only the projector part plus part of the front bezel and it appears that they came from two different wrecks.
Right side part number 9DR 151 333-32
Left side part number 9DR 151 333-11

I haven't put a real bulb into them to see see the beam pattern. I'm a bit concerned that the numbers are different because as far as I understand, the projectors should be the same regardless of which side they're on. However, they appear identical in the bowl, lens and frame (the part the lens mounts to). The only thing different are the arms to change the shield pattern but they both seem to work.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear that your Euro lenses are the same as the ones I have, which are claimed to be Euro lenses.