Buy BMW 428i Headlight Assembly

Summary
The BMW 428i headlight-also called a headlamp, front lamp, or light unit-comes in several styles (halogen, xenon HID, and adaptive LED/Laser). It lights the road, signals turns, and works with safety tech such as cornering lights and automatic high-beam control. Correct fit depends on model year (2014-2016 for the F32/F33/F36 generation), trim, and whether the car has adaptive lighting. Common troubles include burnt bulbs, condensation, blown fuses, and mis-aimed beams. Routine cleaning, fuse checks, and using the BMW aiming screws keep the forward lighting bright and legal.

Overview

BMW 428i headlights sit inside a single plastic housing on each side of the nose and handle low beam, high beam, daytime running, and turn-signal jobs alike. (BMW Group PressClub, BMW Group PressClub)
Early 2014 cars used halogen bulbs by default; most buyers upgraded to xenon HID capsules (type D1S). (LightBulbs.com, Philips USA)
Later "LCI" cars added slim adaptive LED lamps and even optional Laserlight for extra reach. (BMW Group PressClub, BMW Group PressClub)

Design & Tech

• Halogen - Simple filament bulbs; cheaper but dimmer. (Bimmerpost)
• Xenon HID - Arc-lamp capsules (D1S) make about twice the halogen light yet sip less power. (Philips USA, Philips)
• Adaptive LED - Uses many light-emitting diodes plus motors that swivel with the steering wheel to follow curves. (BMW BLOG, BMW Group PressClub)
• Laserlight (select 4-Series trims) - Blue laser diodes strike a phosphor to create a high-beam nearly 600 m (1,968 ft) long while staying street legal. (BMW Group PressClub)
  Advanced units work with BMW's cornering, glare-free selective beam, and night-vision pedestrian detection. (WIRED)

Fitment Years

• 2014-2016 428i Coupé (F32) - Halogen or HID; adaptive LED optional after 2015. (BMW Group PressClub)
• 2014-2016 428i Convertible (F33) - Same choices; check build sheet for "S522A xenon" or "S552A adaptive LED" options. (BMW Group PressClub)
• 2015-2016 428i Gran Coupé (F36) - Shares lamps with the coupé but uses different part numbers for brackets; lenses interchange only within the same body style. (BMW Group PressClub)

Common Symptoms

• Flicker or no-light - Bad D1S capsule or worn ballast. (LightBulbs.com)
• Condensation - Moisture enters through a cracked seal and clouds the lens. (Reddit, The Irish Sun)
• Adaptive failure warning - Stepper motor or height sensor fault sets a dash alert. (BMW Group PressClub)
• Blown fuse 57 (40 A) - Kills both lamps; see front fuse panel. (StartMyCar, Bimmerpost)
• Glare or poor reach - Mis-aimed unit after a suspension change. (Bimmerpost, YouTube)

DIY Replacement

1. Disconnect battery to protect control modules.
2. Remove wheel-arch liner screws, then free the under-headlight T30 bolt (watch the spinning square nut). (Bimmerpost)
3. Slide the housing forward; unplug the multi-pin connector.
4. Swap bulb or entire assembly; reinstall in reverse. A full walk-through video shows the steps on an F32. (YouTube)
5. Aim the beams on level ground with the two top screws: inner is vertical, outer is lateral. (Bimmerpost, YouTube)

Tip: Always wear gloves; oils on skin shorten bulb life.

Maintenance Tips

• Wash the lens regularly with car-safe soap to stop hazing. (AAA)
• Clear yellow fog using a mild sanding kit or DIY paste of baking soda and vinegar. (AAA Club Alliance, AAA Club Alliance)
• Seal small cracks with clear UV-stable silicone to block moisture. (The Irish Sun)
• Reapply UV protectant each month-"sunscreen for headlights." (AAA Exchange)

Legal & Safety

Proper headlights cut crash risk; IIHS data link "good" lighting to fewer night accidents. (IIHS Crash Testing, IIHS Crash Testing)
Check alignment yearly; U.S. rules set beam height and right-hand cutoff to avoid glare. The BMW owner's manual advises dealer verification after service. (Dealer eProcess)
Use the NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm no open headlight recalls on your VIN.

Upgrades & Mods

• Angel-eye LED rings boost style yet draw little power; ensure color temperature stays legal (white/yellow). (Philips USA)
• Black-out housings give a sport look but may lower light output-test aim afterward. (Bimmerpost)
• Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) retrofits raise nighttime visibility by up to 86 percent, per AAA testing. (AAA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb type does a 2014 428i with xenon use?
A: It takes a D1S 35-watt HID capsule. (LightBulbs.com)

Q: How can I tell if my car has adaptive LED lights?
A: Look for hexagon-shaped running-lights and "BMW LED" etched on the lens, or check option code S552A on the build sheet. (BMW Group PressClub)

Q: My headlamp is foggy. Is that normal?
A: Light mist may clear in minutes; standing water or heavy fog means the seal has failed and the housing should be dried or replaced. (The Irish Sun)

Q: Where is the headlight fuse?
A: Fuse 57 (40 A) sits in the front panel under the glove box on most F32/F33/F36 cars. (StartMyCar)

Q: Do brighter bulbs overheat the wiring?
A: HID and LED replacements draw less or equal current than halogen, so wiring stays safe if bulbs match factory specs. (Philips USA)

Q: How far should the low beam reach?
A: Aim so the top cut-off hits just below headlight height at 25 ft (7.6 m) on a wall. Use the two adjustment screws on top of the unit. (Bimmerpost, YouTube)

Q: Are laser headlights legal in the U.S.?
A: Yes-when packaged inside BMW's Laserlight module that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. (BMW Group PressClub)

Q: Will cleaning the lens really help at night?
A: A study found restored lenses can double light output and cut glare scatter by 60 %. (Your AAA Network)

Q: Can I drive with one headlight out?
A: Most states fine drivers for a dark lamp; replace it right away and keep a spare bulb in the trunk. (AAA)

Q: How often should I check headlight aim?
A: Inspect every 12 months or after tire, suspension, or bulb work. Mis-aimed beams can blind oncoming traffic. (Dealer eProcess)

Useful outbound links for deeper reading

• BMW press release on 4 Series lighting
• IIHS headlight research
• AAA headlight care guide
• NHTSA recall lookup