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Buy BMW 328i xDrive Headlight Bulbs

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Bulb Basics

  • Factory Sizes - The 2007-2016 328i xDrive uses H7 for halogen low/high beams and D1S for xenon-equipped cars. (AUXITO)
  • Light Output - Under U.S. rules, an H7 halogen must emit 1 188-1 512 lumens at 12.8 V, while Europe's ECE allows 1 350-1 650 lumens at 13.2 V. (Candle Power Flashlight Forum)
  • HID Brightness - Typical D1S HID capsules reach about 3 200 lumens-roughly double a halogen-at a crisp 4 300 K color temperature. (SEALIGHT)

Fit & Regulations

  • Legal Standards - All replacement bulbs must satisfy FMVSS 108 in the U.S. (Federal Register) and ECE R112/R149 abroad, which set beam pattern, glare, and placement rules. (NV Auto Parts)
  • Adaptive Brightness Trend - Increasing LED brightness has triggered glare complaints and prompted calls for tougher limits. (Vox)

Performance Factors

  • Color Temperature - 4 300 K offers the best all-weather clarity; 6 000 K looks whiter but can reduce penetration on wet roads. (Uledsupply, M5Board)
  • Longevity - Halogen bulbs last 500-1 000 h; HID 2 000-10 000 h; quality LEDs up to 30 000-45 000 h. (NAOEVO, XenonPro)

Installation Tips

  1. Prepare - Turn off power and wear gloves; oils shorten bulb life.
  2. Access - Remove the rear headlight cap, unclip the old bulb, and note tab orientation (video walk-throughs show the process clearly). (YouTube)
  3. Aim After Replacement - Vertical and lateral adjusters sit on top of the lamp; a 6 mm hex or Phillips driver moves the beam. (Bimmerpost)
  4. Change in Pairs - Even if one lamp fails, swap both to keep brightness uniform.

LED Upgrades

  • CAN-Bus Errors - BMW's bulb-check system may throw warnings or cause flicker if resistance is wrong; use CAN-bus-ready LEDs or add load resistors. (Autobulbs Direct)
  • Coding Option - Disabling "cold/warm checks" with BimmerCode or dealer software can also clear errors. (Bimmerpost)
  • Glare Control - Choose LEDs that mimic halogen filament position for proper cutoff to avoid blinding others. (Daniel Stern Lighting)

Troubleshooting

Symptom

Likely Cause

Quick Check

Flickering HID

Weak ballast or wiring

Inspect for burn marks or swollen casing. (XenonPro)

One low beam out

Brittle internal wiring

Look for cracked insulation inside housing. (Reddit)

Warning light after LED swap

Low resistance

Add resistor harness or recode module. (BIMMERPOST)

← scroll table horizontally →

← scroll table horizontally →

Maintenance

  • Keep Lenses Clear - Dirt and haze scatter light, cutting range and adding glare. Clean plastic covers regularly. (Les Schwab)
  • Check Aim Yearly - Mis-aimed lamps can dazzle oncoming drivers. Follow simple driveway aiming guides. (Daniel Stern Lighting)
  • Replace Before Burn-Out - Light output drops by up to 20 % over life; replacing early restores brightness and safety. (Reddit)

Disposal & Environment

  • HID Bulbs Contain Mercury - Recycle through hazardous-waste programs; never toss in household trash. (US EPA)
  • Legal Notes - Some states prohibit landfilling mercury lamps outright; check local rules. (Department of Toxic Substances Control)
  • Halogen/LED Bulbs - Wrap in paper before discarding to avoid glass cuts; LEDs can often be e-cycled with electronics. (The Spruce)
  • Fog-Light Pairing - Matching color temperature between fog and main beams improves appearance and contrast in bad weather. (SUPAREE)
  • Projector Retrofits - Modern bi-LED projectors that meet ECE R112 can replace halogen reflectors for sharper cutoff and higher efficiency. (CN360 LED)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb size does my 328i xDrive use?
A: Halogen housings take H7 capsules; factory xenon models use D1S HID bulbs. Always verify by VIN or visual check. (AUXITO)

Q: Is it legal to install LED bulbs in halogen headlights?
A: LEDs must produce an approved beam pattern and comply with FMVSS 108 (U.S.) or ECE R112 (EU). Some jurisdictions restrict aftermarket LEDs, so confirm local rules first. (Federal Register, NV Auto Parts)

Q: Which color temperature is best?
A: Around 4 300 K offers the brightest usable light in rain or fog; 6 000 K provides a whiter look but slightly less penetration. (Uledsupply)

Q: Why do my new LEDs flicker and show errors?
A: The car's CAN-bus bulb-monitor detects low resistance. Use CAN-bus-compatible LEDs, add resistors, or code out bulb checks. (Autobulbs Direct)

Q: How long should headlights last?
A: Expect roughly 1 000 h for halogen, up to 10 000 h for HID, and 30 000-45 000 h for quality LEDs. (NAOEVO)

Q: Do I need to replace both bulbs at once?
A: Yes. Bulbs dim with use; replacing in pairs keeps light color and brightness even. (Reddit)

Q: What causes HID flicker while driving?
A: Aging ballasts or voltage dips often trigger intermittent flicker; inspect ballast housings for swelling or burn marks. (XenonPro)

Q: How can I reduce glare to oncoming drivers?
A: Keep lenses clean, ensure correct aim, and avoid ultra-blue bulbs that scatter more light. (Carlightvision, AOTA)

Q: Is special handling needed for used HID bulbs?
A: Yes. They contain mercury and must be taken to a hazardous-waste or lamp-recycling facility. (Kane County)

Q: Can I adjust headlights myself?
A: Yes. Park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a wall, mark the beam cutoff, and turn the vertical and lateral screws until both beams align just below head-height. (YouTube)

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