Will ZKW 3'' lenses from an e90 BMW fit my 3G TL? I know e46's do but I cant find any info on e90's.

Thanks!

 

I believe you need E46. If you need a set PM me. I have a pair for sale - never used.

 

I would think a three inch lense is a three inch lense.

 

Most bi-xenons such as TL, Bosch (E46), Hella, Porsche etc do indeed use 3" diameter lenses but the focal point is different in almost all of them, a 3" lens might fit the TL but it doesnt mean it will deliver proper output.

ZKW is a headlight manufacturer that makes plenty of different model headlights for BMW, Audi & other European manufacturers, the lenses you are looking for are only found in 03-04 BMW 330XI headlights.

Its an old picture but here is what you are looking for, ZKW projectors from the above stated model for the clear lens to be used with the TL projectors.

 

You learn something new every day.

 

The god of headlights has spoken!

 

Hawt!!! I wish I could keep these but I have to sell them

 

Did you quit your day job yet?

 

If that is the case, does that also go for the ZKW replica lenses as well in reference to the focal point being different?

 

Funny how we call them ZKW replicas where in reality they are TL lens replicas. ZKW focal point is totally different than the OEM TL lenses and the replica lenses. Authentic ZKW lenses have a lower focal point than the TL and the replicas. There is a bit of output difference, I personally prefer output of the real ZKWs but the replicas are still a huge upgrade over the stock fresnel lenses.


Here are some pictures of all three, from left the OEM TL lens, replica and then the real ZKW.









Focal length comparison

All three



OEM vs. Replica



Replica vs. Real ZKW

 

This thread has now become incredibly valuable.

Saved to favorites. Thanks JnC... you rocket scientist, you!

 

Digging through the old files I found better pictures of the projectors for reference.

 

BTW this is what the output shots would look like with a real ZKW lenses with slope style TL projectors, the foreground limiter is removed which I dont recommend. Pictures are from a fellow member at HIDplanet.

BTW for proper output can only be achieved with proper spacing using spacers.

Here are few videos as well


at 50 feet

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...99650103&hl=en

up close

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...88334681485905

 

Do you need spacers with real ZKW lenses to achieve proper output? Do the factory lenses come with spacers? If not, where would we get them if needed?

 

^^ Each projector is different and so is each lens, sometimes you need to have spacers and some times you dont and sometimes you have to bend the shield a hair.

As far as where to get the spacers, I usually make my own using thin cardboard.

 

Hmm... Did you ever have to use spacers with E46 zkw's in a 3g TL?

Sorry for all the questions...

 

Yes.

 

^^ Just to add.... And for the replica's on ebay, you dont need them, as the lip is the same thickness as the OEM lens.

 

Jnc, thanks for the pics bud .

Do you have any showing a car using ZKW and DOT cutoffs... or even just DOT? You said you preferred it over SLOPE so I wanted to see how it looks in action!

oh and BTW, what are the negatives about eliminating the foreground limiter?

thx!

 

^^ Dismiss my previous post...

Because I believe I have misunderstood the difference between ECE (SLOPE) and DOT for a while now

So essentially, this pictures below shows the difference and corrects my false notion that DOT has a TOTALLY VERTICAL non-sloping center point. Having never a direct comparison of these two, it never dawned on me that DOT isnt 100% vertical as you very confusingly (lol) showed in your little diagrams:

................................|''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' (DOT)

................................/'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ' (ECE) aka "SLOPE"


Heres what made me realize:

ECE (slope) on top and DOT (lesser of a slope ) on bottom.

 

I'll see if I can take a few pictures within the next few days.

To tell you the truth I personally hate the slope style cut off.

To let you in on a secret lol, the best and most potent combination is

04-05 TL projector front part, with the step cut off shield and the lens holder + 06~08 TL projector bowls + Real ZKW lenses + Philips 85122+ bulbs.

This has been discussed on HIDplanet a few times, 06+ bowls dont have any hot spots and disperse light more evenly than the earlier 04-05 bowls and have better reflective chrome inside the bowls.

 

you guys have too much time in hand swapping every possible combination between parts.
but good to know god of lights.

 

I know you are on HIDp as well and I am sure you know GearBox he is the one to come up with this walletbusting combination lol.

 

JnC,

In reference to your little tip from GearBox...

Would my current '05 headlights (made in February '05 and are DOT SLOPE ) still have the ideal "04-05 TL projector front part" even tho theyre not DOT STEP as found other 05's made earlier in the production year...Or did this part change when they moved to DOT SLOPE?

 

^^ Well that ideal part would only be worth it if you paired it with the 06+ bowls.

 

I understand that, but do you know the answer?

Also, I was figuring the 2006+ CDM's would have the 06+ bowls.

 

^^ Yes the 05s still have the same front part.

Here are some pictures of this hybrid projector



06+ bowls have a metal loop around the solenoid, indicated in the picture by the white arrow

[

another way to check for manufactured year is by the year stamp, 07 in this case



notice the year stamp on the lens holder bit, 05



Main visible difference is this metal notch in the front, 06+ models and 07-08 Type S projectors have a totally different notch.



DOT Step cut off shield

 

that is some amazing help man. I assume you are running these bad boys? lol

 

Yup.

 

JnC,

I took a look at the rear bowls from my CDM headlight projectors and while they have the metal loop around the solenoid, they are stamped "05". There are also some other subtle differences in the bowl which allow it to pivot inside the CDM headlight housing which I believe would be unique to CDM only.

Do you have any more specific information you can offer as to how the superior bown design might be identifiable so that I can better determine if mine have the better internal reflector design?

 

Damn it!!! I just bought E90 ZKW....

 

Damn it!!! I just bought E90 ZKW....So I guess I won't be able to use them? or can I still use them providing that it will have a better performance then the stock lens? Do you know?

 

It would definitely be an experiment since I doubt anyone has tried to use them before on a TL. I'm thinking they will fit, but will need a washer because the lip is probably too thin and will rattle around otherwise. And even if you get it to fit, the focal length will probably be off and you wont have a razor sharp cutoff... but go ahead and try! post pics!!!

 

I would not mind trying but don't want to put my head lights in the oven twice if something goes wrong. I heard some one used a custom coardboard washer and forgot that some small peice was off...the cars right side set on fire. I am going to have to sell them due to not wanting washers...to much of a hassle experimenting but it would be good to know how it would look.

I may go with the replicas. I bought the ZKW E90's for $63.

 

Hey man, if you wouldn't mind doing a little more work to add to the the collaborative knowledge here on the board regarding these e90's, do you think you could install the e90's into the projectors and test them out/take pics of the projector and cutoff it produces, then install your ZKW's call it a day. Therefore you wouldn't have to bake the headlight twice and we could still get some answers.

Let me know what you think.