E39 Headlights BMW 5-series from model year 1996 through 2003, from the basic yet common 525i to the high-end 540i and finally, the legendary “E39 M5”, were all based on the E39 chassis. E39 headlights exemplify BMW‘s instantly recognizable headlight layout: a pair of circular lenses. Although the basic design of the headlight has remained unchanged, significant changes have occurred from 1996 to 2003. The most dramatic change occurred for model year 2001 and on (post-facelift), where circular rings around each lens, the “Angel Eyes,” were added to the headlight. Post-facelift headlights also included clearer lenses and turn signal covers. They are also retrofittable to pre-facelift E39 5-series models, as the shape of the headlight housing did not change. Daytime running lamps were added during model year 2000, and xenon (HID) bulbs were introduced as an option in model year 1999. Xenon lamps require ballasts to dissipate excess power, along with an igniter for initiating the xenon arc that serves as the light source. These extra components can be potential points of failure. Another technology included with all E39 headlights is the self-leveling mechanism. It is important to maintain good road visibility and to avoid blinding oncoming traffic in all conditions. As a consequence the best angle at which the headlights project from the car to the ground depends on the suspension setup, driving conditions, and even whether or not the car is braking or accelerating. The self-leveling mechanism consists of a sensor that measures the correct angle, attached to the rear suspension of the car, along with an adjuster mechanism in the headlight itself. A common problem with this mechanism is that the adjuster becomes brittle with age and eventually break. This often results […]
Used BMW E46 Control Arm Replacement Parts
Used BMW E46 Control Arm Replacement Parts PHOTOGRAPHRdotNET / Foter.com / CC BY-ND You can request bids on your replacement E46 control arm with confidence because our vendor network finds the best salvaged parts for your BMW vehicles. The form at the top of our web page is the door to excellent parts service.The control arm is a critical part of your suspension and if it is showing signs of wear it is time to find an OEM part to replace it. A control arm will show signs of wear with heavy use and should be inspected and serviced yearly. Be aware of worn bushings or cracks in the protective boot. If the grease in the bushings has gotten water or other contaminants in it, then it is definitely time to replace the control arm. You will know your BMW has suspension problems if your steering becomes loose and less precise or you hear any telltale sounds when you execute a turn. Ignoring clunking sounds can be an expensive and possibly deadly mistake. A worn part can contribute to an accident if it fails. You want to keep your BMW in top running condition.Be observant of the signs of suspension failure and take steps to replace your control arm when they arise. Besides the clunking or clicking sound you might hear when turning or going over a rough patch in the road you may experience too much play in your steering. If the movement in your steering has increased as time has passed then it is time to look for a new control arm. A third sign of control arm wear is that your wheels will wobble when pushed on. When these signs occur it […]
E46 Headlight Replacement Parts
E46 Headlight Replacement Parts Xabier.M / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND If you’ve owned or have seen a BMW 3-series shuttling around town, chances are it was of the E46 variety, covering model years 1999 through 2006. The E46 headlight design continued BMW’s signature pair of circular lenses, with normal driving headlamps on the outside and high beams on the inside. A turn signal was integrated into the headlight housing.E46 headlights came in several varieties. The main difference was the type of bulb used, xenon or halogen. Xenon (also known as HID) headlamps are based on the light generated from an arc of pure, superheated xenon. They give off extremely bright, white light. In contrast, halogen headlamps use interactions between a tungsten filament and halogen gas to give off light. Their light is dimmer and more yellowish. Because of the use of a filament along with a continuous chemical reaction to generate light, halogen headlights are less reliable and have a shorter lifetime than xenon ones. While xenon or halogen lamps were included as an optional on the E46, the headlights on E46 coupes (including the M3 variant) typically run xenon while those on E46 sedans run on halogen. The xenon variety, however, come with additional components such as a ballast for dissipating excess electric power and an igniter for starting the xenon arc. These additional components are common points of failure on E46 headlights. E46 cars model year 2002 and later are known as “facelift” variants and include a slightly sleeker headlight design. The easiest way to tell a pre-facelift headlight from a facelift headlight is that the latter will have turn signals that slant up to the sides. They will also include smoother cutouts […]
