front fog lights - "ellipsoid" vs "free-form"

[TerminatorX5]

Have a question on the front fog lights on 2002 and 2006 E53 models. On the older one, it seems that I have an "ellipsoid" type lens, like a magnifying lens, while on the newer one there is a "free-form" light. Is it the case across the model years? Or it is an option that had to be specified?

Is the "ellipsoid" type better than the "free-form"? I would think that it should be better as the light pattern would be more uniform and precise.

Any opinions?

[lemans4.8]

01-03 had a projector style housing that was longer. It uses an H3 bulb. This gives a "cooler" appearance and a better beam pattern.

The newer style is just a normal back-reflective housing that utilizes an H11 bulb. It's about half the size.

In order to convert from back-reflective to projector housing, you will need to make a harness that is H11 female to OEM projector housing plug. I think I outlined everything you needed in a thread way back.

[lemans4.8]

http://www.xoutpost.com/705814-post19.html

and

http://www.xoutpost.com/739000-post1.html

These are both for HID. You can do H3 bulb as well.

[TerminatorX5]

thank you

[lemans4.8]

I purchased depo brand projectors from eBay and they have been good so far. I noticed the greater light output especially in the snow! OEM ones are $200-300 iirc.

If you need me to take any pics, let me know.

[romeokc10]

Your sig says you drive a 2002 4.6is, so you should already have the projector style lights, in another words keep what you have.

[SlickGT1]

He has both the 4.8 and 4.6.

[TerminatorX5]

I tried to instal the OE BMW long body projector fog light, and while on the left side the projector fits in fine, just need different connectors, on the right side of the car I ran into the airchannel that is on the way. It is part # 16 on the attached diagram.

Is there a workaround for this issue? The target car is '06 E53 4.8 iS, built October 2005.

thank you

[cannonfeet]

Weird, mine is a March 03 build and I have the H11 housing. I was thinking about converting it to projectors but now I am not sure if I can.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by cannonfeet

Weird, mine is a March 03 build and I have the H11 housing. I was thinking about converting it to projectors but now I am not sure if I can.

Since yours is an '03 you should be fine. It seems its the '04-'06 that might have a problem. Though this is the first I heard of the clearance problem with the airchannel. I'll inspect my '04 and see if I have a similar situation. I would think its the same.