I’ve just completed what became a long saga improving my E46 M3 headlight performance. Regular visitors might remember it started about a year ago when I replaced the projector lenses in my headlights. All was fine for a while afterwards.
Then last fall I noticed that the passenger side light was much lower than the driver side. I don’t know what happened, it could have something to do with the annual Virginia inspection. Maybe someone tried to adjust the lights. A bit overconfident since I had figured out the projector lens replacement job, I removed the headlight and opened it up to see if I could fix the problem.
While trying to figure out it out I broke one of the adjustment screws inside the headlight assembly. They are plastic and old so it wasn’t hard to do, but a dumb move on my part. Then for some reason I decided to double down. I ordered a replacement, used headlight to fix the adjuster issue, and then purchased replacement projectors.
I found a replacement assembly for a fair price at RecycleBMWs.com. It looks to be a good source for used parts. The new, replica projectors with supposedly improved performance I ordered from Retrofitlab.com. Critically, these new projectors were advertised as a straight replacement, plug-and-play. They were not.
The wiring was different, the plug was wrong for connecting with the headlight assembly. I could plug the stock connector into the headlight, but I lost the high beam function. I wasn’t happy and traded messages with Retrofitlab, who eventually admitted some “easy” wire splicing was required. That’s not what I wanted to get into, and not as the projectors were advertised.
Finally, after all these issues a lightbulb went off in my head. It was time to stop the full DIY approach and get an expert to do this for me. A company called Lightwerkz has a strong reputation in enthusiasts circles and offers a retrofit that puts stronger, more modern projectors into stock E46 M3 headlight assemblies. I thought the price was reasonable so I placed my order on 1/31, taking advantage of a sale promotion.
It takes a while, but that is clearly explained when ordering. The Lightwerkz E46 M3 retrofit is a popular option and the service is a 4-8 week process. You don’t send in your headlights when you purchase, you wait until they contact you. The founder’s name is Caesar Rowinski and he was very responsive via email on the progress of my order. I sent in my headlights on 3/9, and I made clear I needed an adjuster repaired. I didn’t want angel eyes added or new HID bulbs, which are options when ordering.
Caesar emailed me on 3/20 to say the adjuster could not be repaired and we needed a used one. He included a link to the cheapest headlight available that could provide one, something I appreciated. It was only $53 and I had it delivered to Lghtwerkz HQ in New Jersey. I received my headlights back on 3/28 and reinstalled them this weekend.
I’m very pleased with the look and performance of my new projectors. The replacement G5-BRT projectors make a big difference. There is a solid wall of light thrown off, the cutoff is precise and the light is pure white. The cutoff extends to the sides of the car, not just in front.
Here’s a quick video that sort of demonstrates it on an unlit parkway:
I highly recommend this retrofit from Lightwerkz to anyone looking to improve on the stock E46 M3 headlight while keeping things mostly original. It does take a while and you need another car to drive while you wait. The postage also adds up, packaging and sending your headlights to Lightwerkz and then paying for the return shipping. But it’s what I should have done earlier rather than trying to DIY everything. The removal and reinstallation of the headlights keeps some DIY in the process, which I enjoyed but which may be a plus or minus depending on the M3 owner.
I’m glad the saga is over and the M3 is back on the road. I’m going to enjoy not thinking about my headlights for a while. Although I may buy new plastic lenses and corners for the car. I mean why not?
Happy Easter!
