Anyone using H4 headlights with stock wiring harness/setup?

[1971Ginger]

I am asking because I want to get new headlights, bright ones preferebly idealy I'd like to run H4 set up but I don't want to rewire anything or really do anything to the electrics as the car has had its headlights related issues (bad switch contacts mostly)

Has anyone had problems running h4 or similair lighting set up with the stock wiring harness? Since I want a plug and play type set up, will something like this work?

I've found these locally and they seem interesting, anyone got any thoughts. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/2680176162.html

Another option are these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-XENON-Headlight-Bulbs-1968-71-BMW-1600-2002-NEW-/200679831823

Thanks

[ThatGuy]

If you already have a headlight circuit that already has bad switch contacts, adding high draw H4 lamps will just cause more trouble.

The reason for adding relays is to keep all that current from flowing through the switch. Even though the stock wiring and switch MAY be able to handle the extra current, I'm pretty sure the headlight circuit is not fused, and car fires suck.

[Guest]

Just get this, it's super simple to hook up, two grounds, and two wires to connect to your current high/low.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PUT-230004HW

And the above offer of totally free shipping does apply towards the entire order. I just placed an order for $550 with one $30 item that had "totally free shipping".

[Mike Self]

don't draw any more current than the OEM tungsten sealed beams. Where you get into trouble is using high wattage bulbs. If you do this, you'll need a relay.

On early (6 fuse) cars the headlights aren't even fused, much less have a relay; early 12 fuse cars at least have the headlights fused, but no relays. Squarelights have fuses and relays.

If you have an early car, I did a Roundel column on how to wire in fused headlight relays; drop me an email and I'll send you a copy.

cheers

mike

[jimalameda]

I'm running H4s with my '71 with the 6 fuses and my front lights stop working. So one of my buddies wire up directly to the lights and added a switch. I think a relay in line would do the trick.

Can you please send me the info.

jksdavis@yahoo.com

Much thanks....

Jim Davis

'71 2002

Alameda CA

[tjones02]

If you"re using "normal" 55/60 watt halogen bulbs, they don't draw any more current than the OEM tungsten sealed beams. Where you get into trouble is using high wattage bulbs. If you do this, you'll need a relay.

On early (6 fuse) cars the headlights aren't even fused, much less have a relay; early 12 fuse cars at least have the headlights fused, but no relays. Squarelights have fuses and relays.

If you have an early car, I did a Roundel column on how to wire in fused headlight relays; drop me an email and I'll send you a copy.

cheers

mike

In addition, the US market is the only one that needed sealed beam lights. In the rest of the world '02s came with H4 headlights; optional on early cars and standard on later ones. Euro or US market they have the same wiring.... If you keep to standard 55/60 wattage H4 bulbs and the rest of your system is in good condition you shouldn't have a problem. I've installed H4 headlights in countless '02s and other period BMWs without issue. If you feel safer and or want to use higher wattage bulbs like 55/100 or 80/100 then you should install relays. Inherently it isn't a bad idea to install relays and turn the switch into just that, a switch instead of the main circuit; it's just not necessary.

In my own '67 1600-2 I use 55/100W H4's. But the car was originally 6 volt and thus had thicker wiring and a relay to begin with.

Another point should be made is to properly aim your headlights. If they are low you'll never get the benefit of the better lighting.

[JohnS]

There's a FAQ about wiring up the relays:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/50/32/

[RayC911]

I have H4s on my 73 with no relay and it's been ok so far but it's definitely on my to do list.

[Scott Sislane]

I have H4's on my '76, didn't do anyhting to the wires. Been working great for 5 years. They are 90/100 watt bulbs.

[RayC911]

I have H4's on my '76, didn't do anyhting to the wires. Been working great for 5 years. They are 90/100 watt bulbs.

74+up have relays already

[MrSharky]

I got these for my '74..

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=0301600118

Running the 55/60 bulbs.

Working great!

[tjones02]

I've installed a few of these NeoLite and Autopal lights in customer cars when they didn't want to pay for Cibie. Bosch or Hella lights. They are very nice for the money.

http://classicgarage.com/7rounh4headb.html

[Scott Sislane]

I have H4's on my '76, didn't do anyhting to the wires. Been working great for 5 years. They are 90/100 watt bulbs.

74+up have relays already

oops, sorry.

[carnal_c30]

I've had good luck with the autopal lights as well.

I avoid the cheap cheap stuff because they usually end up being pretty poor quality with a beam pattern that is... well basically no beam pattern

[AustrianVespaGuy]

Listen to the above advice regarding using relays. BMW did a very poor design of the headlight circut in my opinion. Both the main light switch AND and high beam switch see and switch the FULL current. It's fairly easy and WAY better to rewire everything with relays. Attached is the schematic of how I redid all of my relays.

-Carl

20110521105427447.pdf