[jap19]

planning to buy some new headlights! any recommendations?
i researched ZKW and DDM but not sure of the differences and durability.
advice and opinions are welcomed
thanks!

[Sharocks]

ZKW = OEM

Depo = Aftermarket

If you have the cash, get the ZKW's, if you don't or don't want to spend then go for the Depo.

Note, Depo's have inferior plastic on them and the tabs are known to break easily.

[dkegel]

Originally Posted by Sharocks

Note, Depo's have inferior plastic on them and the tabs are known to break easily.

+1 If you go with the Depos, either attach the side markers when it's 100 degrees out or heat them (the Depos) with a hair dryer first.

Dave

[ECSTuning]

I'm a fan of the European Bosch headlight with glass lens. But if you'd prefer an aftermarket option Depo, FK, and DJ Auto make pretty good quality headlight options for the E36. HERE is a link to my selection of headlights for your M.

[Braymond141]

Originally Posted by ECSTuning

I'm a fan of the European Bosch headlight with glass lens. But if you'd prefer an aftermarket option Depo, FK, and DJ Auto make pretty good quality headlight options for the E36. HERE is a link to my selection of headlights for your M.

You guys are stocking the wrong headlight. Nobody will want to buy parabolic European Bosch headlights. The US already has Parabolic headlights, just with plastic lenses. They are just as good as what you carry.

The desirable headlight is the Bosch Projector headlight. Very easy to find and purchase, so there's no reason to stock the parabolic version.

[roadmax05]

For E36, nothing compares to original Bosch H1 Projector headlights.

[cscat87]

I had ZKW's, and when one got a big stone chip in the lens, I snagged a set of DEPO's for what was originally supposed to be a temporary fix. While the plastic is definitely cheap, I actually like them and ended up selling the broken ZKW's for more than I bought the new DEPO's for. I have no complaints about them (besides the cheap plastic), and its been about 7 months since they went on the E36.

[Ricco]

Bosch
ZKW
DJ Auto
Depo

In that order, Bosch being the best of course!

[Sirius]

In terms of quality of build and optics: Bosch -> ZKW -> Depo -> Others.

I've been running ZKW's for years. Love em. Although, if I could do it again, I would get Bosch because I like the cut-off pattern over the ZKW pattern.

[ccaarmerciill]

I've had experience with OEM non projector headlights, DJ auto, and DDM headlights. DJ auto's have stronger side clips for where the turn signals mount, but have very weak adjusters (prone to breaking allowing the headlight to rattle around easily in the casing). The DDM headlights have stronger adjusters, yet weaker turn signal mounts and mounting clip plastic, using a hair drier to soften up the plastic a little before install has helped some.

I've heard good things about ZKW's but I have no first hand experience.

One odd trick I did with my current E36 is a mix and match. I had a set of DJ auto's that had flawless side clips, and front glass, but the adjusters had been broken even after careful adjusting. A friend had an extra set of DEPO's laying around with broken side clips, so I utilized the flawless bucket portion (with the stronger adjusters). I really just did this as a test, and it ended up working perfect. No condensation gets in (surprisingly) despite the fact that I've had condensation issues with at least one of these sets on their own.

Still haven't seen anyone else mix the best of both worlds of DJ auto, and DEPO headlights. They do fit together nicely, and it's a good way to salvage 2 sets of "Broken" headlights, to create 1 well working set utilizing the strong points of each.

Also, if you plan on running HID's in any of the headlights mentioned, please search up on the cutoff retrofit. None of these were designed for HID's, and have a very aggressive halogen style uptick. You WILL annoy everyone on the road at night by running any of these, ZKW included without the retrofit.