BMW 325is (E36) Headlamp Costs
The average cost for a BMW 325is (E36) Headlamp Replacement is between $77 - $143. Get an instant quote with our AI repair estimator.
What is a headlamp?
A headlamp, also known as a headlight, is a critical component of a vehicle's lighting system that provides illumination for the driver, especially during nighttime, inclement weather, or poor visibility conditions. Located at the front of the vehicle, headlamps not only enhance the driver's ability to see the road ahead but also make the vehicle visible to other road users, contributing to overall road safety. Headlamps typically consist of a bulb encased within a reflector and lens assembly, and they are available in various technologies such as halogen, LED, and HID (High-Intensity Discharge), each offering different levels of brightness and efficiency.
Symptoms of a faulty headlamp
When a headlamp starts to malfunction, several symptoms may become noticeable. One common issue is dimming, where the light output becomes significantly weaker, reducing nighttime visibility. This could be due to an aging bulb or problems with the electrical connections. Flickering is another indicator of a potential issue; it often signifies a loose connection, failing bulb, or ballast issues in HID headlamps. A completely inoperative headlamp, where no light is produced, may suggest a burnt-out bulb, a blown fuse, or more severe electrical problems. Additionally, headlamp covers can become cloudy or yellowed over time, reducing the efficiency of light transmission and requiring cleaning or replacement. Addressing these symptoms promptly is crucial for maintaining safety on the road.
How urgent is headlamp replacement?
Replacing a faulty headlamp should be considered a relatively urgent repair. Driving with a dim or inoperative headlamp significantly compromises your visibility and safety, particularly at night or in poor weather conditions. Furthermore, driving with defective headlamps can lead to traffic violations and fines, as it is typically a legal requirement to have fully functioning lights. Ensuring that your headlamps are in good working condition prevents risking accidents and ensures compliance with road safety laws.
How much does headlamp replacement cost?
The cost of replacing a headlamp can vary depending on the vehicle make and model, the type of headlamp, and where the replacement is performed. Standard halogen headlamp replacements tend to be more affordable, typically ranging from $15 to $50 per bulb. However, for high-end vehicles equipped with LED or HID headlamps, the cost can escalate to $100 to $300 per bulb, or more, due to the complexity and technology involved. Labor costs at a professional repair shop can add an additional $50 to $100 or more, depending on the vehicle's design and accessibility of the headlamp assembly.
4 FAQs about headlamps
- How often should I replace headlamp bulbs?
The frequency of headlamp bulb replacement can vary based on usage, the type of bulb, and environmental factors. Halogen bulbs generally last around 450 to 1,000 hours, while LED and HID bulbs can last significantly longer, often up to 15,000 hours. It's advisable to inspect your headlamps regularly and replace them in pairs to ensure even lighting. - Can I upgrade my headlamps to LED?
Yes, many vehicles can be upgraded from halogen to LED headlamps using conversion kits. These kits often provide better brightness and longevity. However, it's important to ensure compatibility with your vehicle and check local regulations, as some jurisdictions have restrictions on headlamp modifications. - What causes headlamp covers to become cloudy?
Headlamp covers are generally made from polycarbonate plastic, which can degrade from exposure to UV rays, chemicals, and road debris, leading to a yellowed or cloudy appearance. This can be rectified by using headlamp restoration kits available in most auto parts stores. - Why is one of my headlamps brighter than the other?
A disparity in brightness may be due to a difference in bulbs if they were not replaced simultaneously. Other potential causes include wiring issues or a problem with the reflector or lens ensuring light is evenly distributed. Addressing this promptly can prevent uneven visibility and is crucial for road safety.
Dev Output
1995 BMW 325is (E36) L6-2494cc 2.5L DOHC (M50 TU) - Headlamp Costs
Parts: $44.00Labor: $40.00{ "partPrice": 44, "laborPrice": 40, "alldata_id": 21654, "alldata_vehicle_id": 21654, "title": "Headlamp", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Composite Type", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Complete Assembly", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "Headlamp", "price": "677.23", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "63121387862" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "Headlamp", "price": "693.48", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "63121387861" } ] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Reflector", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "Headlamp", "price": "340.45", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387864" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "Headlamp", "price": "340.45", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387863" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Align", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Headlamp, Align", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Headlamp Assembly", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "note": "Includes: Aim Headlamps. ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.2", "warrantytime": "0.9" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Both Sides", "labor": { "note": "Includes: Aim Headlamps. ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.0", "warrantytime": "1.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1995, "make": "BMW", "model": "325is (E36)", "engine": "L6-2494cc 2.5L DOHC (M50 TU)" }1994 BMW 325is (E36) L6-2494cc 2.5L DOHC (M50 TU) - Headlamp Costs
Parts: $87.00Labor: $76.00{ "partPrice": 87, "laborPrice": 76, "alldata_id": 19243, "alldata_vehicle_id": 19243, "title": "Headlamp", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Composite Type", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Complete Assembly", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "Headlamp", "price": "677.23", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "63121387862" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "Headlamp", "price": "693.48", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "63121387861" } ] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Reflector", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "Headlamp", "price": "340.45", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387864" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "Headlamp", "price": "340.45", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387863" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Adjust", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Aim Headlamps", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Headlamp Assembly", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "note": "Includes: Aim Headlamps. ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.2", "warrantytime": "0.9" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Both Sides", "labor": { "note": "Includes: Aim Headlamps. ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.0", "warrantytime": "1.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1994, "make": "BMW", "model": "325is (E36)", "engine": "L6-2494cc 2.5L DOHC (M50 TU)" }1992 BMW 325is (E36) L6-2494cc 2.5L DOHC (M50) - Headlamp Costs
Parts: $8.00Labor: $69.00{ "partPrice": 8, "laborPrice": 69, "alldata_id": 7953, "alldata_vehicle_id": 7953, "title": "Headlamp", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Headlight Left Bosch", "part": [ { "name": "Headlight Left Bosch", "note": "Should be used with the following part(s):\n ADJUSTER HEAD LIGHT AIM CONTROL No. 67168353887", "price": "655.47", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "63121387041" } ] }, { "name": "Headlight Left Zkw", "part": [ { "name": "Headlight Left Zkw", "note": "Should be used with the following part(s):\n ADJUSTER HEAD LIGHT AIM CONTROL No. 67168353887", "price": "655.47", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "63121393271" } ] }, { "name": "Headlight Right Bosch", "part": [ { "name": "Headlight Right Bosch", "note": "Should be used with the following part(s):\n ADJUSTER HEAD LIGHT AIM CONTROL No. 67168353887", "price": "655.47", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387042" } ] }, { "name": "Headlight Right Zkw", "part": [ { "name": "Headlight Right Zkw", "note": "Should be used with the following part(s):\n ADJUSTER HEAD LIGHT AIM CONTROL No. 67168353887", "price": "655.47", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121393272" } ] }, { "name": "Left Yellow Headlight Bosch", "part": [ { "name": "Left Yellow Headlight Bosch", "note": "Should be used with the following part(s):\n ADJUSTER HEAD LIGHT AIM CONTROL No. 67168353887", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121393343" } ] }, { "name": "Right Yellow Headlight Bosch", "part": [ { "name": "Right Yellow Headlight Bosch", "note": "Should be used with the following part(s):\n ADJUSTER HEAD LIGHT AIM CONTROL No. 67168353887", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121393344" } ] }, { "name": "Head Light Aim Control Adjuster", "part": [ { "name": "Adjuster Head Light Aim Control", "price": "130.37", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "67168353887" } ] }, { "name": "Head Light Aim Control Switch", "part": [ { "name": "Switch Head Light Aim Control", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "61318357461" } ] }, { "name": "Housing Left Bosch", "part": [ { "name": "Housing Left Bosch", "price": "123.59", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387297" } ] }, { "name": "Housing Left Zkw", "part": [ { "name": "Housing Left Zkw", "price": "123.59", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121393851" } ] }, { "name": "Housing Right Bosch", "part": [ { "name": "Housing Right Bosch", "price": "123.59", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387298" } ] }, { "name": "Housing Right Zkw", "part": [ { "name": "Housing Right Zkw", "price": "123.59", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121393852" } ] }, { "name": "Reflector Left Bosch", "part": [ { "name": "Reflector Left Bosch", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387291" } ] }, { "name": "Reflector Left Zkw", "part": [ { "name": "Reflector Left Zkw", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121393839" } ] }, { "name": "Reflector Right Bosch", "part": [ { "name": "Reflector Right Bosch", "price": "333.98", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121387292" } ] }, { "name": "Reflector Right Zkw", "part": [ { "name": "Reflector Right Zkw", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "63121393840" } ] }, { "name": "Switch Head Light Aim Control", "part": [ { "name": "9 - Switch Head Light Aim Control", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "61318357461" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Adjust", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Aim Headlamps", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "High Beam", "labor": { "note": " ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.8", "warrantytime": "0.5" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Low Beam", "labor": { "note": " ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.0", "warrantytime": "0.7" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, "year": 1992, "make": "BMW", "model": "325is (E36)", "engine": "L6-2494cc 2.5L DOHC (M50)" }