[Fractolier]

I have spent countless hours trying to understand what my options are in replacing my stock Xenon headlamps on my 2006 330xi and get lost in all the nomenclature; LCI vs. pre-LCI, adaptive vs. non-adaptive, etc. I'm not an idiot, am mechanically inclined, and just need to be pointed in the right direction to a list of options I have. The lenses of my stock headlights are clouded inside and out and I just want clean/clear replacements. Upgrades would be a bonus but I do want full functionality of my stock units which have auto-leveling. Are there any options other than factory? As I stated, I have searched for a solution myself but apparently do not really know enough about my headlights to know what to search for. Options list attached if that helps. Any input appreciated.

[VTECaddict]

Your only options to retain full functionality are OEM adaptive headlights. You have a few options. Pre-LCI = 2006-2008. LCI = 2009-2011.

pre-LCI US AHL (amber reflectors)
pre-LCI Euro AHL (clear reflectors)
LCI US or Euro AHL (looks the same on the outside, but projector beam pattern is slightly different)

Pre-LCI headlights will be just plug and play after swapping all the bulbs and modules from your old headlights over.

LCI will require more work and more money since you also need to replace the ancillary hardware (ballasts, AHL modules, LED turn signal modules) and replace the FRM module with a newer version (FRM2 or FRM3) as well as perform the necessary coding.

If you get Euro lights, make sure they are left hand drive ones.

[Fractolier]

I appreciate the concise explanation. Are there OEM headlight "buckets/shells" available into which I would just swap by internals? If so, where to buy or what would be the correct query for Google to find them myself. I can't even seem to locate stock replacements online. Again, thanks for taking the time to explain.

[VTECaddict]

No, the headlight comes as a whole unit, minus the bulbs and electronics.

I think there was an ebay seller that sells just the front lens, but it's for the halogen headlight. I don't know if it will fit on the xenons.

[Fractolier]

Understood. A quick search on E-bay does show some available but looks like they are shipping from China and don't confirm whether they are for the Halogen or Xenon lights. If anyone has a trusted source they could point me to, I'd appreciate it. Thanks again for your input. I'd say I find it hard to believe it's been such a struggle to replace these headlights but no repair on these cars seems to come without an exorbitant cost in time, money or both.

[Fractolier]

Confirmation that the attached is the part I need would be appreciated.

[VTECaddict]

You need the one with adaptive headlights. You can probably find a good condition used one on ebay for a fraction of the price.

[Fractolier]

My headlights auto-level, they do not swing side to side. Is that still considered "adaptive"?

[VTECaddict]

If you have a US market E9x with xenons, they are definitely adaptive. Non-adaptive xenons were not available here.

[Fractolier]

Understood. I consider my questions addressed and this thread closed. Thanks for your input and it looks like I'll just have to deal with cloudy lenses.