This BMW 1 E81 retrofit kit contains everything you need to convert your halogen setup into powerful bi-xenon HID projector headlights. Custom-made to fit your existing headlights and including all the correct wiring and a selection of OEM-style shrouds, it makes retrofitting quick and easy. And, most importantly, it will take your 1 to the next level – just check out the test pictures! This is way beyond what the majority of OEM projectors can achieve.
Of course, with the Mini H1 being such a common retrofit, there are plenty of cheap kits on the market, many of which are claiming superiority by labelling themselves version 6.0, 7.0, etc. But names are pointless here; what matters is the actual output, so we’ll let the test pictures speak for themselves.
You get what you pay for.
Retrofitlab’s Mini H1 series are without question the most popular bi-xenon designs in our range, and for good reason. These are in fact the very brightest projectors available for direct mounting in H4 and H7 reflectors! The Mini H1 Primo is our original design. It provides a dazzling light output unmatched by most OEM projectors. Yet, this is the more basic of the two models. The Ultimo is our new Mini H1 design. Going beyond even the Mini H1 Primo, it offers a further 20-25% improvement in light output! In addition to its superior reflector, the Ultimo also features improvements such as a rock-solid threaded bulb mount and an alloy steel lock nut. For a side-by-side comparison of the Mini H1 Primo and the Mini H1 Ultimo, check out this video. You can select the Ultimo or the Primo in the options menu above. No matter which model you pick, you will enjoy crystal-clear 2.5 lenses, colour temperatures ranging from 4300K to 6500K and a wide low beam with a bright hotspot and sharp cutoff. The high beams are like the sun – truly impressive for a projector this compact. Also the original leveling system keeps working.
Such a light output would not be possible without efficient ballasts, and the included Aharon digital ballast has – as opposed to many other aftermarket units – been tested to generate a full 35W. The Aharon comes in a rugged and extremely compact housing perfect for retrofitting, and its in-wire starter warms xenon bulbs in as little as five seconds. It is also Canbus-proof, so you won’t get any bulb failure readings on your display. This ballast is the perfect complement to the included BMW 1 E81 wire harness, which connects directly to the original wiring. A high beam splitter is also included, making for easy integration of the bi-xenon mechanism. Power supply is strong, steady and reliable.
The Aharon ballast ensures that you get maximum possible light output. However, any ballast with AMP connectors is technically compatible with kit. Lastly, this kit provides every single part that you will need for retrofitting. For absolute top performance, we advise that you upgrade to the premium Aharon XB-35 5500K bulb instead of the regular H1 bulbs. This powerful bulb represents excellent value for money, featuring an extremely high light output in a modern white colour.
This complete BMW 1 E81 retrofit kit is inspected by our internal quality control prior to shipping and comes with a solid 2-year warranty. It also includes highly rated technical support from your lighting experts at Retrofitlab.com
Should you have any questions prior to purchase, please refer to our FAQ page or start a chat below. You can also download our free brightpaper on automotive lighting. Nothing beats making an educated decision!
We look forward to brightening your day (not to mention your night)!
Installation
This is a fairly straightforward retrofit that even complete novices can do, but those with more skills and experience will be quicker. Discounting removal and replacement of the headlights, you could expect the job to take anything from one to three hours with aftermarket DEPO headlights. OEM headlights will easily take 3 to 6 hours.
These headlights are very hard to open. We advise to buy aftermarket DEPO headlight's because they are sealed with butyl and easy to open. When you want to retrofit the OEM headlights, please be aware you also need butyl to reseal the headlights. And also permaseal tools are advised.
FAQ and DIY information
For general installation and DIY information, please check our FAQ and/or DIY pages.
FAQ for frequently asked questions, and answers :-), about products, product information ordering, shipping, returns, warranty, etc. You can find the FAQ PAGE HERE
DIY for Do It Yourself information about installation, product details etc. You can find the DIY PAGE HERE
Professional installation
This complete kit has been especially developed to enable retrofitting at home, saving you the cost of installation. However, should you prefer to have the kit installed by a professional? Check out LIST OF DEALERS / INSTALLERS
Please note that, for professional retrofits, you should order your Retrofitlab kit or parts directly from the workshop in question (it saves you money on shipping).
Disclaimers
These products are not ECE or DOT/FMVSS108 approved and must not be used on public roads in any exterior application. Use on public roads will invalidate both the operating license and insurance coverage. You can find more info HERE
The product images are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product. Actual products may vary due to changes in manufacturing/product enhancements. You can find more info HERE
This customer video is intended to provide a general idea of the output and light pattern from a projector retrofit. It does not necessarily represent the exact setup in this product/kit, it's made with the Optimus TR mini with Osram bulbs
Worldwide Tracked shipping
We are based in Europe (the Netherlands) and we ship worldwide. So shipping to the United States, Australia, Canada etc. is not a problem at all.
All our orders have a track and trace / tracking code, so you can check the progress. The orders are processed by ourselves and send out from our own warehouse.
Delivery Time
We are known for our fast deliveries. All delivery times start when we have received your payment. The products that are in stock will normally be shipped within 1 working day. The shipping time varies based on the destination. Please check the estimated shipping (working) days and costs below. We ship directly from our warehouse in The Netherlands.
Shipping costs
Almost all of our orders will be shipped by tracked parcel shipping. We try to use the best option based on price, delivery speed and service. Most of our shipments are shipped with UPS, sometimes we also use DPD or PostNL.
You can find the shipping costs and shipping times for parcel shipping for inside and outside the EU in the table below.
| Zone | Countries | Price | Working days est. delivery |
| Domestic - UPS | The Netherlands | € 7,99 | 1-2 |
| EUR 1 - UPS | Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg | € 10,98 | 2-3 |
| EUR 2 - UPS | Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden | € 14,98 | 3-5 |
| EUR 3 - UPS | United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland | € 17,49 | 3-6 |
| Rest of Europe - UPS | € 19,98 | 5 | |
| US - UPS | United States | € 34,50 / ~$ 38 | 5 |
| Rest of the World - PostNL | € 35,95 | 10 |
Tracking shipments
When you choose parcel shipping, you can follow your shipment. You will receive an e-mail from us with a tracking code as soon as your order leaves our door.
Delivery
The carriers for parcel shipping choose their own schedule for deliveries. Remember that you need to be present at the delivery address during working days from 9 till 5 in order to receive your order. It remains your responsibility to make arrangements for the way that the order is received at the delivery address. Orders we sent by envelope will arrive, even if you are not at home.
UK prices, shipping and taxes
UK prices / taxes are based on the order amount. For more information please see this FAQ item: UK prices and taxes.
You can find other products in the collection; BMW 1 E81
