Will 7" H4 headlight fit a /5 headlight bucket?

[rbm]

Hi,

As part of a customization I'm performing, I purchased a BMW /5 headlight bucket, sans innards. The item was advertized as "BMW Airhead R50 R60 R75 /5 7" Headlight Bucket Shell ". The inside diameter of the chrome bezel ring on the bucket I received measures 176mm, which is indeed about 7".

I will be using this shell on another bike with a capable electrical system so I'd like to outfit the headlight with a H4 halogen assembly and use a standard 55/60 halogen bulb (meaning, there is no need to use original /5 headlight parts). I've searched locally through junkyards and aftermarket auto parts dealers for a 7" round headlight assembly but have failed to turn up anything locally which would give me the chance to test fit before purchase. This leaves me to purchase mailorder.

Given that I can't test fit the headlight assembly before purchase, my question to this group is:

Will a universal 7" diameter H4 headlight fit the /5 headlight bucket I have?

There are numerous candidates on Ebay that I can choose. Thanks for any help.

[Big Bamboo]

The only problem I can think of is the automotive bulbs have nubs on the glass for locating in the bezel that may not work with the /5 ring.

[bmweuro]

A standard 7" automotive headlight is to big to fit a /5 headlight bucket.

[victor441]

a standard auto 6024 sealed beam is the same size as a 7" H4 so you could take your parts to any auto parts store to check the fit for free...FWIW they use the same plug too

[rbm]

OK, thanks for the replies. I'll try to locate a sealed beam unit to test the fit. The problem with the aftermarket dealers around here is they want to know the year, make and model of the vehicle ... which I don't really have. So, they usually throw up their hands and say, "Sorry, can't help you if you can't tell me the make, model and year". They can't look it up in their computerized catalogues otherwise. Seems the old days of finding a parts guy who can help are long gone.

If I succeed, I'll post my experiences.

[disston]

So tell them what they want to hear, "It's a 1972 BMW R75/5". This is a specific year and model for them to chew on. There are several other years and models that are the same. It's all /5 to us but they can't look it up that way.

[DaveBall]

If you just want to try out a headlight to fit the bucket. Just ask for a headlight for any 1970 Volkswagon Beetle or maybe a 1972 Datsun 1200 or 1975 B210. They all take the exact same 7 " replacement light unit.

If it fits the bucket, then see if they can get you the Bosch unit. The Bosch 7" refelctor and lens assembly uses standard H4 bulbs and will give you a much better beam than a sealed beam unit. Plus the glass on it is much thicker and will not break as easily as some of the other makes.

[Schlivitz]

The /5 bucket will accept the bezel and (halogen) headlight from an R65. Early eighties I think, maybe any of them.
That's what I'm running. Hope that helps.

[Tin Woodman]

I found this to be a useful link -

http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/lamps.htm

I can sympathize if you're less than impressed with Canadian Tire

[rbm]

So tell them what they want to hear, "It's a 1972 BMW R75/5".

Right! That's exactly what I told the Napa Canada rep when he asked the question over the phone last week. He basically blew me off with "We don't have anything you're looking for. Sorry." Kind of rude and perfunctory, and not at all helpful.

I can sympathize if you're less than impressed with Canadian Tire

Yes, Crappy Tire wasn't any help either, but that's expected from them.

The references to VW and Datsun models will really help me in the right direction. That's information I was missing. Thanks hugely. BTW, in reference to the Bosch unit -- would that be part number 301 600 118? I've seen many online vendors offering this headlight.

Although going with OEM parts is the best route, I want to keep the price point under $100 if possible; I've seen the recommended upgrade parts on Bench Mark Works approaching $200. That's a bit pricey for this build.

[Tin Woodman]

Agreed, the reference to VW and Datsun is an excellent idea. I have a conversion to do, too.

[bmweuro]

Originally Posted by Schlivitz

The /5 bucket will accept the bezel and (halogen) headlight from an R65. Early eighties I think, maybe any of them.
That's what I'm running. Hope that helps.

You are correct. 79-84 R65 and 83-84 R80ST however they are about $500 last time I looked.

[Bill Harris]

There are H4 conversions for /5 headlight buckets available. Hans Lowe carries them:

07 63 R kit 012 headlight H4 conversion kit 12V / 5 $ 115.00

http://bmwhucky.com/007500.html

Probably not mil-spec, but it's available.

--Bill

[bmweuro]

Originally Posted by Bill Harris

There are H4 conversions for /5 headlight buckets available. Hans Lowe carries them:

07 63 R kit 012 headlight H4 conversion kit 12V / 5 $ 115.00

http://bmwhucky.com/007500.html

Probably not mil-spec, but it's available.

--Bill

This is the only way to go. I sold the same one for many many years and they work great.

[jtwind]

It might help to be forewarned on this conversion kit, it's all plastic, lens, reflector etc. Likely works but personally didn't think much of it.

Originally Posted by Bill Harris

There are H4 conversions for /5 headlight buckets available. Hans Lowe carries them:

07 63 R kit 012 headlight H4 conversion kit 12V / 5 $ 115.00

http://bmwhucky.com/007500.html

Probably not mil-spec, but it's available.

--Bill