facelift non xenon upg

redz · Post by **redz** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:09 pm

embarrassing really as i thought my x5 had these when i bout it but after a long drive i noticed how poor the headlights were..

checked the options list i have in the pouch and its not listed so im guessing i have normal projector type headlights.

will these work without any error messages or do i need to get the canbus versions?

http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/hid-kits-5 ... p-279.html

thanks

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:10 pm

Your link isn't working, but you will typically need a canbus version normally. Something like this one...

http://www.hids4u.co.uk/h7-35w-ultimate ... n-kit.html

Make sure you also have headlight washers and levelling so you don't fall foul of the new and upcoming MOT regs.

n1k85 · Post by **n1k85** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:47 pm

This might be a silly question, but i'm a noob when it comes to aftermarket HIDs, having only had factory fit before...

But do you only upgrade the dipped beams? or do some kits do both?..

Like redz, I made the mistake of seeing the projector headlights, and asking the seller of my car "are those xenons?" and simply taking his word for it when he replied "yeah they are"

On close inspection back home, they were not!

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:13 pm

A couple of folks here have upgraded both beams - you need another pair of ballasts, igniters and the D2R (reflector) type bulbs. D2S lamps are OK for projector lamp units but will cause too much glare on reflector types.

For those ever looking to buy an X5 and wanting Xenon HIDs, the actual projector outer ring has 'BMW Xenon' written on it. I know it won't help you, but for others, it's summat to look for. That and warning labels under the bonnet about the dangerous voltages present with Xenon HID igniters (up to 25kv) as they are really arc lights. Hence High Intensity Discharge.

redz · Post by **redz** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:49 pm

http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/hid-kits-5 ... p-279.html

try this one!

why would a canbus kit be needed? i thought this was only for the e70?

oh,and i have headlight washers and leveling..

redz · Post by **redz** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:07 pm

anybody?

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:16 pm

The E53 also has canbus, or one or other variant of it, as do most modern BMWs. It is used along with other parts to check that the lights are OK and the error warning it sent over the canbus network in the car. Most of the cars inter-module communications are run over some form of data bus. The E70 has an even more complex version, as do most of the latest models depending upon options fitted, and they include fibre-optic connectivity.

Those that have done it will be able to confirm whether or not you need to also recode the on-board systems to recognise that the front lights are now HIDs rather than filament type. It's not difficult to do though.

The kits you refer to are not ECE 87 approved, therefore technically illegal in the UK and Europe for on road use. The reference to ISO9001:2000 is simply a quality management system standard and nothing to do with type approved bulb kits for on road use.

dirtymonkey29 · Post by **dirtymonkey29** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:20 pm

[quote=""X5Sport""]
For those ever looking to buy an X5 and wanting Xenon HIDs, the actual projector outer ring has 'BMW Xenon' written on it. I know it won't help you, but for others, it's summat to look for. That and warning labels under the bonnet about the dangerous voltages.[/quote]

Where abouts? I had a look at my angels today but couldn't see BMW xenon on it. I do have them though... Stickers too

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:21 pm

[quote=""X5Sport""]Those that have done it will be able to confirm whether or not you need to also recode the on-board systems to recognise that the front lights are now HIDs rather than filament type. It's not difficult to do though.[/quote]

Having been on here so long...

There was an old forum member who fitted aftermarket (PhilX5) and no errors... If that helps.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:27 pm

[quote=""dirtymonkey29""][quote=""X5Sport""]Where abouts? I had a look at my angels today but couldn't see BMW xenon on it. I do have them though... Stickers too[/quote][/quote]

I've sold my facelift E53 and I don't have a good piccie, but looking in from the front of the lamp, it had BMW Dynamic Xenon embossed in the chrome surround of the dipped beam projector. If not dynamic there may be nothing! My bad for a wrong assumption

. If this image zooms up enough (it should) you can read it on the RHS of the dipped beam unit

dirtymonkey29 · Post by **dirtymonkey29** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:47 pm

Will have another look tomorrow.

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:58 pm

[quote=""X5Sport""]it had BMW Dynamic Xenon embossed in the chrome surround of the dipped beam projector. If not dynamic there may be nothing![/quote]

Think if not dynamic you won't have the writing but mine are xenon and have no writing (like X5Sport says)??? What is the difference X5Sport? I have xenons with the 'burst' on first switch on of light before calming down and no leveling button. Plus I have the stickers...?

dirtymonkey29 · Post by **dirtymonkey29** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:13 pm

Dynamic are the ones that move with steering going by what I've read

garioch · Post by **garioch** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 10:59 pm

was hoping to retrofit some xenons onto mine, but everytime i search everyone says it a big no no! lol

anyone got any pics of these hid kits fitted? trying to go for an oem look as possible.

cheers

storminmike · Post by **storminmike** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 8:02 pm

[quote=""garioch""]was hoping to retrofit some xenons onto mine, but everytime i search everyone says it a big no no! lol

anyone got any pics of these hid kits fitted? trying to go for an oem look as possible.

cheers[/quote]

No pics but

Physically can it be done.....yes....easy and very quick on projector type headlights on facelift

you need

something to make a big hole (can't remember the diameter) in the back plastic plate (what you undo to access the dip bulb) so that the cables can be passed throught from outisde the headlight to inside and seat the grommet (in the kit) to keep it water tight

somewhere to mount the ballast. Some hide it, I chose to hang tem off ears that are on the inner wings behind the headlights. The ballasts have mounting brackets that can then attach to those ears with a bolt as the ears have tapped threads (what for I not know)

the kits are plug and play with a few cnnectors but in principle you swap the old bulb for the new one. The new bulb has wires attached to it whereas the old didn't so the clip thatheld the old bulb in wont be of use as you cant pass the cables through. You either get (or the kit supplies it) a simliar clip but it has a slot in so you can slip it over the cables. The bulb is powered by the ballast so 2 wires come out of the bulb (through the grommet) and into the ballast.

The ballast needs power(12v) and it get this by 2 more wires (again come through the grommet) that come from the connectors that would have gone to the old bulb

In essence the 12v that went to the old bulb come out the headlight (via supplied cables) through the grommet into ballast....high voltage comes back out of the ballast back the other way via 2 more cables and into the new bulb. All the plugs are made and they are that...plug and play.

Going back to original ....easy unscrew cap of back of headlight unplug the 4 connections swap bulb put the 12vs back onto bulb

should you do it.....your choice.....semantics say it conforms (headlight washers + levelling via wheel or rear axle+ projector)

many will argue it's not legal at all and it is just semantics.....get a low k set (white not purple) and you'll be not so obvious on the road. Cut off in projectors is pin sharp

retrofit for MOT...10 mins for a wiring swap ( or half an hour if you want to remove all evidence)

my 2p worth

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