Brighter and cheaper Angel Eyes

O

ovrkll

Lifer
Finally got around to doing this mod to the Angel Eye’s since I have had 2 of them go bad within the past several years. I am putting this together for several reasons:
1) The bulb itself is made by Philips for BMW and is not available on the open market.
2) The Angel Eye is only sold as a whole assembly, not just replacing the bulb.
3) Cost of the assembly compared to just the bulb itself (plus I went with a higher wattage bulb, making it brighter in the process).

The AE assembly is located in the upper inside of the headlight assembly and is held in with 2 torx screws. Be careful not to drop these screws into the housing, as anyone with large hands will have a difficult time getting to them once they are loose in the housing.

6953168184_6524b6e9f5.jpg


If you have a dremel tool with a small bit, small drill bit, or a fine file, you can notch the edge of the AE assembly so that you only have to buy a replacement bulb. Cost for the assembly is around $45USD compared to $5 for just the lamp itself. Once you have the assembly out of the car, you will be able to see where to notch the assembly to allow quick and easy change of just the bulb.

6953168244_2b9c3c9622.jpg


The original bulb is a 12v, 10W made by Philips which is not available on the open market. There are some 12v, 10W bulbs available if you wish to stay with the original specs. I opted to go with a 20W bulb (Osram BC2615) for a brighter AE. The extra heat generated by this bulb is neglible and has not caused any problems. Be aware that for some reason this bulb is available, but is usually back-ordered through the distributors, and may take a while to actually arrive through the post.

Original AE
6953168292_6b1ff1c973.jpg


Upgraded AE
7099238183_4bb52e0b79.jpg


Overall I am very happy with this minor mod. It is cheap to do and saves a little money in the long run, along with the AE standing out a bit more.

Cheers!
 
Much brighter, although would be good with some more pictures to compare

<good job!>


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Hi there, excellent mod!

My right AE just burned out so I am thinking of applying the mod instead of replacing this ridiculously priced unit.

3 quick questions though:

1. Are you sure that the excess wattage will not cause any problems to the electrical circuitry? Heat will most likely not be a problem, agreed.

2. I looked for bc2615 by osram but couldn't find it. It seems that they have changed the code to 64115 as seen here: http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/lamps/automotive-cars/signal-lighting/osram-original-line/miniwatt/index.jsp?productId=ZMP_60892

Could you confirm that this is the correct bulb?

3. Do you have any UK/Europe based online bulb shop which you recommend? I live in Greece atm and such specialty bulbs are hard to find.

Thanks again!
 
1. Been running this set up ever since and have not noticed any gremlins popping up in the electrical system at all.

2. It is the same bulb,,,they list the bulb as 64115 on some sites, but the re-order code (which may be for a full case for the distributor) is bc2615. :thumbsup:

3. Live in the U.S., so I really can't hlep you with the UK/Europe vendors. I am sure that someone on here will have a good source.
I used http://www.bulbconnection.com, they do ship internationally, and actually had them in stock the last time I looked.
 
Thanks a lot for the info!

I ordered a pair of 3rd party (i.e. not Osram) bulbs of eBay, plus another pair of LEDs to try out (these will probably also last longer than regular bulbs).

When they arrive and I install them I will post some photos!

Another question is, do I need 1 or 2 notches (opposite sides) to remove the bulb? The bulbs have 2 little securing teeth on opposite sides so I assume two holes/notches are needed right?

Also, for anyone looking for bulbs the type is: 12V BA9S T4W. I will post the specific led item once I install and it actually works.
 
You might be able to just get the bulb out with one notch, but as you said, the bulb and holder is designed for 2.

I looked into the the LED route and was never really satisfied with what was out there at the time. Hopefully what you have found will work out, and be another option that does not mess with the "lamp out" circuitry. :thumbsup:
 
I've read somewhere that some ppl fit mtec leds instead of halogen bulb (found info about 3-series and 5-series bmw's) which are bright enough to be drl's
does any of you know something about mtec kit for z4?
 
Long term update ---
Everything is doing great! No heat damage from the uprated bulbs, and still much more noticeable.
 
Thread revival!

Finally got around to giving the Zed some much needed love, including this mod, thought I would add a few tips even though everyone that intends to do this probably has already done so. Though if you bulb burns out and you just want to replace the stock 10w without spending a fortune, this still will help.

First, do not remove the retaining screws (use T20 Torx driver), just loosen them a full turn to turn and a half or so. Rotate the assembly anti-clockwise about 25 degrees to remove. Small hands help to get adequate torque, even with the screws loose, it's a fairly stiff snap release to initiate the rotation.

There's no trick release for the electric plug, though it can be fairly snug. Just keep pulling and wiggling, it'll come out eventually.

The socket inside the plastic assembly is a standard 2 pin metal socket with L shaped release paths cut into the sides. You need to drill the clearance slots exactly where the release path ends. This can be identified by turning the bulb anti-clockwise (while pushing slightly) and then pulling it as if to remove it. When the guide pins hit the plastic that prevents removal, you can just make out where the pins are through the thin gap. This is where to drill. If you hit metal you missed, the bit should fall through into the release path if you drilled in the right spot. If you miss, no harm done, the job will look sloppy but the bulb will still be properly retained.

The photos posted above are an accurate comparison of the additional brightness, yet somehow, when both are installed, the result seems even a good bit brighter than you would expect. Very pleased with the result, better than expected for an extra 10w each.
 
ovrkll said:
Finally got around to doing this mod to the Angel Eye’s since I have had 2 of them go bad within the past several years. I am putting this together for several reasons:
1) The bulb itself is made by Philips for BMW and is not available on the open market.
2) The Angel Eye is only sold as a whole assembly, not just replacing the bulb.
3) Cost of the assembly compared to just the bulb itself (plus I went with a higher wattage bulb, making it brighter in the process).

The AE assembly is located in the upper inside of the headlight assembly and is held in with 2 torx screws. Be careful not to drop these screws into the housing, as anyone with large hands will have a difficult time getting to them once they are loose in the housing.

6953168184_6524b6e9f5.jpg


If you have a dremel tool with a small bit, small drill bit, or a fine file, you can notch the edge of the AE assembly so that you only have to buy a replacement bulb. Cost for the assembly is around $45USD compared to $5 for just the lamp itself. Once you have the assembly out of the car, you will be able to see where to notch the assembly to allow quick and easy change of just the bulb.

6953168244_2b9c3c9622.jpg


The original bulb is a 12v, 10W made by Philips which is not available on the open market. There are some 12v, 10W bulbs available if you wish to stay with the original specs. I opted to go with a 20W bulb (Osram BC2615) for a brighter AE. The extra heat generated by this bulb is neglible and has not caused any problems. Be aware that for some reason this bulb is available, but is usually back-ordered through the distributors, and may take a while to actually arrive through the post.

Original AE
6953168292_6b1ff1c973.jpg


Upgraded AE
7099238183_4bb52e0b79.jpg


Overall I am very happy with this minor mod. It is cheap to do and saves a little money in the long run, along with the AE standing out a bit more.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Did you have to take the wheel off? If so, I assume you also took the whole fender guard off like in this video???

http://youtu.be/72nuNNbIixE?t=2m22s
 
I've heard of people doing this with the wheel on, but I can't imagine how they managed, you'd be working blind. It's far easier wheel off, but of course you need the tools to do it. Most Zeds have an access panel so the fender guard can remain. The video is the only one I've seen without.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfggvPE95uE

In this video, it appears the wheel is still on but I can't be sure. From the pictures, it looks like there's sufficient access to the angel eyes bulb???
 
It can be done with the wheel on, with the wheel pointed at it's limit, but it is very difficult to see what you are doing. There is an access panel to the light assembly inside the wheel well, 2 plastic turnlocks at the outer edge release the panel and allows you to pull it out of the way.
 
ovrkll said:
It can be done with the wheel on, with the wheel pointed at it's limit, but it is very difficult to see what you are doing. There is an access panel to the light assembly inside the wheel well, 2 plastic turnlocks at the outer edge release the panel and allows you to pull it out of the way.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I just completed this mod and I have to say with wheel off the task is much simpler. The location of the AE assembly is far more recessed than the photos would suggest. You really need to get in there to be able to see where the screws are located. Once out, the job is a breeze. Drilled the holes exactly as in the photos and the bulbs came out without any struggle.
 
Hi, looks like you live in Atlanta area. I am in Tampa and regularly go to Atlanta area on business. Is there any way I can see you Z4? I bought 2008 Z4 3.0i and wanted to improve my dull angel eyes and your method seems to be my cure?

Thanks,
Cliff49
 
Anyone come across any decent Cree led ba9s bulbs that are not too high wattage and fire the light sideways, for use in AEs? Something like 10-20W?

I bought some cheap 20W halogens today, and while they are better, I still want my halos brighter and whiter.
 
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