Clear headlight conversion

[cj10jeeper]

Simple question really but are the later facelift 'clear' indicator headlights a direct replacement for the earlier amber lensed version?

If not, where are the differences - is it wiring or more complex panel changes.

I'm talking UK spec here as I know BMW items are so often country specific

 

[Wondermike]

You need the 2005 lights which are a straight swap, get like for like ie. xenons if you have xenons etc. They are listed in the Z4 accessories brochure if you get a copy.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Thanks Mike,

Just what I needed to know

 

[cj10jeeper]

So never completely satisfied with the first answer as there are often alternatives with a bit of effort....

Has anyone split a Z4 headlight to re-do the internals?

This for instance is my X5 that last weekend I started with basic halogen, pulled the inners out and retrofitted Xenon, removed the amber and changed the internal colour, then added angel eyes. A lot better I think.

Pre conversion stock halogen, amber corners, black internals

Post conversion xenon, clear corner, silver and AE

I rather fancy doing something appropriate along those lines

Secondly - If I went for the later bi xenon is the light unit EXACTLY the same profile as the earlier type? If so presumably it's just a question of retrofitting a second ballast and perhaps a 'check lights' wiring mod? Am I mising something?

 

[pvr]

You can't open the lights on the Z. It has been tried and it can not be done (no oven trick possible).

Oh - and you need to register on http://www.x5drivers.co.uk with the X5 ...

 

[sp3ctre]

That X5 conversion does look the mutt's nuts though!!

 

[pvr]

Nasty oil leak though

 

[cj10jeeper]

OK - so can't open them - shame

Will register on the X5 UK site - thanks for the lead (sorry about posting X5's on the Z4...lol)

Thank god that's just water off the bonnet - not oil....

So what about the profile of the later generation lights??

 

[pvr]

That post-facelift lights are identical in profile. The fitting of them has proven to be a nightmare though from a wiring point of view.

Best bet is the 2005 clear lights

Oh - and I have an X5 as well ... 2005

 

[cj10jeeper]

Thanks pvr

Wiring a nightmare - just makes it sound like a challenge to me..
Retrofit Xenons, ballasts & AE was plenty of fun...

Seems the X5 Z4 combo is popular. One to haul junk/family and the other to play in.

 

[GVfB]

cj10jeeper - do you already have Xenons? If not, the Light Control Module needs to be reprogrammed by the stealer (35W current drain and not 55W).

Wiring 2006-2007 lights in an 2005 model has "been done by several", so wiring schematics are available.

 

[sp3ctre]

cj10jeeper - do you already have Xenons? If not, the Light Control Module needs to be reprogrammed by the stealer (35W current drain and not 55W).

Wiring 2006-2007 lights in an 2005 model has "been done by several", so wiring schematics are available.

anyone feel a "how-to" coming on?

 

[cj10jeeper]

Certainly into a 'tell me more'.

My Z4 is a 2003 so has single Xenon on dipped and halogen on main.

Can you point me to schematics for the wiring and any post you know where someone has taken the twists and turns to do this

Thanks

 

[Wondermike]

cj10jeeper I thought they were xenon on full beam too, mine look like they are, they're well bright on full beam :?

 

[cj10jeeper]

You're correct and I probably should have been clearer. Of the 2 lights within the headlight unit 1 is Xenon that operates on dipped and main. The other is a straight halogen that works in conjunction with the xenon on main or standalone when 'flashing' the lights

 

[Wondermike]

Yep that makes sense now