Difference between Xenon & Halogen headlamp bodies

[Sadgrandad]

Apologies if this is old hat but a forum search and lots of interweb trawling hasn't provided what i need to know.
I have two fully functional Xenon headlights on a 2005 E85 but the O/S is black and the N/S is silver.
I want a black N/S headlight to match the O/S.
They are not angel eyes
Are the actual main headlight bodies similar or near enough similar to be swappable, with little or no modification?
I ask because I've come across several halogen lamps for sale and wondered if i can fit my xenon electrics?
Thanks for your patience,
Rod

 

[LittleZ4]

If memory serves me right the looms are integrated into the body of the lamps making them a bastard to remove?
The looms are different between the xenon and the halogens so I think you would have a fair bit of work if you wanted to swap bits over and still keep it looking factory. What side are you wanting to change? I may still have a silver xenon headlight kicking about that you could put your bits into? I gutted it for spares as I brought a new set. Can't remember what side it is though.

 

[Sadgrandad]

Thanks very much for your informative reply - I think I’ll have to bite the bullet and look to buy a xenon replacement. Unfortunately it’s a black lamp I’m after, but your shared knowledge has helped me on my way.

 

[kis]

Really depends how much work you're willing (and able) to put into it. The xenon has an additional loom, which passes through the ballast underneath the headlight. It wouldn't take much work to cut out the opening and put your xenon wiring into the halogen case. The only way of achieving this, unfortunately is to take the lens off. Without the lens off, you simply don't have the access you need to do the work.

So you've got two options, you can effectively buy a black halogen light and do a cut and shut. Creating a frankenstein xenon headlight using the "working/undamaged" parts.

Alternatively (you're easiest option) is to buy a matching silver light (and sell on the working black one you have). This is because silver xenons are more plentiful than the black. This will be a more expensive option, as the xenon units hold a premium over the halogen.