Halogen to OEM xenon conversion

[0xid0]

Hi,

I searched in lot of posts, but very old or the information are not very clear. Im tired of not having night visibility with halogen lights (i tried many bulbs, but same result). And tried some kits, but melt the bulbs.

So i decided to install OEM xenon, but in some stages. Initially, with low beam, without water spray and height level sensors and later, add water spray, height level and high-beam lights. So, after look in some posts, i need the following:


BMW Z4 E85 E86 Xenon Headlight Control Unit


BMW Z4 E85 E86 Xenon Dipped beam Igniter (bought)



BMW Z4 E85 E86 Headlight Xenon HID Ballast Control Unit To D2S Bulb Igniter Harness Cable Wires



2002-2008 BMW Z4 E85 E86 Headlights Low Beam D2S Bulb Replacement (bought)

Ok, i have a couple questions:
- I needed some wiring harness in addition to appearing in the list? i think needed two, right?
- I needed to change the projector? i found this post: http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4356 and and it seems that modifies the oem halogen projector, but it is not clear
- If only run with low beams for the moment, i need to buy the LCM?
- The colour of the stock xenon bulbs are 4300k?

Thanks!

 

[Scooba_Steve]

You seem to be trying to convert your existing headlights. This will be more hassle than a HID kit or headlight swap and I'd advise against it, it's also unlikely anyone can give you advice on what to do as I don't think this method has been tried before.

Whatever you do fit the washers first. Then either fit a HD kit to replace the H4 bulbs or replace the entire headlamp units for OE xenons. These will need to be coded to the LCM.

OE is 4300 K - it tried 5000 K and felt eye strain.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Pointless attempting it and I've stripped, rebuilt and messed with many sets to know how they are built

You need a different shape and size reflector inside the headlight to hold a xenon bulb and ignitor
Different size and shape of loom and connector for the headlamp
New bottom connector already built into the light unit (where the ballast will bolt to
replacement or recoded LCM to drive xenon not halogen
In theory loom and suspension sensors to level the lamps, but you might get it to work manually

Just fit a HID kit if more light is what you want (although I don't like the way they do not correctly focus)

 

[0xid0]

Just fit a HID kit if more light is what you want (although I don't like the way they do not correctly focus)

I tried some kits with different qualities, but all of them failed after passed some time. This is the reason for go to OEM, even its more expensive.

 

[0xid0]

Another guide of the conversion (in Spanish):

http://www.bmwfaq.com/threads/transformar-faro-z4-halogeno-a-bixenon.834244/

 

[cj10jeeper]

Although not fully fluent in Spanish I can read enough of that to see the person is basically replacing all the inners of a halogen with xenon parts as I listed (inners, loom, connectors, etc.)

I don't change my opinion that it's pointless - unless you happen to have access to all those inners as well as all the pieces you listed.

 

[BlackSapphireZ]

[post]1328420[/post]

So i decided to install OEM xenon, but in some stages. Initially, with low beam, without water spray and hei

ok its been almost 8 years or so since i've done this so bare with me... Some facts

HALOGEN-->Aftermarket HID-->OEM BULB

so only the BULB is OEM for quality and color. To get HID working with factory without bulb out, I used conversion kit to power from exisiting low beam and swapped entire projector lens. you need to, to be able to use factory bulb and to have Bi-xenon function.

Wiring...
Low beam --> Aftermarket HID --> OEM BULB
High Beam --> OEM Bi-xenon Bulb & Halogen high beam (so I had QUAD BEAM for high...extremely bright)

that was it. If i remember correctly some Mercedes E class and BMW projectors are identical to the Z4 and can be used. make sure the bi-xenon function is good(opens and closes the light shield)

hope it helps a little. I don't remember all the technical details since its been so long!

 

[0xid0]

[post]1328420[/post]

So i decided to install OEM xenon, but in some stages. Initially, with low beam, without water spray and hei

ok its been almost 8 years or so since i've done this so bare with me... Some facts

HALOGEN-->Aftermarket HID-->OEM BULB

so only the BULB is OEM for quality and color. To get HID working with factory without bulb out, I used conversion kit to power from exisiting low beam and swapped entire projector lens. you need to, to be able to use factory bulb and to have Bi-xenon function.

Wiring...
Low beam --> Aftermarket HID --> OEM BULB
High Beam --> OEM Bi-xenon Bulb & Halogen high beam (so I had QUAD BEAM for high...extremely bright)

that was it. If i remember correctly some Mercedes E class and BMW projectors are identical to the Z4 and can be used. make sure the bi-xenon function is good(opens and closes the light shield)

hope it helps a little. I don't remember all the technical details since its been so long!

Thanks for your help! but i understand in your post made 8 years ago you are using oem parts for doing this conversion.

Im triying to find hella E55 projectors (the same of Z4 and E Class) but hard to find

 

[srhutch]

You say you have tried different bulbs, but have you tried raising the height of the headlamps. This was the only thing I found that really worked on my old Z4.

 

[0xid0]

You say you have tried different bulbs, but have you tried raising the height of the headlamps. This was the only thing I found that really worked on my old Z4.

Yes, now i have in the highest position but the light is like two candles hehe

 

[Scooba_Steve]

My hid kit is going strong two years on, came from hidsdirect. If you want oem just get the headlamps, this middle ground approach is so much more hassle.

 

[Ducklakeview]

You say you have tried different bulbs, but have you tried raising the height of the headlamps. This was the only thing I found that really worked on my old Z4.

Yes, now i have in the highest position but the light is like two candles hehe

Try cleaning the inner lens... http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=82010&hilit=lens

I did mine at the same time as fitting a HID kit, the difference is immense, and unlike others, mine appear to be pin sharp in terms of beam pattern.

Mike

 

[srhutch]

You say you have tried different bulbs, but have you tried raising the height of the headlamps. This was the only thing I found that really worked on my old Z4.

Yes, now i have in the highest position but the light is like two candles hehe

I don't mean the switch on the dash, you need to adjust under the bonnet.

 

[0xid0]

You say you have tried different bulbs, but have you tried raising the height of the headlamps. This was the only thing I found that really worked on my old Z4.

Yes, now i have in the highest position but the light is like two candles hehe

I don't mean the switch on the dash, you need to adjust under the bonnet.

But i have halogen, i can adjust in dash (in LCM)

 

[Steve84N]

Only a limited range which is designed to dip the beams when your arse is loaded up. Get under the bonnet and adjust the point at which they level to and you'll see a marked improvement, don't go too far though or you'll dazzle other cars. A good test is to do it at night then go down the road and look at your car from driver's head height.

 

[faz_b]

My hid kit is going strong two years on, came from hidsdirect. If you want oem just get the headlamps, this middle ground approach is so much more hassle.

This. If HID light is that important, definitely worth considering a good quality aftermarket kit. Admittedly this can feel like a bit of a minefield given the volume of kits that are out there.

For the last three cars I have had, I always had mine done with these guys: http://xenonhids.co.uk/

They are based in SW London, very reasonably priced, but most importantly, know what kits work best with what cars. i.e. longevity and reliability, error free, canbus compatible etc. They will also ask you colour preference from 4000K to 8000K.

For my current z4 I had a HID dipped beam kit and 5 interior bulbs (2 footwell, 3 courtesy light) swapped out and fitted. including the install cost £130 and was done within half hour on the spot while I waited.

I used them for the first time a number of years ago on a 330 convertible I had and installed all the bulbs within a week of owning the car. Had the car 2 1/2 years and never had to replace anything.

Irrespective of whether you use them or not, the cost and hassle you will go through on a retro fit might actually result in something less reliable for a higher figure as it wasn't specced as an OE option on your car?.... doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense.

 

[0xid0]

I have some questions about jet washers:

- Its possible to buy mounting brackets with hallogen bumper?
- I need to replace reservoir tank or i can do a mod in my tank?
- Need wiring for washers nozzles?

Thanks!

 

[cj10jeeper]

I have some questions about jet washers:

- Its possible to buy mounting brackets with hallogen bumper?
- I need to replace reservoir tank or i can do a mod in my tank?
- Need wiring for washers nozzles?

Thanks!

The mounting bracket is already moulded into the rear of all bumpers. You can even see the cut-out lines for the washer covers on the inside of the bumper.

I'm pretty sure the tank is the same moulding and wiring is in place, but typical of BMW this may not be true for later model years as they started stripping bits off looms post 2004

 

[0xid0]

I have some questions about jet washers:

- Its possible to buy mounting brackets with hallogen bumper?
- I need to replace reservoir tank or i can do a mod in my tank?
- Need wiring for washers nozzles?

Thanks!

The mounting bracket is already moulded into the rear of all bumpers. You can even see the cut-out lines for the washer covers on the inside of the bumper.

I'm pretty sure the tank is the same moulding and wiring is in place, but typical of BMW this may not be true for later model years as they started stripping bits off looms post 2004

Thanks, i will see this.

 

[Yorkie Z]

You are aware that Xenon's are completely crap also!!