Photoshoot

[MysticBlueX3]

Originally Posted by FULANITO

I have euro clear headlights on my X5 already, but, I'm interested in modifying my oem headlights, perhaps you can give me some pointers as to what paint you used and how close to the euro clears you got!!!:

I'm confused. If you already have euro clears then why do you need to paint them? Well I used high temp metallic silver paint just to be safe. I know headlights run pretty hot and I don't want the paint melting off on me. Technique wise, just the same as you would do for any spray paint. Hold it like a good 6-8" away. Do 2-3 light coats. Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by FULANITO

Also, are your AEs oem or retrofitted?? The reason for my asking is that, if they are oem, I am looking for a way to set up my AEs the way you have yours, even if they don't fade in and out but at least come on when you turn the key. Is it possible that the AEs on the X3 are set up the same way on the X5 (assuming they're oem)??? Would it be possible you come up with a DIY write up? Or at least provide me with some instructions???
Thanks in advance for all your answers!!! And again, I'm not too much of an X3 fan, but I got say yours looks great. Very, very different to the rest. Keep it up, it looks grrrrreat!!!!!

Thanks for the compliments! The mod bug got me good. My AEs are aftermarkets. I think it is possible to set up your OEM AEs like mine. I can give you a general idea of how to do it and get you going in the right direction. I'm no electrical engineer, only a mechanical engineer whos taken a few EE classes, so I can't help you with the details.

First start by seeing which wires are providing your AEs power. You can find out by looking at the X5 wiring diagram. See how much power is needed to power the oem AEs. If it is 9v then you can use the accessory power. Check to make sure the accessory power is giving the same voltage as the voltage your AEs are currently getting. Cut or unplug the wires going to your AE's. Use your own wires and hook your AE's up to the accessory power and the interior lights. Again see the X5 wiring diagram to see where the accessory power is in the ECU. Also be sure to use wires that can handle whatever current or voltage you are getting. It would also be good to set up a wiring harness with a relay and fuse for additional safety. Again I dont' know how to wire any of that up. I'm sure you can buy the wiring harness from any of the aftermarket AE vendors. Try emailing Jlevi for what you are trying to do. Maybe they can provide you with a solution and parts to go along with it. Good luck to you. Again, this is just an idea and I'm not 100% sure it will work. Maybe someone on this board with more electrical knowledge can chime in. Make sure to do your research before hand

[MysticBlueX3]

Originally Posted by rayxi

I thought about doing that as well but wasn't sure how it would look. I have silver paint left over from spraying my amber bulbs. Please post a daytime close up of it if you can.

Here you go. Complete 180.

[FULANITO]

Originally Posted by MysticBlueX3

I'm confused. If you already have euro clears then why do you need to paint them? Well I used high temp metallic silver paint just to be safe. I know headlights run pretty hot and I don't want the paint melting off on me. Technique wise, just the same as you would do for any spray paint. Hold it like a good 6-8" away. Do 2-3 light coats. Hope that helps.

Don't be confused, I'm trying to do this on my OEM headlights!!! Did you do any clear coats??

Originally Posted by MysticBlueX3

Thanks for the compliments! The mod bug got me good. My AEs are aftermarkets. I think it is possible to set up your OEM AEs like mine. I can give you a general idea of how to do it and get you going in the right direction. I'm no electrical engineer, only a mechanical engineer whos taken a few EE classes, so I can't help you with the details.

First start by seeing which wires are providing your AEs power. You can find out by looking at the X5 wiring diagram. See how much power is needed to power the oem AEs. If it is 9v then you can use the accessory power. Check to make sure the accessory power is giving the same voltage as the voltage your AEs are currently getting. Cut or unplug the wires going to your AE's. Use your own wires and hook your AE's up to the accessory power and the interior lights. Again see the X5 wiring diagram to see where the accessory power is in the ECU. Also be sure to use wires that can handle whatever current or voltage you are getting. It would also be good to set up a wiring harness with a relay and fuse for additional safety. Again I dont' know how to wire any of that up. I'm sure you can buy the wiring harness from any of the aftermarket AE vendors. Try emailing Jlevi for what you are trying to do. Maybe they can provide you with a solution and parts to go along with it. Good luck to you. Again, this is just an idea and I'm not 100% sure it will work. Maybe someone on this board with more electrical knowledge can chime in. Make sure to do your research before hand

Thanks for the write up, I'll start looking into this later today!!! I wonder if I can just use wire taps instead of unplugging the wires??

[MysticBlueX3]

Originally Posted by FULANITO

Did you do any clear coats??

Nop

[xx3]

Originally Posted by MysticBlueX3

Nop

Very nice job.

Where did you get the clear signal light?

People don't realize how much a clear corner can change the look of a car. On the X3 especially its night & day !

[rayxi]

Nice photos of your corner lights! Looks nice. I think I'll have to paint my corners as well.

[motordavid]

Mystic:
Damn, those are some fineAzz and seriously Big pics!

Great stuff...I too, like your "corners look"!
BR,md

[MysticBlueX3]

Originally Posted by xx3

Very nice job.

Where did you get the clear signal light?

People don't realize how much a clear corner can change the look of a car. On the X3 especially its night & day !

Thanks! I got the bulbs from bimmian.

[White05X3]

Your car looks awesome! And FWIW, don't write off the X3 in a straight line against the 4.4... It would be awfully close me thinks

[FULANITO]

Hey MysticblueX3, did you think about painting the black face on the headlights??? What did you use to reseal the headlights???
Again, your X3 is magnificent!!!!