Xenon headlights in place of halogen headlights

[j_thiel]

I have a 2002 with the basic halogen headlights, so whats stopping me from upgrading to the newer xenon self leveling headlights?

I understand ballasts are needed as well as some sensors, any help highly appreciated!

[tmv]

Should be a direct swap. However you won't have the self leveling feature.

[j_thiel]

I have decided I am fine without the self leveling feature. It seems like too much to add and having them static is just one less thing to break down the road. I am just wondering if the connectors will match up, and if I need the OEM ballasts as well as this relay set up: http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...on-bmw-x5.html

I figure I need the ballasts but what about ignitors?

[Joshdub]

I am pretty sure the OE igniters are a part of the ballast.

What I would do if I were in your shoes is to buy a set of the Spyder housings off of eBay, retrofit in the EvoXR projectors. You can get almost everything you need on Theretrofitsource.com. I am currently in the middle of building bixenons headlights using the Spyder housing and Evo projectors. If you're going to spend the money and time, you may as well do it right in the first place.

Fits Black 01 03 E53 x5 CCFL Halo Projector Headlights Lights Lamps Left Right | eBay

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/co...l#.VuMNrvkrLIU

[Ricky Bobby]

- You may need to code your BMW or use canbus modules to be sure you don't get bulb out errors - as xenons draw less wattage than the 55w halogen bulbs

[j_thiel]

If I cancel those codes out with a code reader, I am assuming they will come back?

[Ricky Bobby]

If you are just clearing codes and not correcting anything then yes.

Canbus modules are plugged in line with the ballasts so you don't throw errors.

[j_thiel]

So something like this: Fog Lights 6000K H11 35W Canbus No Error Slim Xenon HID 02 13 for BMW x5 E53 E70 | eBay
then ditch the lights, or do you have a better source for a canbus module?

[Zulu95]

Originally Posted by j_thiel

So something like this: Fog Lights 6000K H11 35W Canbus No Error Slim Xenon HID 02 13 for BMW x5 E53 E70 | eBay
then ditch the lights, or do you have a better source for a canbus module?

Read the article again and make your own modules. Costs about $15.

[j_thiel]

ah, so the relays cancel out the need for the Canbus? that is where I was getting confused. Reading too many articles