Countdown to Xenon/Angel Install- Final Q's! - Page 2

Mindfull · #11 03-10-2006, 09:23 PM

That's awesome Zulu, Thx so much for taking the time to do that- Hope it was no trouble- I found the info invaluable and I'm sure others will as well.
NickNick- Good luck on Sunday! Hope the extra info comes in handy when she's under the knife (or screwdriver).
Looks like I'll have to do Phase 1 (the bake/AE's/ambers) on my Xenon headlights this weekend, then wait till my Inspection II is done with the old halogens before the final install. Scheduled for next Tuesday at the dealer. (This is to avoid dealer reprogramming which Zulu said can get ugly if any part of the wiring doesn't match OEM retrofit- I'd much rather have em in, running, and no-errors etc when the car return for oil service in 15k mi). Looking forward!
M

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Mindfull · #12 03-10-2006, 10:19 PM

Anyone try to color the insides of their headlights after removing all waffles?
I'm not wild about how the lamps look with waffles out and no-paint, but this looks interesting on a X3.

Zulu95 · #13 03-11-2006, 09:49 AM

If anybody needs the upgrade article befote it's posted PM me with your e-mail address and I'll send it on.

Mindfull · #14 03-11-2006, 06:08 PM

Thanks Zulu! Awesome work on that article- helps with the fine points!
I'm baking tonight or tomorrow.... How's it coming NickNick?
M

Zulu95 · #15 03-11-2006, 06:16 PM

Nothing like the smell of fresh baked headlamp!

cynicalwry · #16 03-11-2006, 10:20 PM

For DDE pics, check out our install on Paul's car. We painted the turn signal section after removing the front lens.
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...t-aproach.html

Mindfull · #17 03-12-2006, 01:27 AM

Wow Cynical,
Very nice pix & details on painting the side reflectors. I've seen it a few times with Silver & White, but since I have steel grey ext, it's hard to decide which way to go on this. Matching the body would prob'ly be way too dark... Maybe I could titanium and changeout the grill to titanium too... Hmmm. Food for thought, & possibly a trip for paint, so it looks like it'll be tomorrow for the bake. Thx again!
M

Mindfull · #18 03-12-2006, 03:40 PM

Hey All,
So apparently wiring these puppies (the AE's that is) is more involved than anticipated, especially on top of adding the Xenons. I really only have 4-5 hour windows of time, and it looks like I'll need 3:

-Phase 1: Bake new Xenon Headlights, put AE rings in place, Ambers cleared, waffles/projectors modded as desired, Possibly paint inside like Cynical's example above (I like!)
-Phase 2: Install Xenon Ballasts & wire headlights in. Test function of Xenons.
-Phase 3: Wire AE's/DDE's into ECU and also (separately apparently) wire remote activation kit (4hrs and 20 mins respectively). Test AE & Xenon functions together.

Seriously considering having a shop take 1 or 2 of those phases off my hands. Apparently Umnitza is within 30 minutes of my house! They get a call 1st thing in the AM! I'm ok with the bake, actually, but reports of the DDE wiring taking too long is what's getting me less interested in DIY. Anyone have tips to make the install quicker? Avoid ECU? Successful Bay Area shop install? Any of the above would be helpful! Thx!
M

nicknick1 · #19 03-12-2006, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindfull

Hey All,
So apparently wiring these puppies (the AE's that is) is more involved than anticipated, especially on top of adding the Xenons. I really only have 4-5 hour windows of time, and it looks like I'll need 3:

-Phase 1: Bake new Xenon Headlights, put AE rings in place, Ambers cleared, waffles/projectors modded as desired, Possibly paint inside like Cynical's example above (I like!)
-Phase 2: Install Xenon Ballasts & wire headlights in. Test function of Xenons.
-Phase 3: Wire AE's/DDE's into ECU and also (separately apparently) wire remote activation kit (4hrs and 20 mins respectively). Test AE & Xenon functions together.

Seriously considering having a shop take 1 or 2 of those phases off my hands. Apparently Umnitza is within 30 minutes of my house! They get a call 1st thing in the AM! I'm ok with the bake, actually, but reports of the DDE wiring taking too long is what's getting me less interested in DIY. Anyone have tips to make the install quicker? Avoid ECU? Successful Bay Area shop install? Any of the above would be helpful! Thx!
M

Hi Mindfull:

I have aborted after starting to remove the lights, I need better instructions. Sure wish there was an installer in my area, I would be there today........

Mindfull · #20 03-12-2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicknick1

Hi Mindfull:

I have aborted after starting to remove the lights, I need better instructions. Sure wish there was an installer in my area, I would be there today........

That's a shame Nicknick, but understandable given the lack of detailed instructions & the shortness of the wires. For anyone heading into the job, hopefully the links are helpful, until better/fuller info arrives.
Oh, and NickNick, could you email me the pdf install doc you got? For some reason I didn't get one with my purchase, and likely won't hear from them till tomorrow if I do. My email is available on my Profile here so you can send an attachment. THX. I'll also follow up with JLevi tomorrow to see if any more details are available about wires being long enough, connections fitting X5 ECU wiring, etc. If it's known they're not compatible, seems like the Manufacturer/ vendor would include alternate connections to suit, since the box says "X5 Kit". Make sense? JLevi?

M

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