Pre-facelift X5's and OEM replacement Xenons

[asawadude]

I was just thinking about this today - I have an '02 X5 that I want to install Chromium Predators on.

When I bought it as a CPO, I had my dealer swap out the Xenon lights because of condensation so I have two new replacement units. Now I'm wondering if I have the unseparable '03 units instead of the separable '02 units.

It doesn't like BMW would stock two different Xenon headlight units for pre-facelift cars. Since the '03 was the last production year for this headlight unit, it makes sense that this unit would be what is current in stock as OEM replacement.

If nobody has an answer, I guess I'll pull them out Sunday.

[justintmn]

If you install them on Sunday, it'll be great if you can take note of the wiring diagram and enlighten me. Thanks .

Justin.

[asawadude]

Justin,

I didn't buy the AE's yet because I don't know if I can pop open the headlamps. I have to go back and look, but I think Mindfull did the most recent mod and probably has a detailed writeup.

Regards, Mike

[iop9000]

i think there are 2 date stamps ( like a clock dial) behind the headlight housing which tells you the production date.

[asawadude]

Thanks IOP9000. What I really need to do is match the part number back to realoem. It is entirely possible that BMW could be stocking separate replacement headlights for different model year X5's.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by asawadude

Thanks IOP9000. What I really need to do is match the part number back to realoem. It is entirely possible that BMW could be stocking separate replacement headlights for different model year X5's.

You got the 03 lights....bummer:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...92&hg=63&fg=05

[Mindfull]

Hey Mike-I hope you don't have the lock-tight headlights! I believe the only way to sure is to check the date-dial on the back and the 1 on the front (the front dial is blocked by the soft-rubber trim that wraps around 1/2 of the bulb, so that has to be removed). Wish I could save you the trouble of taking your lights out, but you may have to, since the dealer's replacements could've been from older or newer stock, right?

Justin, I'm still working on getting time to install my lights. The wiring for the xenon upgrade is pretty straight-forward (great articles here, even for the relay needed for a halogen-upgrade). The angel eye wiring is a bit more involved, just cause there's several ways to do it. I'm leaning towards wiring those to an Accessory circuit which will be always on when key is inserted (similar result as Valentine 1 hardwire, just at different wiring point). You can always do the remote install if you want em to come on/off with door locks.

[asawadude]

Mindfull - what did you end up doing? Swapping your '03 lights for some earlier lights?

[Mindfull]

Originally Posted by asawadude

Mindfull - what did you end up doing? Swapping your '03 lights for some earlier lights?

Yep- tho they showed '02's on the back, the front dial showed Spring '03 dates, so they were no-go's. Bought a pair of Fall '01 xenons that opened right up with no probs. Wouldn't wish that first failed bake on anyone!
Best of luck.

[asawadude]

Duh - forgot to check my headlights. Guess it will have to wait until next week.