Predator Ice Install problem - help!

X5Jay · #1 10-24-2006, 09:50 AM

Anyone install the Predator Ice modules in your X5 yet? While JL & crew are really trying to help, I just can't get these things to seat properly in the socket so I can give them that quarter turn to lock them in - on either side! I've tried it with the O-ring removed and even with the cap (the piece that holds the lens) removed to see if that made a difference and no luck. I can get just 2 of the tabs in (the square side tab and either the top or the bottom tab), but not all three. I carefully looked at the new modules and compared them with the OEMs (I even took a bunch of measurements with calipers) and there's nothing obvious that I can see that would tell me they won't fit. I just can't see well enough into the sockets either to see what's blocking the fit. Any ideas? TIA!

jaba · #2 10-24-2006, 11:45 AM

Yea me too, I'm having the exact problem. My predator ice is just laying around in my drawer until i have the time to work on it.

X5Jay · #3 10-24-2006, 01:43 PM

Anyone else?

Jaba - I'll let you know if I get any more info...

GeneArch · #4 10-24-2006, 06:26 PM

Was planning on installing mine this evening... looks like I'll have to do a test fit before getting into wiring.

X5Jay · #5 10-24-2006, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneArch

Was planning on installing mine this evening... looks like I'll have to do a test fit before getting into wiring.

Yes, definitely do a test fit before wiring. Also, I'm not sure why they supplied so much wire, especially the additional ones that aren't connected to anything. I also wish they used the same connector so that it would truly be a plug & play instead of using those crimp-ons. If I ever get the fitting issue resolved, I think I'm going to see if I can find the right connector, add that, and get rid of all that extra wiring. Let us know how it goes for you tonight and good luck!

jaba · #6 10-24-2006, 07:31 PM

Thanks X5Jay.

Well, I gave another good hour to fit the predator ice and i can't seem to get them properly/correctly secured in. This thing is a b**ch to fit. I hope JL can find a way to help us out cause this is really frustrating. I've had the ice's for almost a month now and i can't seem to get them to fit properly.

loansinpa · #7 10-24-2006, 06:31 PM

I put them in my 540 a few weeks ago. They do fit snug. I found it easiest just to see how the old one's came out (where the tabs were) and that gave me a good starting point as how to have the new bulbs rotated going in. It was just a matter of setting it in and twisting it back & forth a bit until the tabs lined up.

X5Jay · #8 10-24-2006, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loansinpa

I put them in my 540 a few weeks ago. They do fit snug. I found it easiest just to see how the old one's came out (where the tabs were) and that gave me a good starting point as how to have the new bulbs rotated going in. It was just a matter of setting it in and twisting it back & forth a bit until the tabs lined up.

Thanks loansinpa! I understand exactly what you are saying but I tried for more than 2 hours and they simply won't fit in the sockets. As you know, they need to be pushed in far enough before you can turn and lock them in - this is where the problem is - they just can't be pushed in far enough so that all 3 tabs make it through the slots. One side always ends up out too far either on the top or the bottom. Snug is one thing, but this is much more than snug...

X5Jay · #9 10-24-2006, 08:07 PM

OK folks, I figured it out...

If you look at the 3 tabs, you'll see that 1 is very square in shape and the other 2 are a bit wider and have a rounded outer edge. Using a fairly accurate caliper, I measured the widest distance between the 2 similar rounded tabs on both the OEM module and the PI module. I found that the PI modules were about .5mm wider than the OEM. Using a big bench grinder, I very gingerly ground about .25 mm's each from these two tabs to roughly match the OEM dimensions. I trimmed at the same angle as the outer edge of the tabs as well. It worked! You can just use a file to do the same thing - it'll just take a little longer that the 2 seconds it took me with the grinder...

Now, what to do about all that freaking extra wire and the connection method. I remember JL saying an upgrade to a brighter module will be possible in the near future for a reasonable price, so I'm thinking I'd better just install it as is so that I can trade it in in the same condition I bought it.

Sorry about the lack of pics - I hope I described it well enough. I'm just really busy and didn't have time for the pics...

Anyhow, give the above a shot and let us know how you make out....

umnitza · #10 10-24-2006, 08:50 PM

Please review:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...light=Predator

Is it similar?