I did it! No more wafers! - But how do I...

[FAT_X5]

Hello-

I finally got the nerve to crack open my 2001 4.4i with HID headlights and take the wafers out. They look much better. The one thing that I couldnt figure out was how to disconnect the HID wiring.. All of the other wires were easy to unplug, the HID went into the headlight and attached at a 90 degree angle. No room to back it out. I had to do the entire process while leaving them attached to the car. It was a PITA. Anyone know how to do that? I'd like to get back in there and replace the HID bulb...



Thanks for all of the help, this forum saved me hundreds that I would have spent on new headlights.. Instead, I brough my existing headlights into this decade...

[wilkoturbo]

hey got any pics without the wafers in

[moneytree]

one question, I thought in order to crack open the headlights, we need to bake them in the oven first because of the glue? or how is the procedure?

any pic available (before/after)? I am also thinking of doing this

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by moneytree

any pic available (before/after)? I am also thinking of doing this

Some after pics: http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/24233-aes.html (See posts #25 & #26)

[Weasel]

And the only way to get that pain of a connector off to fully remove the headlight is to remove the back cover of the headlight, once it's pulled loose/out, you will see the T20 torx head screws holding the cover on, a couple on top and I believe only one on the bottom. Take those out and the rear cover comes right off, leting you get the HID wiring off.

[FAT_X5]

Thanks for the info. I do have a torx set, I may go back in and further customize...

I didn't have to bake the headlights, I think it was because mine was a 2001.






I don't have before pictures.., here are some after.

I thought about removing the amber and clear reflectors from the headlights, but it's my wife's car and it's too dangerous.

[pski215]

since you didnt have to bake how did you open the headlight?

[X5Dawg]

Originally Posted by weasel56

And the only way to get that pain of a connector off to fully remove the headlight is to remove the back cover of the headlight, once it's pulled loose/out, you will see the T20 torx head screws holding the cover on, a couple on top and I believe only one on the bottom. Take those out and the rear cover comes right off, leting you get the HID wiring off.

This is correct - just took this cover off a few days ago.

[FAT_X5]

I just used a screwdriver and some patience to get them apart. I had to be careful no to crack the housing or break the tabs. Two flat heads and slow pulling worked just fine.

[pski215]

i tried to do it today however the cover would not come off.