2005 Halogen to HID Conversion Help

[Mozzie]

Hi, I have searched a couple hundred of the thousand posts on headlights as I am interested in getting whiter headlights. Sorry for dumbing down this thread but how do I know if I have xenon head lights or standard? I have a 2004 build facelift E53. Have attached a pic. Thanks...

[X Foomph]

Mozzie,
Xenon headlights are also known as HID's (High Intensity Discharge) lights. They use a xenon gas filled bulb and a projector to emit a light beam as opposed to a standard halogen light which essentially bounces light off a curved mirrored surface.
Xenon h/lights are very easily identified by slightly different hues of blue, purple, white etc when viewed from different angles. You may recall seeing an HID equipped vehicle going over a speed bump at night time, it's quite noticeable when doing so.
Xenon h/lights are completely different from halogen lights when viewed from a distance. They emit a much whiter (usually) and far brighter light beam.
Asides from the above, HID h/lights have several other advantages over halogens.

You might find this rather informative as it details exactly what you are asking. It's bit of read but well worth being informed if you so desire: intellexual net · m k i v

Also check out this thread by Twins Poppa: Any one with experience with this HID Kit ... (Check out Post #44).

GL

[rlipsitz9]

Hey Mozzie,

From my experience it is probably easier to get a after market HID kit then swap for OEM lights. You can easily tell if you have the halogen bulbs if you look under the hood at the light housing. If you can twist out your low beam bulb then you have a halogen. The white xenon lights require electronic boxes called ballasts and are a bit more complicated as far as access to the bulb goes.

The X5 is a bit deceiving because the headlight housing from the exterior looks identical regardless of having halogen or xenon bulbs. That is because the halogen bulbs use the same style projector as the xenon. In any case I am very happy with my swap to OEM xenon headlights...and in the end it did not cost me but a few hundred dollars...and a few hundred hours of my time.

[Mozzie]

rlipsitz9 & X Foomph, thanks for the info. Definitely something to think about!!