Aftermarket Headlamps - GennTec

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by hoaesq

Any suggestions on ones that have self leveling? Mines an 05 and they will need new lenses soon. Haven't seen anything other than the dealer and those cost a bunch.

Well since the OP is talking about pre-facelift lights, and you have an '05, I don't think these would be applicable to you.

And unless you want to spend almost 2k on European adaptive headlights, I would say buy the 20 dollar 3M headlight restoration kit and restore your existing lenses! I'm sure all they need is some TLC to bring back the original luster, headlight lenses don't go bad, they get oxidized. You need to remove that layer, re-seal them and they will be like new.

[hoaesq]

Yeah . . . I've researched and you are correct, that darn protective film goes yellow after years of beating from the sun and elements. I'm a really handy guy but for some reason, the resto kits scare me. I'd hate to scratch the heck out of the plastic and am left with my screw up and need to drop some serious change for new units.

Guess I'll get the kit and try it on a friend's car and if it works well, I'll do it on mine.

[tmv]

I use the 3M kit on both of my bimmers. They are not as scary as it seems. Make sure you re-seal them with some type of film after the work. I put 3M film on the 4.8iS, nothing on my E39 and they shows the oxidation again now.

[hoaesq]

Cool. I'll run out an get it and the seal.

[740ilDuke]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Those look terrible.


Why don't you get these (same seller), 25 bucks less, and they look more OEM? tmv had a pair on his old 3.0, they literally look like facelifted lights!

2001 2003 BMW E53 x5 Halo Black Projector Headlights Lamp Head Lights Pair Set | eBay

I went to buy them and the price is now $999 LOL

[tmv]

Normally that means they are back-order.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by tmv

Normally that means they are back-order.

Yes they are on backorder right now (the black ones) and I am in contact with Spyder about an ETA for a new shipment, a month ago he had no ETA but I will send a follow up.

You'd think Spyder would have more units made since they sell quicker than any of their other E53 headlights?

Alternately, if you want a set now and don't mind a little DIY, you can buy the chrome housing versions and paint the shroud flat/satin black, once the housings are open everything comes apart quite easily. I may be doing that route for myself when I get the project done for a member I am doing a retrofit for.

[740ilDuke]

Cool! Yeah - Ill just wait. My X5 has been at the paint booth since 8/10/13. Long story. I hope to have it back by 10/27 - maybe they will have some new cans by then.

Thank you for the update.

I found these - but they are about $150 more - and I like the other ones better.

00 03 BMW E53 x5 Angel Eye Projector Headlights Black | eBay

[Ricky Bobby]

I'll keep you posted when my contact at Spyder gets back to me with the newest ETA, and yeah the Depos for 350 are nice, but they have halogen rings, and to be honest, a shit projector compared to the Spyders. The Spyders have a replica E55 Hella projector which is an H7 bulb fitment, so replica of what we have in our cars stock, just a halogen version. And CCFL rings instead of halogen.

I just enjoy the Spyder headlights so much more because they look so OEM+, like a true facelift looking headlight. And best of all, your self level motors and ballasts can be swapped over and you can actually swap stock xenon projectors in them if you wanted to bake them open, the Depo's you can't, because the projector is different size and won't bolt on.

[740ilDuke]

Great info. - I agree the lights dont look as good - at all. Hope they crank some more Spyders out in the next couple of months.