unsure if it's just a lens insert that's different or not
 

I didn't have a photo anywhere, except for two 3/4 views from different angles in the daytime. So, dodging T-storms just now, I went out and took a few photos and edited them at my PC.

I'm lousy taking pics, so don't make fun of mine. I have the X5 parked real close to the garage door, and I was straddling some ramps and concrete blocks (that I was setting up as a secondary outside work station), so that's why the photos have problems.

Attachment 84028

Attachment 84029

Is the left clear lens correct? or the right amber lens? both gave off the same color value and intensity when I flashed them, just now.

The complete headlight assemblies have the same fit as each other, so they must both be pre-facelift.

Does this help, or confuscate the subject?

This thread has diverged! :rolleyes:

Pre-facelift and facelift heads lights are NOT interchangeable.

Both headlight types were produced in DOT and Euro versions, where the Euro versions had less amber in the corners (turn signals).

Clear as mud... (or an old e53 headlight lens! :rofl:)

EURO or DOT?... as long as it works, it's OK by me
 

So, you're saying that if both headlights fit correctly, they're both pre-facelift, and mine has the EURO version on the left (clear turn signal lens), and the DOT version on the right (amber turn signal lens).
Attachment 84030

I guess that one of the two previous owners had to replace the left one with a EURO version. It doesn;t matter to me, as they both put out the same amount of light, and (to me) the same light temperature. It's not worth my money to make both identical; it's just a project car to play with, during my "golden years". BMW's have a reputation for needing extensive repairs over an extended period of time, so that's perfect for me, being an inveterate tinkerer.