Headlight Recommendations
 

I am looking to upgrade my headlights and tail light in my 2006 X5 4.8is. I am looking to get some recommendations. My one requirement is the the side marker lights are white and not yellow. Keep in mind that I would replacing the whole assemblies. Cost is of no importance as long as long as the quality and reliability at there.

BMW OE Sport xenon headlights. They come with clear side marker and they are O.E. You may want to get the rear sport OE tailights as they have the clear lenses for the turn signal. My X had the sport package with these lights.

for the front headlights, you would go with OE euro headlights fit for your month/year to make sure you still have adaptive lights - the euro lights have silver "sideway U" instead of yellow... pricey...

your rear already has white blinkers (appear white, have yellow bulb inside), unless someone stole originals and you have the yellow ones.

you can always get the silver bulb - 63217160897

I got them, and very happy - it gives bluish tint, instead of yolk...

This is really the only "upgrade" available for facelifted housings if you want the clear side-markers.
BMW E53 X5 N62 4.8L > Lighting > Headlights > ES#1306805 European Bi-Xenon Headlamp Housings - Pair - 63117166815816

I think they come with the same internals though, so aside from looking cooler, the only way to really upgrade the headlights would be to tear them down and put different projectors in them like I did. This however requires A LOT of work, and beyond most peoples comfort zone.

Do they make that much of a difference?

It's like night and day, no pun intended lol....check out post 46 of the thread below, specifically the size and gradient of the light distribution between the two projectors in the second picture: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...you-say-5.html

The last page has a bit of my initial thoughts. I've been driving around with them for a few weeks now, and they're nothing short of amazing. Definitely worth it if you have the time!