I also had the e-bay specials Clockwork posted. Albeit, I had them about 6 or 7 years ago on my e39. They lasted less than 1/2 year.
Then I purchased 2 sets from Umnitza. One was the ICE 5 the other ICE Vxx. Both sets are still working today. They are maybe a smidge brighter than the e-bay specials, but there is definitely a different quality. The e-bay is lacking the term "quality". One set from Umnitza ended up in my e53.

On the e39 boards were different members that tried improving the light output of the stock AE's with different solutions, like this one (here's the thread with the build):

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...Photo-0025.jpg

The best was done by a member from Japan, who moved States side, and relocated a HID bulb in the OEM AE bulb housing, like this (here's the post). The light output is close to the new e70. The AE bulbs from e39 and e53 are different, but the e39 fits in the e53 housing (not sure if vice-versa works too - I didn't have to try it):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/...f7c46281_o.jpg


Here's the Youtube vid with HID angel eyes:

HID Angel-Eye - YouTube

Thanks a lot for all the advice guys.

Looking at the internals of the light, I totally agree that the main challenge is the optics that the light has to pass through.

Looking at the 20W versions with side directional beams, just a gimmic. That light wont reach the rings IMO, as they are connected via a single front beam.

So in the end, I decided that the 5W LEDSs that I had already were fine. They lasted 2 years. Only one has now packed up, so I have a spare ;) - and they are half the price of the 20W (and a lot cheaper than they were when I bought them 2 years ago).

Thanks again. Cheers, Kev.

Dont know what wattage they are but I run the WeissLicht (sp?). Angel Eye led replacement bulbs.. Had them for about a year with no problems, super white and bright even in daylight. Def worth the money IMO. think they ran about 129 or so for the pair with a nice big aluminum heat sink + small ballast/error free device that tucks neat and easy into the headlight cavity. Im new here so i dont know if dropping store names is allowed but im bery happy with them and would recommend to anybody looking to update their angel eyes.
I have been doing aloy of reading but still havent dealved into hardwiring these as DRLS for now i just run with parking lights on.
I came across a thread mentioning the Daeos Vista wiring harness but when I search now I cannot find it again..
The site that sells the harness has it listed as for the E90, I inquired with the and they said they had heard that it may work with the X5 E53 but had not tested it out themselves..
Anyone know more about this harness?

This may be of some use to you then...

Diagram is here: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-expert-3.html