Headlight Modification E53 00-03': CCFL Angel Eyes & Removing the Lenses

zerochief · #1 09-02-2007, 01:32 AM

Headlights are modified per articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 19 under "Lights" on the X5 Tips and Tricks webpage. They are OEM xenons with the lenses removed, CCFL angel eyes, cleared corners and invisibulbs installed.

Note: Headlights must be mfr'd prior to 10/2002. After that Hella Corp changed the glue and they are very hard to open. Check the date code on the back of the headlight housing.

You read the stamp like this (reading 08/2001):

Removed the amber, sanded the outside reflector edge black, painted the sockets chrome and installed InvisiLite bulbs.

About adhering the AE rings to the black inner headlight housing:

Once the waffles are removed, hold the angel eyes where you want them. There is a small tab on the rings. Mark where the tab meets the black inner frame and make a cut out so its fits nicely.

Now, position the rings where you want them, with the tab in place. Tape them somewhat loose with blue painters tape. Adjust the rings as needed eventually taping them securely in place. A few pieces of tape will suffice.

When you are happy with the fitment of the rings to the black inner frame, place 3 beads of clear RTV silicone per the pic below. I put my beads behind the rings mostly so that its not very noticeable. At this point don't mess with it anymore, let the RTV cure. This can take some time. Read the tube for dry time. I waited about an hour.

Carefully remove the blue tape and your good to go.

Bosch type relay explained...........Specific wiring instructions

Sponsored Links

george1202 · #2 09-02-2007, 08:42 AM

Very nice. Better than some euro versions I've seen. Good job zero chief

Ambrosius · #3 09-16-2007, 03:06 PM

I LOVE these!!!

Any suggestion, ideas, tip, website, tutorials on how to do this to my headlights would be greatly appreciated. My headlight were manufacturered in 7/2002. Here is a picture of them. As you can see zerochief's are way better looking.

Ambro

george1202 · #4 09-16-2007, 03:27 PM

Zerochief's headlight are xenon headlights as compared to yours which is Halogens. If he clears out the waffles in his headlight, his lowbeam will not be affected as he has HID projectors. If you take the waffles out of your headlight (assuming you can bake and open your headlights--which is tough to tell with a 07/2002 date), you will distort your beam pattern and throw light beams all over the place, possibly blind some oncoming cars.

I would suggest change your headlights and do a xenon retrofit (look for an 01 production xenon headlights) and also clear the waffles out.