Need DIY for xenon headlights

[Miked053]

Hello all,
I am trying to see what is needed for adding xenon headlights to my 09 128i that came with the standard halogens. Is it as simple as getting the headlights with ballasts and lights or is there more to it (ie. wiring harness modification)? I have seen ECS Tuning's Depo headlights and is this the easiest plug and play? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ShocknAwe]

You'll need coding for sure. Probably harness modification too. I would go with an aftermarket option, probably much easier.

[Chandon]

Done this retrofit first hand and it is not a simple job. You'll need the headlights with all bulbs and ballasts, a new FRM3 MAX, retrofit wiring loom from BMW (or custom wiring), FRM coding and a new set of tail lights with wiring too. This is just for the headlights themselves, which is fine. Some people go to the extent of adding levelers and headlamp washers which I personally didn't do.

[Miked053]

ok, so what might be the best (quality, fitment, longevity) option? **********s?

[Chandon]

Originally Posted by Miked053

ok, so what might be the best (quality, fitment, longevity) option? **********s?

OEM is obviously the best, but the most pricey. Depos have been known to have some minor issues (condensation etc), but nothing serious. In the end I always believe "you get what you pay for".

[Gray_Panther]

You could make your own retrofit.


Mine came with standard halogens, I took apart my housings, cut a hole to mount the projector then sealed them back up.

But I'm not sure you want to go that route.

[fs88]

Gray_Panther, I wish I know how to do that myself, but I am not much a mechanic

By the way, I saw a couple of 2008 E88 for sale (private sell) in my area with Xenon Headlight, I am hoping to approach them to see if they are willing to swap with my stock halogens (2012).

1. What would be a fair price to get swap with those?
2. How much for parts and labor cost I am looking at if done by local shop?

[Gray_Panther]

Originally Posted by fs88

Gray_Panther, I wish I know how to do that myself, but I am not much a mechanic

By the way, I saw a couple of 2008 E88 for sale (private sell) in my area with Xenon Headlight, I am hoping to approach them to see if they are willing to swap with my stock halogens (2012).

1. What would be a fair price to get swap with those?
2. How much for parts and labor cost I am looking at if done by local shop?

It is a daunting but fun task!

Reluctantly the process isn't as easy as swapping out the headlights and I am pretty sure you will be pressed into finding someone who will want to swap out HID's to halogens.
You also have to code the car to accept the HIDs and angel eyes.
You will also have to ask your local mechanic how much the swap should be. No extra parts needed unless ballasts dont come with the headlights.
I would search within this forum on how the process is done.

[reisf]

Originally Posted by fs88

Gray_Panther, I wish I know how to do that myself, but I am not much a mechanic

By the way, I saw a couple of 2008 E88 for sale (private sell) in my area with Xenon Headlight, I am hoping to approach them to see if they are willing to swap with my stock halogens (2012).

1. What would be a fair price to get swap with those?
2. How much for parts and labor cost I am looking at if done by local shop?

Definitely not straight forward and you can't just straight out swap the headlights. Halogen and Xenon cars are wired differently, plus you will need reprogramming.

But it is possible, BMW even have an official retrofit kit: 63 13 0 443 694, comes with everything you need except the actual headlight and a footwell module (you have to replace this module if you want the upgrade) and tail lights (Yes you actually have to change the tail lights too)

Otherwise the parts you will need:

61 12 0 443 691 - Xenon retrofit harness
63 11 7 180 050 - Xenon bulb ballasts X 2 (aka "Xenon Control Unit")
37 14 6 853 753 - Headlight Level Sensor X 2 (I never bothered to install these when i did my car so not necessary)
A brand new uncoded footwell module OR a used footwell module THAT MUST BE LABELLED as "LED XE"
LED Blackline taillights
And of course the Actual Xenon headlights.

Going the full OEM route is a pain in the ass - you will have to pretty much tear the car apart, most people just go for Depo headlights (aftermarket) and bang in a HID kit - this is plug and play and requires no coding. Also A LOT Cheaper haha

But if you do want to go the full OEM route i'll tell you everything you need to know because i did it myself

[reisf]

I found the official retrofit instructions if you're interested.