yoRAHeem

One of the main reasons of joining this forum was to learn what was availible for me and my 5 series. Right now...I have to admit that I 'm at a total loss when it comes to my headlights and what is needed for me to get that angel eye look thats in every autobook out there. I search the archives and no one really broke it down and maybe its a total newb question, but whats the difference and what can I do make my car like that? Can I get a sticky explaining the mods and bulbs needed, I'm down to do the leg work once I know what I'm talking about.

Rizbel

Try to learn to navigate in the forum to see the Classifieds/vendors, DIY, or the mods thread. Also the search function is your friend.
The umnitza Orion V2s is the ultimate angel eyes upgrade IMO.

EuroCarFan

For US-spec cars, pre-LCI headlights have amber reflectors built-in into the corners and the angel eyes are not that bright. LCI headlights have clear corners as BMW moved the amber reflectors to the bumper and the angel eyes are a lot brighter; bright enough to serve as daytime running lights.

There are also some slight differences in the bezels and surrounds inside the light assembly.

If you want brighter angel eyes on your pre-LCI headlight, you can get upgraded angel eye bulbs from companies like CustomAngelEyes, Umnitza, PIAA or MTec to name a few. Seems like the MTec V2 are among the brightest and whitest out there and they sell for about $150. Another option is the Orion V2s mentioned by Rizbel but this will involved cutting your headlight assembly open to get them installed. Umnitza is in the East Bay and they are partnered with Lightwurkz in SF who can do the install for you for an additional fee unless you want to tackle the project on your own.

If you want to completely switch to LCI headlights, you'd have to buy the headlights, retrofit cable and new LCM (Light Control Module). You can also buy the new LCI LED taillights too if you want to make a comprehensive upgrade. You can probably get Sonic to do the install as I think they've done one for member r9ndy but not 100% sure, or you can get the dealer to do it. I think either way, they have to program the new LCM. This is a pretty expensive route as the labor involved to run the wiring is not cheap.

Good luck.

1600

Others can chime in, but I do not think the headlights themselves are different except that on post-September '07 production vehicles (which are still pre-LCI), the headlights do pivot into a turn.

Howitzer

Your best bet for a 2005 E60 is the Mtec V2 LED angel eyes from forum member Brabus for like $120 to $150.

1600

sorry, I should have said "post September '06 production vehicles"

porsche911targa

All E60s have angel eyes.

EuroCarFan

The headlights are different on pre-LCI cars vs LCI cars as I've detailed above. In the US, LCI cars came out as 2008 model year vehicles with production in 2007. As for the headlights pivoting into a turn, that's the adaptive headlight feature and was available with the first E60s back in 2004. My 2004 545 had it.

umnitza

Please wait til mid this month. We have finally approved the Predator ICE V3, it's the same style as the Mtec V2 only it's 20% brighter (using the exact same LED just using different technology to enhance it a bit). But to get the ultimate, you can the the Orion V2 which is already out.