MrTantrum

Okay, I'm a new owner of a 2008 535i and one of the things that I find attractive about this car are the headlights. However, what I don't find so attractive is the yellowish color of the Angel Eyes and fogs. I've read through a variety of posts about updating the lamps, but I am somewhat confused regarding all of the terminology. Can someone either point me to a thread where everything is clearly defined or can you do so here?

1. AE = Angel Eyes - I assume these are the two lighted rings around the headlamps on either side of the vehicle?
2. How many bulbs does each headlamp require to light up both AEs on a given side (i.e. does one bulb light up both rings?)
3. I think from what I've seen both the AE's and fogs use H8 bulbs - I assume H8 is the kind of bulb interface and most any H8 bulb would work? If not, what specific bulb specs should I be looking for?
4. What temp/color bulb produces the bright white / hint of blue color instead of the yellowish color (8500k?)
5. What does LCI, pre-LCI, etc. mean?
6. I haven't noticed, but are the lights that come on during cornering also the yellish color and are they also replaceable with the same H8 bulbs? I'm not exactly sure how to get these lights to come on when the car is stationary to look at them - any directions?
7. If I go with the GP Thunder bulbs, I've noticed two different kinds of packaging (purple and black) for what appears to be the same bulb. Is there a difference?

Any additional education on this topic to this newbie would be greatly appreciated.

iamnatio

1) Yes, that is correct. Some also call it corona rings.
2) 1 bulb per headlight to light up both rings.
3) H8 is the fitment for both AE and fogs for LCI.
4) Depends on what you purchase. Some state 5000k to 6000k, while others state 6500k. I feel safe around 6000k.
5) LCI stands for "Life Cycle Impulse". Basically the E60 got an update (eg. new headlights, tailights and more).
6) I don't have AHL, however I believe the fitment is H3.
7) I haven't tried GP Thunder, so can't compare but started off with LEDs. If you want really really bright and something that can be seen during the day go HID.

MrTantrum

Great reply, but that brings up a few more questions:

1) AHL = Adaptive Head Lights (just figured this one out)
2) How do I know for certain I have AHL?
3) HID = ?
4) How do I know if my car is LCI or pre-LCI (can you tell by looks)? Attached are photos.
5) Also, the headlight photo reminds me - what bulb lights up the eyebrow? Is this illuminated by the AE bulb or is this just how the bright orange eyebrow appears in the daytime?

iamnatio

1) Correct, that is Adaptive Head Lights.
2) By looking at the screenshot provided I am almost certain you have it due to the inner ring (one closest to your grille) is not clear. To be 100% sure you can check out this diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...18&hg=63&fg=05
Those with AHL have the extra H3 bulb (marked as #9 in the diagram).
3) Here is a very popular HID kit for AEs: https://5series.net/forums/topic/967...th-xenons-only
4) Just by looking at your headlight and taillights I can already tell you have LCI. The biggest difference with the headlights is the turn signals when comparing to pre-LCI. Here is a pre-LCI headlight:
http://www.nicedeals.co.uk/images/bm...ight-04-bp.jpg
Another way is to compare the door handles. They are very different for pre-LCI and LCI if you google pics for pre-LCI.
5) That is how the bright orange appears during the day.

iamnatio

BTW, you can change the orange eyebrows to other colors. Popular mod on here is to change them to white. Here is one thread about it: https://5series.net/forums/topic/114...brows-for-lci/
Another cool project here: https://5series.net/forums/topic/120...hite-eyebrows/

You can also find a detailed PDF of LCI changes here:
https://5series.net/information/2008...ed_Changes.pdf

MrTantrum

Thanks for all the great info everyone - a huge help!

Gilgorm

Regarding LCI, the change occurred for 2008 models. It included the headlights, taillights and both bumpers on the exterior. The entire interior was redone to some extent including the seats and interior door skins. LCI cars have different engines, transmissions and the new electronic gear shifters.
So pre-LCI is 2004 to 2007 inclusive and LCI is 2008 to 2010 inclusive. That was the end of the E60 5-Series cars. 2011 5-series cars are designated F10.

MrTantrum

LCI it is then for me. Thank you for the definitive explanation.

nomis_nehc

I skimmed through it and think iamnatio covered it all.

The cornering light is H3 and you can find the largest selection of H3 bulbs on eBay.

AchtungE60

welcome to the forum!