Hi all,
I'm new to the BMW scene so please excuse anything you might normally consider assumed knowledge. I have searched and I cannot get the straight forward answer I am looking for.

I have an 04 525i with pre-LCI halogen headlights. I wish to upgrade to HIDs with as little cost and effort as possible. What is the cheapest way for me to upgrade to HIDs and can it be done without the need for coding?

Thanks in advance for your patience and answers!

 

OEM retro, no, will need coding. Custom work, yes, you can change to xenons without coding.

 

Don't go OEM LCI Xenons.
Just go OEM LCI halogens + HID kit, will work well.
You just need to cut off the original headlight plug wires

 

for my pre lci halogens, all i did was purchased a good set of HID's from umnitza and drop them in to the headlights. the hids cost me about 100 or so. i also had to fit them to the bulb holder inside the headlight. you can buy these if you dont want to cut a piece out. essentialy like this..
H7 HID BULB HOLDER ASTRA H, VECTRA C. BMW MERCEDES X2 Passat Touran E60 | eBay

 

Thanks everyone for the info. So, from what I understand, my best bet is to buy some LCI halogen lights and then fit some aftermarket HIDs. And this will require coding.

I am reasonably capable with most things tech. With that in mind what's the easiest program for me to learn to sort the coding out? Also, what hardware will i need?

Thanks

 

if your going from pre lci halogen to lci halogen you will only need a retrofit cable. no coding or LC2.
It is pricey however.. im currently doing this. figure almost a G note for the lci headlights and a cable.

 

Ah I see, thanks. I now have a clear idea of what I need to do!