Hello!

I am quite new to this forum, but already I have found helpful information here. Now I am seeking more help.

A while ago I bought a 2005 525D with halogen headlights... Since I think xenon on these cars is almost mandatory I decided to try retrofitting original bi-xenon headlamps.
From reading the excellent information from this thread http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=23296&hl= I realized that this could be possible even for me (I am not a rocket scientist...)

I found some great looking headlamps on e-bay from a 2005 525i according to the seller. Upon receving the lamps (in perfect condition) I sense something is not quite right. And I was unfortunately correct....
These new lamps seem to be from a newer car (2008) and the contact/socket is different type than on my car...
I have attached some photos below. First one is from the lamps I bought showing the socket/contact for this. The other photo is from internet and on these lamps there is the same contact as I find on my car today. One big socket and one smaller below.

Can anyone tell me if there is a (easy) way around this issue, or must I re-sell these axcellent looking headlamps?
I also attached a photo of the front of the headlamp. Niiice!

Any help would be highly appreciated!

 

Oh man, you are in a world of headache. You are better off to get the older model Bi-xenons and retrofit that.

This retrofit would require you to get the LCI taillights and the LCM modules and LCI retrofit kit. And the labor / programming to BMW is $$$.


Good luck. The headlights look great, but retrofitting them is an expensive option.

 

Since I am not very fund of headaches I will sure follow you're advice and try to get hold of the older Bi-xenons and be better off.
This was just as I suspected though.

Thanks for soending some time telling me this

Great looking car by the way!

 

Yeah your best bet is to sell what you bought (which is called LCI headlights (2008 or newer)). YOu need to buy "pre-LCI" headlights (2004 - 2007), then the retrofit can be done with minimal cost. I was in the same boat as you. I bought two fully assembled pre-lci bi-xenon headlights with the bulbs and ballasts...after that, it just takes some patience and rewiring here and there and you are good to go.

 

Thanks man. Update your profile location and i'm sure there will be a few members here that can help out even more.