XBimmers X1   XBimmers X1
  XBimmers X1

Go Back   XBimmers | BMW X1 Forum > BMW X1 Forums > X1 DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Discussions

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-03-2014, 10:11 AM   #1
DNheartsBMW
Private
DNheartsBMW's Avatar
United_States
6
Rep
51
Posts

Drives: 335is, X3, X1
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PA and VA

iTrader: (0)

Bi-Xenon Upgrade/retrofit

I just found an incredible deal on a 2014 X1 28i with X-drive for my commuter car. The only problem is that is does not have the bi-xenon headlamps, and I am very spoiled for good lighting.

1. Is it possible to retrofit the bi-xenon assembly into the car?
2. Other than a dealership, where can I purchase a new OEM assembly with ballast, etc.?
3. Would I be able to do this myself?

Thanks for your help.
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2014, 01:05 PM   #2
EpistemicConfusion
Likes Cars
0
Rep
56
Posts

Drives: X1 xDrive28i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Washington

iTrader: (0)

The answer, in its shortest form is

1) No
2) See number 1
3) See number 1

That said - it can, and has been done before.
Appreciate 0
      04-06-2014, 08:51 AM   #3
DNheartsBMW
Private
DNheartsBMW's Avatar
United_States
6
Rep
51
Posts

Drives: 335is, X3, X1
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PA and VA

iTrader: (0)

I just put Osram bulbs into the car as a first step. It's been a long time since I have used halogen lamps and to be honest, I was surprised to see that they work well. The reflectors in the BMW headlight assembly are good plus putting a good bulb in makes the headlamps almost as good as Xenon.
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2014, 10:22 AM   #4
nillan
New Member
2
Rep
23
Posts

Drives: 2015 X1 x28i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

which osram bulbs

hello,
can you please detail which bulbs you replaced, ie. daytime, h7.. fog
also, can you say what bulbs you chose as replacements.
thanks
nillan
Appreciate 0
      04-11-2014, 01:04 PM   #5
Trout34
Fly fisher
United Kingdom
1
Rep
20
Posts

Drives: XI SE petrol
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Hants

iTrader: (0)

Just a word of warning for. UK drivers ,I am told that the new MOT will require all Xenon headlights to have headlamp washers ,I do not know if this true or just the manufacturers
way of selling more expensive extras
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2014, 12:29 PM   #6
DNheartsBMW
Private
DNheartsBMW's Avatar
United_States
6
Rep
51
Posts

Drives: 335is, X3, X1
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PA and VA

iTrader: (0)

I purchased the Osram H7 bulbs high and low beams, and did not replace the fogs.
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2014, 09:42 PM   #7
kurtthewurt
Enlisted Member
kurtthewurt's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
30
Posts

Drives: '13 X1 sDrive28i, Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

I used Osram Sylvania ZXEs and I am quite impressed by them. I actually made a post about switching them out somewhere in the DIY forum. Sadly, I forgot to take comparison photos.
Appreciate 0
      08-24-2014, 07:11 AM   #8
LatinBimmer
Lieutenant
Peru
129
Rep
578
Posts

Drives: X5 2014 Sparkling Brown
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lima

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DNheartsBMW View Post
I just found an incredible deal on a 2014 X1 28i with X-drive for my commuter car. The only problem is that is does not have the bi-xenon headlamps, and I am very spoiled for good lighting.

1. Is it possible to retrofit the bi-xenon assembly into the car?
2. Other than a dealership, where can I purchase a new OEM assembly with ballast, etc.?
3. Would I be able to do this myself?

Thanks for your help.
Of course you can! I did it last year...when even your dealer says "it can't be done"...I googled everywhere and found the solution. I bought my bi-xenon headlamps from a german seller on ebay for around $500 and then I went to my dealer and asked for the list of modules, cables and components required...is my friend, so he gave me and I ordered everything from my dealer (around 1,000 including installation). They work perfect...
Appreciate 1
Ftp6610.00
      01-21-2015, 04:32 PM   #9
06D
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: E84
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: SF Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

lightwerkz? I just bought a set off Alibaba, direct swap with base light so far so good
Appreciate 0
      01-26-2015, 09:33 AM   #10
jiudia
Enlisted Member
China
11
Rep
48
Posts

Drives: X1
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Changzhou

iTrader: (0)

Definite yes. I would say. My ride is the X1 6MT made in China with halogen headlight. Now it's with Bi-oxen headlight. I have also retrofit a lot of useful things, like cic, cruise, lumber support. Please be patient to see my post. I need to take some pics before i finally send it.
Appreciate 1
Ftp6610.00
      01-26-2015, 09:34 AM   #11
jiudia
Enlisted Member
China
11
Rep
48
Posts

Drives: X1
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Changzhou

iTrader: (0)

See my new headlight. Hid.
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 1
Ftp6610.00
      03-01-2015, 10:11 PM   #12
Petersonjosh87
Registered
0
Rep
4
Posts

Drives: BMW X1
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Tampa, FL

iTrader: (0)

Do you have the instruction on how to do the retrofit? I have a 2014 X11 and purchased a complete set of xenon headlamps. I plugged them in and added some ground wires. When I turn the power on without starting the car they work perfect but then as soon as I start the car the lights shut off after a few seconds.
Appreciate 0
      03-08-2015, 08:13 PM   #13
spoolinX1
Private First Class
37
Rep
133
Posts

Drives: X1
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

06D - Would you happen to have any photos or comments regarding the Alibaba direct swaps for halogens? I got my performance grille from there and it's dead-on. Perfect fit, finish. Quick shipping.

At this point, in strongly considering picking up the headlights. Would love the opinion of someone who actually has them.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 12:40 PM   #14
Njerts
Lieutenant
Canada
125
Rep
545
Posts

Drives: x3 m40i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Vancouver,BC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by jiudia View Post
Definite yes. I would say. My ride is the X1 6MT made in China with halogen headlight. Now it's with Bi-oxen headlight. I have also retrofit a lot of useful things, like cic, cruise, lumber support. Please be patient to see my post. I need to take some pics before i finally send it.
Where did you get your lights? Is it somewhere on Alibaba?
Appreciate 0
      08-26-2015, 08:54 PM   #15
louisli
New Member
3
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: X1 2011 X25I
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

hey guys, i am in HK,
my car originally has Xenon light but 2011 style candle light ones,
i bought the new LCI headlight and install,
asking China comapny for remote coding using teamviewer, finally i can make it, now using 2013 onwards style Xenon.

so it can but you need to do a lot of preparation and better searching smart dealer to do it nearby your area. its my advice.

fyi if you just plug and play new xenon, the angel eyes will flash bec different voltage & different electricity input way,,,etc
Appreciate 0
      08-26-2015, 09:32 PM   #16
Njerts
Lieutenant
Canada
125
Rep
545
Posts

Drives: x3 m40i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Vancouver,BC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
See the last post in this thread:
http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1109510
Appreciate 0
      10-19-2015, 09:56 PM   #17
halfmoonclip
First Lieutenant
40
Rep
336
Posts

Drives: X1 28i
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: westsylvania

iTrader: (0)

A (cheaper than $1k) solution; I put E-code lights, 100w bulbs, and RELAYS to connect them to the power source, rather than running the from the steering column, in an 11 year old Wrangler Jeep. With the upwattage lights and relays, they are darn near as good as the xenons in my X1. For the Bimmer, I'd look for upwattage bulbs, and relays to avoid the power loss between the steering column switch and the bulbs themselves. Works great.
Moon
Appreciate 0
      10-23-2015, 10:17 AM   #18
Njerts
Lieutenant
Canada
125
Rep
545
Posts

Drives: x3 m40i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Vancouver,BC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by halfmoonclip View Post
A (cheaper than $1k) solution; I put E-code lights, 100w bulbs, and RELAYS to connect them to the power source, rather than running the from the steering column, in an 11 year old Wrangler Jeep. With the upwattage lights and relays, they are darn near as good as the xenons in my X1. For the Bimmer, I'd look for upwattage bulbs, and relays to avoid the power loss between the steering column switch and the bulbs themselves. Works great.
Moon
I don't think the X1 housings will survive a high wattage bulb.
Now that my housing is out i can already see a dull spot on the reflector, that is after 1 1/2 years with a standard bulb.
All i can say is do it properly or don't do it al all.
Appreciate 0
      10-23-2015, 10:47 AM   #19
vstolpner
Captain
25
Rep
673
Posts

Drives: 2019 F39 X2 m35i
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (0)

Has anyone tried high power LEDs? Theoretically they should give you significant increase in light output while maintaining the same power usage and reducing heat (which I'm assuming is the main reason for that dulling of the reflector)
Appreciate 0
      10-25-2015, 02:25 AM   #20
Njerts
Lieutenant
Canada
125
Rep
545
Posts

Drives: x3 m40i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Vancouver,BC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I think LED lights can work. I have seen LED bulbs that allows you to ajust the focus/hotspot. That way you can tune the amount of glare.
That is the theory 😉
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2015, 10:59 PM   #21
louisli
New Member
3
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: X1 2011 X25I
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

i have done the job few months ago,
changing from old xenon (candle light) into BMW new white bright LCI,

cost roughly:
transformer : use the original one $0
new lights: about $1000
FRM : use original one
installation: $300
coding: $40 (China remote service)

coding is most difficult.... (X_X )
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:26 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST