[LatinBimmer]

Dear bimmers,

I know I already made a post similar a few months ago, but now ..here is the situation:

1.- My bmw dealer (the sales agent), told me "if you have a chance to buy from eBay or any other place xenon headlights for your F20, do it and find any bmw specialist (not official dealers) and they can install with no problem at all. Your warranty is still active, ONLY if something happens with your BMW sometime, AND bmw determines that the problem is caused because THAT installation, your warranty is lost.

2.- I bought some accessories from a bmw dealer in Germany and I could buy the xenons and sensor and everything needed (only if I know what parts are required)

3.- I'm going to USA from 5th to 12th November and I'd like to buy those parts from Germany to ship to USA (if I ship directly to Peru, custom kills my wallet)

Is here in the forum any expert that confirms this? I want my xenons so bad
It's been more than a year from the launch of F20s and there is no retrofit kit available..

Please help!!!

[tawia]

Personally I think it's not worth the hassle and money. If you are prepared to spend €$£ trying to fit them think about putting that money to changing the car and buying an F20 with them fitted from the factory.

I think retro fitting them will just give you bad headache and empty wallet..

[Fanis]

I have done a Xenon Retrofit in my previous car, a Z4 2.5si. I bought the headlights (inlcuding lamps, ballasts and ignitors...they are all screwed to the headlight) from ebay and the rest of the parts I needed from various stores that sell BMW used parts. It took me a few months to find all the necessary parts.

You will need:

1. The headlights (full with lamps, ballasts and ignitors)
2. The light module (light switch)
and if you want to be legal
3. Headlight Washers
4. Suspension arm for the height control function (if you do not install this, then you will not be able to control the height of the headlights, as the light control inside the car will not work).

And of course you need someone to install all these and MOST IMPORTANT, to do the coding. I had mine installed in an official BMW service/dealer (where I bought the car and also service it).

[LatinBimmer]

Thank you for your tips!

Here in Peru there is no washers legal requirement at all.
So, is there any cpu module for xenons? Or is just code?

[Fanis]

Originally Posted by LatinBimmer

So, is there any cpu module for xenons? Or is just code?

No CPU, just coding and light switch module.

[LatinBimmer]

Originally Posted by Fanis

No CPU, just coding and light switch module.

You mean this switch module?

[Fanis]

Yes, thats the one I mean. The one for Halogen lights has tha rotating wheel to adjust the height of the lights. The one for the Xenons does not have these wheel, as the hight of the lights is automaticaly adjusted.

My dealer told me that they need to change this as well, otherwise they cannot code the Xenon lights. However, in my Z4 they manage to do it without the light switch (I kept the old one), but somehow they ''tricked'' the system...do not know if it can be done in the F20 though, which is much more complicated in tems of electronics.

[max2005b]

There is a solution that I have implemented on my 116i and also my friend with the same car.
We installed xenon with an H7R lamp (tailored for reflector headlights),
it is not blinding other drivers (I never get complains about it) and it looks like authentic xenon. Very cheap solution.

[LatinBimmer]

Originally Posted by max2005b

There is a solution that I have implemented on my 116i and also my friend with the same car.
We installed xenon with an H7R lamp (tailored for reflector headlights),
it is not blinding other drivers (I never get complains about it) and it looks like authentic xenon. Very cheap solution.

Do you have any pics?

[max2005b]

I will take some today or tomorrow and will upload for you...


Edit:

Here are some photos that the installer took after installation:



those are the parking lights, also led (white), and check out the interior lights:

[BenN]

Looks great max, are these just a headlight bulb replacement then, without any other modifications? defo a cheaper solution than fitting propper xenons. Also nice to see another Valencia Orange F20, most seem to order in the estoril (which was my second choice), cant wait for mine to arrive now

[LatinBimmer]

Originally Posted by max2005b

I will take some today or tomorrow and will upload for you...


Edit:

Here are some photos that the installer took after installation:



those are the parking lights, also led (white), and check out the interior lights:

Not angel eyes, but looks amazing! Can you send me a link to buy this?

[LatinBimmer]

any links to buy online?

[max2005b]

Hi, just buy a simple HID xenon kit, make sure you get H7R (R is for reflectors) bulbs.
This is a full conversion kit (xenon ballast, parking led lights, fog led lights, interior + trunk leds etc).

It really looks great and most importantly not blinding other drivers.

p.s. => check it fits the new BMW CAN BUS so you won't get any computer errors.

Those are 6300K.

I got those + installation for about 500$.

[LatinBimmer]

what you mean with the new BMW CAN BUS my friend? I thought you already installed this kit

Originally Posted by max2005b

Hi, just buy a simple HID xenon kit, make sure you get H7R (R is for reflectors) bulbs.
This is a full conversion kit (xenon ballast, parking led lights, fog led lights, interior + trunk leds etc).

It really looks great and most importantly not blinding other drivers.

p.s. => check it fits the new BMW CAN BUS so you won't get any computer errors.

Those are 6300K.

I got those + installation for about 500$.

[AusF20/F48]

Head lights are not a problem for conversion, you only need to be concerned about the beam angles and wattage.

it is the brakes and indicators where the issue really arises.

You cannot install LED lamps in your brake lights as it effects the cruise control and they and the indicator LEDs effect the 'lamp out' system (even if you use so called CAN BUS LED lamps)

If you go for aftermarket xennon lamp kit you could void the warrantee on the car's lighting and electrical system. Having said that, it is unlikely they would damage the system.


I was disapointed to find out that if you opted for the Xennon lights, the Genuine 'LED' rear lamp assembly only come with the day/night LED.
The Brake, reverse and indicators are still bulbs, be it a Halogen bulb.

BTW did you know that all the lamps in your BMW are covered for the full period of the warrantee

[LatinBimmer]

Originally Posted by AusF20

Head lights are not a problem for conversion, you only need to be concerned about the beam angles and wattage.

it is the brakes and indicators where the issue really arises.

You cannot install LED lamps in your brake lights as it effects the cruise control and they and the indicator LEDs effect the 'lamp out' system (even if you use so called CAN BUS LED lamps)

If you go for aftermarket xennon lamp kit you could void the warrantee on the car's lighting and electrical system. Having said that, it is unlikely they would damage the system.


I was disapointed to find out that if you opted for the Xennon lights, the Genuine 'LED' rear lamp assembly only come with the day/night LED.
The Brake, reverse and indicators are still bulbs, be it a Halogen bulb.

BTW did you know that all the lamps in your BMW are covered for the full period of the warrantee

Excellent and deep point of view my friend. I will never try to void the warranty. So, like my dealer said, just a little patience, maybe in a year or two hehe... but if the retrofit is too expensive, I'll keep me out.

I' just retrofited the original rear LED, like you said, it's only the day/night light, not full LED, but it was cheap :P
Thanks a lot!

[blabley]

Great info, had thought about changing mine as it's ex-demo Irish spec so no xenon's! but think i'll give it a while...