My Bi Xenon conversion

[dark89e30]

So I got a pair of bi xenon projectors with bulbs and ballasts from a 03' E46 (all free!!) and got to work on my 88' iX today. The projectors have a dual stage solenoid (pull and hold) that pulls the restrictor plate to change the light pattern to allow full coverage for your high beam, google it for more info. The pull portion needs to be activated for about .4 seconds then the hold portion kicks in. If the pull circuit doesn't turn off, then it will get too hot and reduce life, blah blah blah. So I bought some chips from Wolsten Tech for $17 after ship that take care of it all. I wired the bi xenon solenoid signal wires from my high beam power leads. The installation took some serious butchering of my stock ellips but it feels solid and lights up the street like the Fn sun!

Just the lows and fogs on


'bi xenon highs' and factory highs (and yeah, I have 6 HIDs up front)


I've had some chinese xenons in my lows before (which i moved to stock highs) and i have to say, the BMW xenon setup is more than 2x as bright! Step 2 is make the back of the lights look pretty and step 3 is to make the fogs stay on with the highs. I'll post more pics in a bit after my first night drive!

[M-technik-3]

So how bad is the scatter pattern with the highs engaged?

[dark89e30]

I'm a bit worried about that because the factory e46 lenses are smooth, but the top half of the e30 lenses are almost smooth in the center right in front of the ellip. I'll take a pic of the lights engaged on a wall in a bit.

[dashboardmonkey]

that looks fuckin bright

[dark89e30]

I just modded my high beam relay to keep power on the fogs when the highs are on. Really easy. I just soldered pin 30 to pin 87a on the back of the relay. Getting a good solder can be a pain in the ass, plus you don't want to heat it too long because you'll melt some relay internals.

Here's a pic on my solder job. Way easier than going into the fusebox.


And here's my bi xenon highs, factory highs, and fogs, all on with HIDs.


And let me tell you, this thing puts out a real fuck load of light. And I'm pretty sure the fog light mod is illegal so of course, I recommend no one try this and I'll be putting mine back to stock asap ;)

[cabin]

How badly did you have to butcher up your ellipsoids? Just curious since I did a similar retro about 1.5 years ago using FX35 projectors. I had to cut mine up pretty badly and use fiberglass to get them sealed back up.

[dark89e30]

How badly did you have to butcher up your ellipsoids? Just curious since I did a similar retro about 1.5 years ago using FX35 projectors. I had to cut mine up pretty badly and use fiberglass to get them sealed back up.

I just unscrewed the factory ellipsoid portion and did some work with the dremel without modification to the front/ viewable part of the light. It really only takes about 5 min per side to make the light fit. Sealing it is another issue, and I used SS safety wire to hold it into position. I'm using RTV for a temp seal but fiberglass sounds like a good idea because I need to enclose the high beam solenoids.

[nrubenstein]

I just unscrewed the factory ellipsoid portion and did some work with the dremel without modification to the front/ viewable part of the light. It really only takes about 5 min per side to make the light fit. Sealing it is another issue, and I used SS safety wire to hold it into position. I'm using RTV for a temp seal but fiberglass sounds like a good idea because I need to enclose the high beam solenoids.

You just safety wired the projectors in place? Would you mind taking some pictures of how you attached it and the modifications to the housing?

[airkhin]

bringing back from the dead, but ive been looking into retrofitting an s2k or fx-r projector into my depo smilies, anyone have any diy's or tips/tricks? searched but not too much came up....

[bmw325csi]

You can always stick a piece of wire in the corresponding holes of where the relay goes in and stick it back in without solder

[Wh33lhop]

bringing back from the dead, but ive been looking into retrofitting an s2k or fx-r projector into my depo smilies, anyone have any diy's or tips/tricks? searched but not too much came up....

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?p=2447676&highlight=strict+budget#post2447676

When I finally take shipment of the smileys in question and start the project you can come see for yourself.

[BrewCity11]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=129152

I like this alot. Looking forward to the use of Bosch lenses w/o the fluting. Best part of cabin's setup is the wedge bulb in the highs. I love it.

[airkhin]

^^ thanks very much for those links! has anybody tried doing this in depo smilies? im just curious if mounting would be diff between the bosch/hella/depo...