BMW Headlight
Conversion Instructions
Okay, the lights will cost about $270 at a BMW dealership. They come with
the brackets and light bulbs. You don't need the brackets so we'll start
there.
There are two screws per side were the lights attach to the bracket.
Remove them and take off the bracket. Be easy, it's plastic and you may have
to pry easily between the two and they should separate smoothly. As far as
the lights go, there are two different adapters you need for a total of 4.
Two 9005 adapters and 2 9006 adapters. Both can be bought at Auto Zone. While
your there, get some heat shrink tubing to do it right!
Depending on how long you've got. I removed one headlight at a time so I
could come back later. By the way, leave the grill out so not to damage the
clips, I broke one of mine taking it in and out so many times and eventually
just left it out till I was done. We need to start on the car itself by
removing the side marker and the headlight, which ever side you want to start
on first. I started on the driver's side and assume you know how to remove
the headlight. Don't forget to unplug the bulb. Leave the bulb in so there's
no moisture collecting inside the glass and you can just plug it back in when
you need to drive at night. Just to let you know, you can still put the oem
(original) equipment light back in at any point the oem bracket has been cut
at.
Remove oem light from bracket and remove all other aspects of bracket
except for little socket piece the side marker light rests in at the bottom,
you still need this. Everything else is just for adjustments and support.
Take everything off, otherwise it'll get in the way. Before we start cutting,
you should know two things. One: To replace the oem light for night driving
till you can work on it again, just set the light into the bracket and "screw
in" adjustment pins. Do not replace screws which help pins into place, this
takes too much time both ways in working on the lights, they'll be secure and
relatively aimed around how they were before. Two: you'll need some type of
cutter. Don't use a Sawzaw (Sawzall), you need something you can use easily
like an air radial cutter is what I used (round disk, usually used to cut off
rusted bolts on cars, has a half moon guard on it) or whatever.
With the lights out, there are several cuts to be made. I don't have a
picture to show you, so you may have to make some adjustments yourself but
there are a few specific areas. One: cut away at the side of the bracket the
side marker light goes. This cut is made to the back of the bracket where the
lights will hook up. Look and compare the oem to the BMW. The BMW is wider
due to the dual lights, so all cuts will be made at the back of the bracket,
leaving the front alone. I will try to get some pics for you. The only
specific thing I can say is to cut two slots in the bracket however deep
necessary and then take some pliers and bend the third edge till it brakes.
This will decrease the amount of cutting and the cut time required. Two: cut
at the side where the radiator will be. You need to start pretty high up and
work your way down and in between the two grill brackets, avoiding the two
bolts which secure this end of the bracket to the car. Give me some time to
get you the pictures to help you, a couple of days. I'll try to have them
Friday and will mail them to you. So, you may want to wait to do any cutting
till then. By the time you buy everything and have the tools you need, it'll
be much later anyway.
Click on Part 2 to complete the adaptation and wiring.
Next Page - Part 2
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