e83 X3 Angel Eye install DIY for adaptive xenons using Umnitza Orion V2 LEDs
 

I just installed angel eyes on our X3 and documented the install. I purchased them from Umnitza who currently sells them for $189 (approximately $217 shipped to me). Here's the link:
http://www.umnitza.com/umnitza-orion...x3-p-6088.html

The net/net is it wasn't a fun project and took quite a bit of time since it's not a plug and play solution. For anyone reading this, please let me know if there are any areas within each step that you would like me to elaborate further.

This install is based on the 2006 X3 with "M" package, which is slightly different than the 2004-2005 X3s due to the way the bumper and headlights are mounted. Apparently you can remove the headlights on the 2004-2005 X3s without removing the bumper. I imagine you could wrestle the headlight out of the 2006, but there is a headlight bracket blocking the headlight from removal - this part was added in 2006 to help hold the "M" bumper in place since it is structurally different than the standard 2-piece bumpers.

Here are instructions for removing the bumper, although not completely accurate for the 2006 X3:
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/09/22/51

Here are instructions for removing the headlight:
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/09/34/13

For the 2006 X3, when removing the headlight, you should remove the bracket 1st (part # 5):
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...39&hg=51&fg=15

Here are the Orion V2 LED angel eye wiring/install instructions that were "provided" by Umnitza in the box. They are useful for understanding the wiring:
http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes_orionv2.html

Before I removed the bumper or headlights, I tested the angel eyes per the instructions that came in the box (see pic). I then removed the bumper and headlights.

In order to open the headlights, 2 screws have to be removed (see pic) along with two gaskets (see link below).

This shows the headlight gaskets that need to be removed (part #s 4 & 5):
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...20&hg=63&fg=05

Some people bake their headlights to open them, however I followed the advice of some others and simply used a heat gun along with a flat head screw driver to pry the headlight open (see pic). It takes 5-10 minutes to slowly heat up the headlight housings butyl rubber seal and pry the shell apart. The butyl rubber sticks to everything, so take precautions or you will spend a lot of time trying to remove it from yourself, clothes, and anything else it touches.

Once the headlight is open, remove 3 T25 screws that hold the trim and bezels inside the headlight assembly. The next step is to remove the corner lens (regardless if you plan to paint them) and then the rest of the headlight trim and bezels. The corner lens is hinged inside the headlight assembly - you simply need to unfasten a retaining clip and then it swings out for easy removal. I then uncliped the corner lens from its bracket and painted it with chrome paint.

Installing these angel eyes in the headlight trim and bezels was not the same for both the xenon and high beam openings. The angel eye for the xenon opening had to be mounted to the front of the bezel and the mounting tabs had to be cut off so it would sit flush. The high beam angel eye needed to be mounted inside the trim ring since it is smaller than the chrome bezel. I cut part of the high-beam trim ring so that the angel eye mounted flush without any gaps. I mounted the power distribution box inside the headlight enclosure so that it would not get wet. I then drilled a hole through an an existing cavity near the corner light and pulled the power wires through it where they could be connected to the wiring harness. I sealed the hole that I pulled the wires through with RTV silicone. I finished the wiring per the Umnitza instructions and used the trigger wire that attaches to the X3s accessory power so that the angel eyes are lit whenever the cars is turned on.

lol. you beat me to it.
i actually just finished my install an hour ago. was planning to make a DIY, but didn't get to take step by step pics as i was in a rush to get them on.

How it compares with the LED's from the current 2012 X3 model?
http://autotrendyz.com/wp-content/up...MW-X3-2012.jpg

That was rather coincidental - I guess it was a good weekend for angel eyes!

Other than the obvious size difference, I think it's possible that the Umnitza LEDs are brighter. I suppose the only way to know for sure is to put them side by side during the day.

haha. :thumbup:
after i finished the install i think i drove around for like 30 mins. it was right around sunset and i saw so many people's heads turn as i drove by :D

you mounted the power box a little different from me though. i pulled the wires all the way through and shoved the box right behind the xenon ignition thing. then i have the wires that connect to the relay wedged in the cover.
how did you mount the highbeam halo to make sure that it doesn't pop out? i ended up just using gorilla glue between the trim and the halo. hopefully it stays and doesn't crack and pop out.
and you actually removed the bumper. you're more thorough than i am. or maybe i'm just lazier. lol
i just wiggled the headlights out and wiggled them back in. that's why it took me like an hour to get the drivers side back in.

I mounted the high-beam halo using 3M tape since it is basically permanent - gorilla glue works great too. Once I cut the chrome trim ring to fit it in, it was snug without any gaps and I taped it to the ring from the back side of both parts. I'll look through my photos and find a good example so you can see what I did. As for the bumper, I've removed it enough times that I can do it in less than 5 minutes - getting it back on takes a bit longer :) I have big train horns mounted behind the bumper as well, so I've taken it off several times before.

Where did you pull the wires through the headlight? Did you drill through the housings or pull them through one of the doors behind the bulbs?

BTW, you should be able to remove your wheel well lining and push that bumper back out pretty easily :thumbup:

lol, that a train horn? i was wondering what that was mounted behind the grill.

i pulled the wires up over the chrome shroud then plugged them in right behind the xenon ignitor. i'll take pics of it in the morning so you get a better idea. i didn't drill anything. i've installed it this same way in my last 2 e46's, never had a problem.

yea i really need to pop my bumper out. lol. i might try to do that this weekend. not really worried about how it looks cuz i'm still planning to buy another bumper after i do my 100k service, buy a new transfer case actuator, and buy the oem trailer hitch. how do you take off the wheel well lining? is it easy?

Here's the train horn setup:
http://www.kleinn.com/air-horn-kits/...n-horn-kit.htm

That silver piece you see in the lower grill is one of the horn solenoids:
http://www.kleinn.com/images/901/220_400x280.jpg
I find that most people driving on the highway can't hear the X3s regular horn while driving 65mph, listening to music, and talking on their cell phone. This horn combination seems to get their attention :D

You can get access to that area by remove a set of screws with an 8mm socket or nut driver. Remove the screws on the passenger side marked # 2 here:
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/images/1/08/99/13.jpg

Then remove screws marked #1-3 on the wheel-well liner which will allow you to pull the wheel well liner (#4) back so you can access the rear of the bumper.
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/images/1/08/99/14.jpg

You should be able to get the screws out, push the bumper back in place and re-install the screws in under 10 minutes. :thumbup:

Here are the pics I said I'd post.
As you can see in the first pic, all three wires are pulled over to where the low beam is. Then I plugged them into the power box.
In the second pic, it shows how I have the brown and white wires wedged in the door behind the low beam.
I did the same thing for the passenger side.
My engine bay is still muddy from when I went mudding like 2 months ago. Lol. It's pretty nasty in there. :eek::thumbdwn:

Guys, this DIY is an amazing!
Can we use it to showcase how to do it (it's applicable to many cars) and give credit for you both?

Sure - if you'd like me to create a proper PDF with the photos and instructions, let me know. A nice discount on my next order would also be welcome :)

thanks a lot! We're already doing the DIY PDF using your photos, we have to include how to cut open, how to bake, and then also how to mount the rings using the techniques we recommend.

That was quick, however a PM regarding how I get a discount hasn't come through yet. :(

Matt, you shouldn't give me credit for the DIY. this is Chagrin's DIY. thanks though :)

We are giving credit to anyone who is providing images of any sort or links.:thumbup:

feel free to send me some Opaque with night controller angel eyes for the X3 :D