OEM LCI Adaptive LED Headlight Retrofit

[flexspec]

Here we go!
Title kinda says it all. Not much to add. I'll be tackling this project next along with some changes to the front (splitter and front lip) at the same time.

Hopefully I'll get around to this by the beginning of March. So exited.

What I've done so far is wrapped the wiring kit in Tessa tape in prep for wiring the car (my car came with Xenons)

I'll post the process and my impressions here and on IG.

[hC1001]

Nice. They will look good on the car.

[flexspec]

Originally Posted by hC1001

Nice. They will look good on the car.

I can’t wait. I’m sure it will update and change the look of the entire front end.

I wrapped them last week. Wanted to make sure they are protected like the Xenons. It has been a year and they look brand new.

Can’t wait to get this started. Hopefully add something new to the community along the way.

[CT92F80]

Subbed..

[BlitzerRadic]

Just recently did this retrofit myself. Not easy but worth it. Makes the car look much more aggressive.

[Grandeur]

Looking to do this retrofit myself as well! Can't wait for your updates!

[fortythirtyfive]

Well worth it - I pulled the trigger last summer as a lockdown project

[icegrill]

So many people on the road will be impressed with the updated look

[flexspec]

Quick update. Nothing major. But first, let's talk wiring.

The kit comes with wiring that runs power from the rear fuse box to the front passenger light and from the fuse box in the engine bay to the drivers side light.
This extra wiring are for those with Xenon headlights doing this retrofit.
I took the time to wrap it in Tessa tape and will be using zip ties to affix it to existing wire-looms.

I should be starting this project in a couple of days. I'm looking forward to it.

[x.shell]

IMO the F8X LCI headlights are the best looking headlights BMW has ever designed.

Good luck with the install and don't be afraid to take your time.

[YASBBYM3]

Originally Posted by iceweasel

Quick update. Nothing major. But first, let's talk wiring.

The kit comes with wiring that runs power from the rear fuse box to the front passenger light and from the fuse box in the engine bay to the drivers side light.
This extra wiring are for those with Xenon headlights doing this retrofit.
I took the time wrap it in Tessa tape and will be using zip ties to affix it to existing wire-looms.

I should be starting this project in a couple of days. I'm looking forward to it.

if you dont mind me asking where did you get the wire loom retrofit?

[EasyBimmerCoding]

Subscribed for updates , can't wait to see it!

[flexspec]

Lets get the obvious out of the way. Project is done. Took me 6 hours and by far the most enjoyable mod I have done. Each time I say that, a new mod surpasses my expectation. lol

That said. This was awesome and the end product makes the entire process that much sweeter.

I have some video, pics of the process and I'll do a write up in a few days.

As usual, I won't redo information that you can be found online (ie: removing a bumper with headlight washers or how to remove lights) but I'll add in useful information - tools I used to make this process extremely smooth and error avoidance techniques.

I hope this helps someone. Cheers

[flexspec]

Hi everyone. So I’ve got some time to try and piece all this information together. I feel the format of this info lends itself well to the IG platform. That said, lets get into it.

Here is a brief video over view of the process and my plan of attack.

It was important to me to remove all the panels I outlined in the above video. Utilizing existing wiring channels proved to be very useful.

I employed the use of a Dremel tool to drill a blind hole through the rubber grommets on the right and left hand side firewall. I say blind, because you can’t see whats on the other side as you’re drilling. Go slow. Although it is blind, the location makes it extremely difficult to damage anything, unless being careless.

I took a picture of the drill bit so you can see what it looks like from the other side so you can see what is in proximity to the aperture you’re creating.

The red wire pictured with Black fuse block provides power for the drivers side light. I purposefully left the red wiring unwrapped, because it passes through a fabric opening of the firewall on the drivers side to a enclosed, water tight fusebox in the engine bay.

I used some gasket maker to seal air/liquid tight to prevent ingress into the cabin if water were to ever get into the engine bay. Huge pro-tip.


Lets talk lights.

The photo I have attached of the dreaded spinning headlight nut (photo credit to IGOR_M5) is a real problem.
I have 2 solutions. Both are viable. But one is better than the other.
The reason why this happens is that moisture causes rust to form between the nut and the T30 torx screw, and the force required to break the nut is greater than the capture frame that is created over the nut to hold it in place to facilitate the bolts removal.

Solution 1. As IGOR_M5 mention, necessitates removal of the capture frame of the nut. However, instead of trying to hold it in place with a flathead, use a 10mm open wrench it’s the perfect size. The hardest part was removing the capture frame to expose the nut.

Solution 2. Do not attempt to remove the bolt at all. Do not touch it. Use penetrating fluid. Spray liberally. Wait an hour. Remove bolt. If you attempt to remove the bolt before spraying you can no longer use this method.

Drivers side headlight took 2 hours, I employed method 1, took some time to figure out what was happening, find IGOR_M5’s post and remove the capture frame.

Passenger side headlight was soaking for an hour while I was working on headlight 1 and took 60 seconds.

I do not have a solution for the furthest bolt as it is enclosed and cannot be reached like the first (closest) bolt. Luckily these bolts came off without any issue. I would attempt to spray some penetrating fluid on the bolt face. Some may reach the nut.

On assembly I placed some copper based anti-seize to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Level of difficulty: I actually found this mod to be fun. Because of the bumper removal I would rate this a 6/10.

Impressions: 10/10 would do this again. The front has an updated look.
If anyone is thinking of doing this - do not hesitate - it is worth it.

[flexspec]

Forgot to post some front end pics with lights on and off.

Cheers.

[Dtwok335]

Nice work👍
Did You need to code the new lights ? Or was it plug and play ?

[flexspec]

Originally Posted by Dtwok335

Nice work👍
Did You need to code the new lights ? Or was it plug and play ?

Coding was required. It was done by marius76 dude is a beast! My only regret - was not doing this sooner. Should have been my first mod. 😂

[g3das]

i cant find a write up that shows to what part of the plug does the wire go into from the fusebox

[mpower79]

Originally Posted by fortythirtyfive

Well worth it - I pulled the trigger last summer as a lockdown project

ALL good except that fog ligth. remove it !!!!!

[SonicJ]

Those ICON Adaptive LED's look amazing, but are they really worth the extra 3 to 4k? besides from visual, do they put out more light?

[NSX2M4]

Originally Posted by SonicJ

Those ICON Adaptive LED's look amazing, but are they really worth the extra 3 to 4k? besides from visual, do they put out more light?

My standard led lci light were brighter I think. But the beam was fixed in a focus.
The lci ikon lights throw the light outwards and upwards more.See images.
With the high beams turned on its extremely bright.
I did multiple imagery against my garage door at night and you can see the beam is much more full on the ikons and the chevrons located on the chrome piece project the beam upwards. I do however have the Euro spec lights.
The cornering light is great to see around a sharp right corner.

[SonicJ]

So you pay like 1.5k a piece for genuine BMW lights, but you get the full working adaptive lights after coding, thats a bonus but a little to much for my liking. looks amazing though. much more agressive on DRL. I have the LCI LED's non adaptive and they even skipped the ''eyebrow'' on those, so its only the corona rings .....