Broken angel eye ring **UPDATED** with DIY opening headlight and LED angel rings

BimmerRob · 10-31-2010, 08:54 PM

Wow, some great pointers on how not to fuck up in this DIY.. I'm guessing those are all mistakes that you made along the way. How much did it cost you to buy a new set of LEDs? would you say your mistakes cost as much as it would to just send your HL's to umnitza or OSS?

3X3=5 · 11-01-2010, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92hobear

Wow, some great pointers on how not to fuck up in this DIY.. I'm guessing those are all mistakes that you made along the way. How much did it cost you to buy a new set of LEDs? would you say your mistakes cost as much as it would to just send your HL's to umnitza or OSS?

I did make quite a few mistakes during this project, but I wouldn't really say it cost me anything in a monetary sense. Time - yes, a perfect result - yes. For example, I touched the reflector surrounding the turn signal bulb accidentally and it fingerprinted. I tried to rub it off, it smeared. So I put a bit of rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip to clean it. Oops, that chrome coating was GONE instantly. But it's behind a textured clear lens when you reattach the side reflector, so I was able to fix that with just a small piece of chrome tape over it. You literally can't see it at all.

I punched through the groove in the housing while removing the front lens in several places, it's kind of hard to avoid. It just took a lot more time to reshape those areas and I had to seal them from the back as well.

The LED rings I bought from Umnitza were $250. For another $250 (plus shipping cost, probably about $30-40 each way) I could have sent them down and had them do all the work. Originally I decided against that because after speaking to Matt, he made it sound like mounting the rings would be easy. That turned out not to be true, and I quickly began to wish I'd just sent the lights to Umnitza. But like I mentioned in my conclusion, I'm glad I didn't because my preference for ring size was different than their standard selection. I would have taken their recommendation, only to receive my lights back with rings that I felt are too small. That's why I posted so much detail on the available rings - for anyone who sends your lights to a shop for LED ring install, make sure you know what sizes you want first.

On a side note, I'm happy to say 10 days and a couple of very rainy Seattle drives later, no leaks in the headlights and they're looking great!

BimmerRob · 11-01-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3times3

I did make quite a few mistakes during this project, but I wouldn't really say it cost me anything in a monetary sense. Time - yes, a perfect result - yes. For example, I touched the reflector surrounding the turn signal bulb accidentally and it fingerprinted. I tried to rub it off, it smeared. So I put a bit of rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip to clean it. Oops, that chrome coating was GONE instantly. But it's behind a textured clear lens when you reattach the side reflector, so I was able to fix that with just a small piece of chrome tape over it. You literally can't see it at all.

I punched through the groove in the housing while removing the front lens in several places, it's kind of hard to avoid. It just took a lot more time to reshape those areas and I had to seal them from the back as well.

The LED rings I bought from Umnitza were $250. For another $250 (plus shipping cost, probably about $30-40 each way) I could have sent them down and had them do all the work. Originally I decided against that because after speaking to Matt, he made it sound like mounting the rings would be easy. That turned out not to be true, and I quickly began to wish I'd just sent the lights to Umnitza. But like I mentioned in my conclusion, I'm glad I didn't because my preference for ring size was different than their standard selection. I would have taken their recommendation, only to receive my lights back with rings that I felt are too small. That's why I posted so much detail on the available rings - for anyone who sends your lights to a shop for LED ring install, make sure you know what sizes you want first.

On a side note, I'm happy to say 10 days and a couple of very rainy Seattle drives later, no leaks in the headlights and they're looking great!

glad to see that they came out okay.. u got some set of cojones and time to be doing this mod yourself lol. if the chrome was coming off anyway, why didn't you just black them out? they really do look great though, and the fact that you can see the electrical housing isn't really a big deal. nice job!

mds82 · 11-01-2010, 04:32 PM

Looks awesome, Glad you got the silver CF reflectors on!!!

3X3=5 · 11-01-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92hobear

if the chrome was coming off anyway, why didn't you just black them out?

I like the black out look, but I like the chrome better. Call me crazy. Also, taking the interior trim off the projector/DRL housing just seemed like another chance for things to go wrong. I considered it, but I was so ready to be finished with the project. And actually the part I messed up is here. Once the lens goes back over it, you can never tell:

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Name: Screen shot 2010-11-01 at 2.41.26 PM.png
Views: 3348
Size: 1.50 MB

lpphreakx06 · 11-01-2010, 05:46 PM

Good job!!

tha_good_life · 11-07-2010, 11:36 AM

I have been looking all over for a DIY thread. I sent you a PM on some questions! Thanks for the write up!

fisherbln · 12-14-2010, 05:06 PM

Holy crap! I talked to Matt a couple of months ago and was considering this mod myself. I hand retrofitted Acura TSX projectors in to my Euro E36 headlights so I wasn't worried at all. Matt implied it would be downright easy in comparison to my retrofit. This looks like while it requires a _little_ less creativity, it would be just as difficult, if not more so!

I would happily pay OSS after reading this!

Cioringa · 03-06-2013, 11:09 AM

the broken ring could have been glued with acetone ...

Cripple · 03-07-2013, 08:02 AM

This is why E90 lights are significantly more difficult than E92. That looks like a complete pain in the ass! Well done though, lots of hard work went into those!

LuxAngelEyes · 03-08-2013, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cripple

This is why E90 lights are significantly more difficult than E92. That looks like a complete pain in the ass! Well done though, lots of hard work went into those!

They use a much different glue then the E92's. This glue is more of a solid rubber that isn't affected by heat. Simply put these are a PITA to open.

_Sinister_ · 02-04-2015, 09:52 AM

bump

Pilot1981 · 06-01-2015, 11:04 AM

Hi,
I have this AHL bi xenon headlight on my E91 LCI 2011:

http://s21.postimg.org/cfqbalyhj/201...1_18_59_54.jpg

I have a problem on lens/bulb loosing in headlight:

anyone know what I have to do to remove loose of lens/bulb?

Jaronbwall · 06-01-2015, 11:38 AM

And now I know why OSS Headllights are insanely expensive...

Pilot1981 · 07-07-2015, 03:45 AM

anyone have photos of opened bixeno in E90 LCI?

Kenchinito · 07-12-2015, 10:56 PM

Does anyone know where I could buy new lenses? My lenses are horribly yellowed.

Kienvu14 · 07-28-2015, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenchinito

Does anyone know where I could buy new lenses? My lenses are horribly yellowed.

I suggest looking up how to restore them why wet sanding.

ethanjoon · 07-28-2015, 12:48 AM

This thread should be added to the DIY masterlist. As the OP stated, while the current DIY by longtran is very good, there is a different process for different lights. I was thinking of undertaking the DIY earlier, but after stumbling across this thread, I guess my lack of time to do so was a blessing in disguise. This is an awesome DIY.

Rogue-OP · 04-13-2016, 02:42 AM

I've been looking for a while and this is by far the best diy I've run across for modding the e90 headlights. It's so good it's making me second guess it now haha.

Maniac0908 · 01-01-2018, 07:46 AM

Sorry to revive an old thread but do you have pics of the bracket? And a better angle on how and where you put it. Is umnitza the only company that sends a bracket? Thanks

Maniac0908 · 01-16-2018, 09:56 PM

Anyone have rings laying around? Mine broke

335ivin · 07-20-2019, 08:47 PM

I have been working on this mod for about a week now and this has been the hardest mod I have ever tackle. Would I do it again, fk NO. The only reason I did this mod was because the internal wires dryrod it. I also installed new lenses from Bimmerjakes.com. If you plan on doing this mod please follow 3x3=5 diy by the dot and good luck.

10-31-2010, 08:54 PM	#23
BimmerRob Lieutenant 47 Rep 486 Posts Drives: F36 435i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	Wow, some great pointers on how not to fuck up in this DIY.. I'm guessing those are all mistakes that you made along the way. How much did it cost you to buy a new set of LEDs? would you say your mistakes cost as much as it would to just send your HL's to umnitza or OSS? __________________ FOR SALE - 2014 Scion FR-S 6 spd, 27,000 ODO $17k pm me 2010 e92 Mojave Metallic - farewell old friend /2013 2015 435i xDrive Gran Coupe Sparkling Brown \| Cocaine White interior \| JB4 \| BMS Intake \| Wagner Intercooler Evo I \| VRSF Downpipes \| ER Chargepipes
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11-01-2010, 04:32 PM	#26
mds82 Major General 364 Rep 5,842 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: South Central Connecticut iTrader: (40) Garage List 2006 325xi Snow Pics [0.00] 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00]	Looks awesome, Glad you got the silver CF reflectors on!!!
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11-01-2010, 05:46 PM	#28
lpphreakx06 Professional Moose Racer 316 Rep 7,509 Posts Drives: SG 335i E92 RIP + 2015 SS M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (25)	Good job!! __________________ Visit my blog anytime: http://www.sfpayments.com BMW Dream Team PNW Chapter, member #1 \|HP Autowerks \| AR DESIGN \| BMW PERFORMANCE \| STOP TECH \| Volk Racing\| AMS \| ARKYM
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11-07-2010, 11:36 AM	#29
tha_good_life Brigadier General 376 Rep 4,089 Posts Drives: 21 X6MC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (22) Garage List 2021 BMW X6MC [10.00] 2010 BMW M3 [8.68]	I have been looking all over for a DIY thread. I sent you a PM on some questions! Thanks for the write up!
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12-14-2010, 05:06 PM	#30
fisherbln Captain 12 Rep 859 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	Holy crap! I talked to Matt a couple of months ago and was considering this mod myself. I hand retrofitted Acura TSX projectors in to my Euro E36 headlights so I wasn't worried at all. Matt implied it would be downright easy in comparison to my retrofit. This looks like while it requires a _little_ less creativity, it would be just as difficult, if not more so! I would happily pay OSS after reading this! __________________ 2007 335i SG Coupe 2009 128i AW
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03-06-2013, 11:09 AM	#31
Cioringa New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 320D Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Romania iTrader: (0)	the broken ring could have been glued with acetone ...
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03-07-2013, 08:02 AM	#32
Cripple Captain 102 Rep 775 Posts Drives: 12' 335is Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Canada iTrader: (4)	This is why E90 lights are significantly more difficult than E92. That looks like a complete pain in the ass! Well done though, lots of hard work went into those!
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02-04-2015, 09:52 AM	#34
_Sinister_ Major 72 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: Very Slow Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: The High State iTrader: (0)	bump __________________ _Sinister_
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06-01-2015, 11:04 AM	#35
Pilot1981 Private 5 Rep 62 Posts Drives: Bmw 320d xdrive lci Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Italy iTrader: (0)	Hi, I have this AHL bi xenon headlight on my E91 LCI 2011: http://s21.postimg.org/cfqbalyhj/201...1_18_59_54.jpg I have a problem on lens/bulb loosing in headlight: anyone know what I have to do to remove loose of lens/bulb?
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06-01-2015, 11:38 AM	#36
Jaronbwall Driving cars and riding bikes really fast 285 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	And now I know why OSS Headllights are insanely expensive... __________________ 335i, sport pkg, 3 pedals, Blacked out, LED markers, OZ Ultraleggera wheels, Firestone Indy 500s, x-pipe, vibrant 1792, PE mod MHD stage 2+, BMS DPs, ARM charge pipe, Tial BOV, ARM FMIC, dual cone, CSF radiator, M3 control arms, sways, HAWK pads. https://www.strava.com/athletes/8309149 Follow me on Strava
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07-07-2015, 03:45 AM	#37
Pilot1981 Private 5 Rep 62 Posts Drives: Bmw 320d xdrive lci Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Italy iTrader: (0)	anyone have photos of opened bixeno in E90 LCI?
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07-12-2015, 10:56 PM	#38
Kenchinito New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Panama iTrader: (0)	Does anyone know where I could buy new lenses? My lenses are horribly yellowed.
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07-28-2015, 12:48 AM	#40
ethanjoon Major 184 Rep 1,364 Posts Drives: E92 335xi 6MT, E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	This thread should be added to the DIY masterlist. As the OP stated, while the current DIY by longtran is very good, there is a different process for different lights. I was thinking of undertaking the DIY earlier, but after stumbling across this thread, I guess my lack of time to do so was a blessing in disguise. This is an awesome DIY. __________________ 2010 E92 335xi FBO 6-speed (Space Grey over Tobago Blue) 2006 E90 330i 6-speed (Arktis Blue over Black) 1984 E23 733i 5-speed (Delphin Grey over Pearl Beige)
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04-13-2016, 02:42 AM	#41
Rogue-OP Private First Class 58 Rep 192 Posts Drives: to Drum & Bass Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: West Coast iTrader: (0)	I've been looking for a while and this is by far the best diy I've run across for modding the e90 headlights. It's so good it's making me second guess it now haha.
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01-01-2018, 07:46 AM	#42
Maniac0908 Major 167 Rep 1,415 Posts Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Towson, MD iTrader: (2)	Sorry to revive an old thread but do you have pics of the bracket? And a better angle on how and where you put it. Is umnitza the only company that sends a bracket? Thanks
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01-16-2018, 09:56 PM	#43
Maniac0908 Major 167 Rep 1,415 Posts Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Towson, MD iTrader: (2)	Anyone have rings laying around? Mine broke
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07-20-2019, 08:47 PM	#44
335ivin Private First Class 20 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Pearland, Texas iTrader: (0)	I have been working on this mod for about a week now and this has been the hardest mod I have ever tackle. Would I do it again, fk NO. The only reason I did this mod was because the internal wires dryrod it. I also installed new lenses from Bimmerjakes.com. If you plan on doing this mod please follow 3x3=5 diy by the dot and good luck.
	Appreciate 0 Quote