[mmarco78]

Hi all,

after having read all possible literature online regarding the task, I decided I will retrofit xenons to my 330XD E91. As I do not want to modify the existing wiring, I guess there are two ways left:

- source parts for retrofitting from BMW (expensive)
- source parts for retrofitting from a scrapyard, which is the route I will probably go

First things first:

I will need headlights (duh), front and back level sensors and appropriate wiring, headlight wiring, different FRM ancillaries such as headlight washing units, bumper etc.

As I wrote in the title, I want to make everything as OEM as possible. Once I source a correct FRM, will I have to repin the main connector for the level sensors and new headlight wiring? I have not looked at the stock car wiring yet, so asking preventive questions.
If anyone can help with parts numbers needed for the conversions, both for the retrofit kit, for the new FRM etc, this would be extremely welcome.
Thank you all in advance, and it would be great if this post could become a source of reference for other people going the OEM retrofit route.

[NorthernDancer]

Well I cannot help much, I'm staying with halogen on my 128, my 330 does have zenon. Some of us use a wrecking yard in Denmark with very good service. I think the wrecking yard is the best way to get all you need.
I have seen write ups on conversion, maybe they are in the 1 Series section.
Visited Italy a few times and loved every minute.

[mmarco78]

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

Well I cannot help much, I'm staying with halogen on my 128, my 330 does have zenon. Some of us use a wrecking yard in Denmark with very good service. I think the wrecking yard is the best way to get all you need.
I have seen write ups on conversion, maybe they are in the 1 Series section.
Visited Italy a few times and loved every minute.

Thank you mate, I will search in the 1 series section and see if there are more details on wiring, especially regarding the work on the FRM. Drop a line next time you are here, maybe we can meet up for a beer or five...

[ptpending]

The wiring to headlights is heavily integrated to common wiring and it is not very comfortable to lay down all new wires again and remove same number of the wires and isolate them
thats why most retrofits DIY rewire existing wires.
only the wiring to level sensor is completely new to car and sometime it is needed to add PT-CAN wiring to FRM to enable adaptive functionality

[mmarco78]

Originally Posted by ptpending

The wiring to headlights is heavily integrated to common wiring and it is not very comfortable to lay down all new wires again and remove same number of the wires and isolate them
thats why most retrofits DIY rewire existing wires.
only the wiring to level sensor is completely new to car and sometime it is needed to add PT-CAN wiring to FRM to enable adaptive functionality

Thanks mate, I have taken a look, and indeed switching out the wiring would be hell. Already working on an adapter wiring, as I managed to find both female and male plugs for the headlight connector, in order to create a piggyback. How can I check if my FRM is xenon compatible, or if I need it changed?

[ptpending]

you do not need new headlight connectors
you'll need new wiring for level sensor and headlight wash pump

[Andystobbs]

I have a complete washer pump set up available, I'll have to check if I still have the tank though.

[mmarco78]

Originally Posted by ptpending

you do not need new headlight connectors
you'll need new wiring for level sensor and headlight wash pump

Thank you so much for this. I have this incoming, which should be just right:

https://www.ebay.it/itm/155169758809

Slowly but surely gathering parts. Headlights, FRM, etc.

Very grateful for your help!

[mmarco78]

Originally Posted by Andystobbs

I have a complete washer pump set up available, I'll have to check if I still have the tank though.

Don't they take the washer fluid from the main tank? Where are you located? I am from Italy, so I guess shipping costs and customs could be an issue. Writing here, as luckily I understand a bit of english and, to be sincere, italian forums are crap for the most part, from the technical point of view...

Very thankful for any advice I am getting!

[Andystobbs]

Yes, from the main tank, but the tank has an additional hole for the extra pump. I am in the UK. Postage to Italy would probably be difficult.

[mmarco78]

https://ibb.co/Th5MdtW

first piece arrived today. Who can identify it? :-)

[Andystobbs]

Axle sensor harness

[mmarco78]

Originally Posted by Andystobbs

Axle sensor harness

you just won a beer. come to Italy anytime to cash your prize

[mmarco78]

So, tomorrow I am pickung up the right xenon headlight, which I was lucky enough to find at a great price. Axle sensor harness is already here, so I am missing the other headlight, axle sensors and FRM. There is this FRM for sale in my area, will it fit a pre LCI xenon conversion, or should I look for an FRM with XE in the model name. Thank you all!



Bonus pic of the headlight I found for just 90€

[ptpending]

you need FRM XE or MAX Brose
because your FRM may have sensor circiutry removed.

[mmarco78]

small update:

I have the second headlight from the donor car and, surprise suprise, the first one I got is a non adaptive headlight, the second one is adaptive, which obviously I like more.
I already found someone to swap my non AHL headlight for an AHL headlight, but now I will have to check what FRM I need to buy and how to tackle the wiring. If anyone has wiring diagrams for me, I would be grateful.

Cost so far:

- 30€ for AHL wiring to suspension
- 180€ for set of adaptive xenon headlights (great deal, IMO)

Slowly but steadily going forward!