Issues installing angel eyes

[GreenFrog]

Issue one - I dropped a socket adapter into the engine bay and it fell all the way to the bottom and I have no idea in hell how to retrieve it. I'm afraid it's going to clank around while I drive. What do I do?

Issue two - Do I need to disconnect the battery? Where is the negative terminal? I only see the positive terminal in the engine bay

Issue three - How do I get the wires from the angel eyes themselves through to the rubber grommet? All the install videos I see are with the pre-facelift headlights and there seems to be a sufficient gap on top of the projectors so as to allow you to slip the wires through there. On my facelift headlights, there is no gap whatsoever that will allow me to slip the wires to the back.

Issue four - do I need to remove the headlight assembly from the car? That seems to be the only way I can get the wires into the back somehow and that's what I'm doing so far, but there are a lot of wires.

Issue five - is there a DIY somewhere for facelift sedans?! how is virtually every single video for pre-facelift sedans and M3s?!

I'm so frustrated already with the dropped socket adapter that I just want to get this installed professionally!

[pleasecorrupt]

Issue one - What do you mean the socket adapter, and I'm sure it'll be fine, It'll find its way out or settle somewhere.

Issue two -
Trunk compartment right side, turn plastic screws quarter way and prop it open / remove.

Issue three -
You just push / slide it back and slip the wires through the hole, easiest way i can say is use a screw driver to push the area / hold between the xenons if you're facing them to see what you need to push.

Issue four -
No you can install it with them still on there, many diy, good is your best friend.

Issue five -
Google, I'll find it if you can't find it once I'm back at home.

Patience my friend :)

[pleasecorrupt]

found it on my iphone, i have a 04 sedan and this exact guide got me through it, feel free to pm me if you need me to fill in any gaps.

http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes_orionv2.html

[Go Horns!]

I'm so frustrated already with the dropped socket adapter that I just want to get this installed professionally!

I feel your pain. http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?3011-At-least-I-stopped-before-I-did-some-real-damage-Angle-Eye-install-gone-wrong

I eventually had it wired by a "pro" (big mistake). He screwed it up by wiring it to the parking lights. My angle eyes now flash when my right turn signal is on. Have not had the time to fix it.

[GreenFrog]

One of the big adaptors that attaches to the wrench.

http://supertoolss.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/socket-wrench.jpg

I'm still frustrated on how to get the wires through the housing. The gap above the projects is just too narrow to fit the wires' clips. Did you simply force the gap wider by leveraging a screwdriver or something? I don't want the projectors to crack..

[GreenFrog]

I was looking forward to installing these AEs because everyone says it's one of the easiest DIY's out there, and it truly does look simple when you watch videos and what not.. FOR PRE-FACELIFT HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST.

With the sun sweltering on my back and sweat gushing at the rate of an open fire hydrant, things are getting VERY frustrating VERY quickly.

[pleasecorrupt]

Once I get back to my car I'll take some pictures for you unless if someone beats me to it. (hopefully)

The socket is near impossible to get imho, or rather I have no idea how to do it. Just hope it rolls out onto the driveway one day.

[az3579]

Issue 1: For the socket you lost, you can just take the bottom undertray off and it will fall right out.

Issue 2: The battery is in the rear of the car, on the right side in the trunk under a black plastic cover.

[Oli77]

I used this DIY (http://www.khoalty.com/blog/e46-angel-eye-install/) and my car is facelifted.

[trancenation]

issue one: check in your underbody service cover/panel.
issue two: I would disconnect the terminals as a preventative measure. There is a negative terminal located below the positive one. It is on the panel closer to the front of the car.
issue three: I used a guide wire and taped the ends of the connectors to it and fed it on top of the rubber grommet.
issue four: you do not need to remove the headlight assembly from the car.
issue five: It's pretty much the same installation as the m3.

[Cadeez]

I used this DIY and I had no issues. Check section 2F, you cut tiny slits in the boot that covers the rear of the headlight and slide the wires through, worked perfectly.

http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes_orionv2.html

[GreenFrog]

I'm having issues with sliding the wires through the top slit above the projector. The gap is too narrow for the wiring to squeeze through. I mean, the wires will fit
obviously because they're thin, but it's the connector sockets at the end of the wires that are too thick to fit through that gap.

I got quotes for installation - one mechanic said 3-4 hours worth of labor and another said $150 lol. Definitely going to get this done myself.

[M0nk3y]

I'm having issues with sliding the wires through the top slit above the projector. The gap is too narrow for the wiring to squeeze through. I mean, the wires will fit
obviously because they're thin, but it's the connector sockets at the end of the wires that are too thick to fit through that gap.

I got quotes for installation - one mechanic said 3-4 hours worth of labor and another said $150 lol. Definitely going to get this done myself.

There should be a rubber groument around your highbeam bulbs. Look behind the heading and it should be there. Pull that rubber and you will have plenty of space to run through there

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

[GreenFrog]

Maybe it's the kit I have (aurora) where the connector sockets at the end of the wires are thicker than the more popular Orion v2s. There is just no way I can slide these through the top housing without widening the gap severely using a screwdriver or something as leverage. I'm worried I might crack the silver plastic portion of the projectors.

[Oli77]

Can you take a picture of the issue you are having and post it?

[M0nk3y]

Maybe it's the kit I have (aurora) where the connector sockets at the end of the wires are thicker than the more popular Orion v2s. There is just no way I can slide these through the top housing without widening the gap severely using a screwdriver or something as leverage. I'm worried I might crack the silver plastic portion of the projectors.

Once again, you are using the wrong slot to go through.

DONT USE YOUR PROJECTORS. Use the highbeams. I can stick 3 fingers through the slot where I remove the rubber groument. I've done it on 4 cars (3 Orions and 1 Aurora), going through the projector and using a screwdriver isn't necessary at all

[GreenFrog]

^ I don't really see any rubber grommet near the highbeams.. Anyway, here is a pic.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2006%2C%209%2049%2003%20PM.jpeg

All the DIYs state that the wires should go through that slit at the top. Mine obviously won't fit through there.

[Johnmadd]

Once again, you are using the wrong slot to go through.

DONT USE YOUR PROJECTORS. Use the highbeams. I can stick 3 fingers through the slot where I remove the rubber groument. I've done it on 4 cars (3 Orions and 1 Aurora), going through the projector and using a screwdriver isn't necessary at all

I would take this advice and ask more questions if you need more help figuring out where and what Monk3y is trying to explain to you.

[danewilson77]

Checkin in. Looks like you have tons of help.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[M0nk3y]

Like I said before, behind the headlight...clear as day.

You're going to need a copper wire or clothes hanger to fish it through


eed the Angel Eye wires from the front (above the reflector) to the back through the rubber boot. First unplug the four connectors from the wire harness. Second, to aid in the process, a thin copper wire will help you pull the wires through. Feed the thin copper wire through from the front to the back and through the boot opening. Wrap the wire around the Angel Eye wires and tape it down with electrical tape. Now pull it through from the boot side (back of headlight). Note, example images below are from a previous install using the umnitza Predator Chromium, however the process is the same for the Orion V2.

http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes_orionv2.html

http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes/angeleyes17.jpg

http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes/angeleyes16.jpg

http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes/angeleyes18.jpg

[GreenFrog]

thanks guys i got the wiring through! where did you guys hide the driver pack? it says 'tuck it away from heat and moisture' but it's in the engine bay.. so i dont know where to put it.

[GreenFrog]

what a disaster.. the bolt on the positive terminal is on so tight i can't get it loose. ive cut three of my fingers so far exerting so much pressure and slipping them on the metal.

..

[GreenFrog]

Fuck im going to explode how is this nut on so tight it just wont fucking unscew goddammit

[GreenFrog]

Yes i got it!

[az3579]

You should probably invest in a breaker bar to make loosening things much easier. Simple, yet one of the best investments you can make as far as tools are concerned.

[GreenFrog]

this eas aurora installation video says to bolt the negative ring terminal yadda yadda but i dont have another terminal. i bolted the black wire ring to the ground and the red one to the positive terminal so far. beyond that, there is no negative ring at all.

[Johnmadd]

Ground can be any bolt that is metal connected to a metal surface that is not an electrical part.

[M0nk3y]

this eas aurora installation video says to bolt the negative ring terminal yadda yadda but i dont have another terminal. i bolted the black wire ring to the ground and the red one to the positive terminal so far. beyond that, there is no negative ring at all.

Huh?

That just made no sense at all.

Positive wire goes to your jumper terminal, Negative goes to a grounding point. Mount the fuse box where it says and then tap to the ECU terminal

[GreenFrog]

i put the black wire to the ground and the red wire to the positive terminal. that's right, right?

[GreenFrog]

ok i officially give up on the remote on installation. the video says i can simply pass the wire through the grommet on the passenger side and that i'll be able to reach for it by taking out the footwell light.

BULLSHIT.

the paper instructions tell me that I need to separate and unscrew the glove compartment before I can reach for it. well guess what, the fucking glove compartment is stuck via a plastic-pressure hinge mechanism despite unscrewing the fucking screws.

i give up and this has been the most frustrating DIY i ever did. i would have gladly paid 150 bucks for someone to have toiled for me. wow im angry.

[GreenFrog]

there are also a shit ton of extra connectors on the harness cable and neither the video nor the paper instructions tell me what to do with them. i even tried to see whether the lights would turn on with the ignition and no dice.

FUCK!

[GreenFrog]

angel eyes wont turn on

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%2012%2047%2027%20AM.jpeg

im so frustrated im going to explode

[GreenFrog]

guys, the black cube thing called the relay that im supposed to put into the ground bolt.. well the ring for the relay is too small and it wont fit onto the bolt for the ground...

[GreenFrog]

im looking at the paper installation guide that came with the aurora set and it says it supports

1999-2003 e46 3 series (pre-facelift, non-sealed lamps)
2000-2006 e46 m3 coupe/convertible
1995-2001 e38 7 series
1997-2000 e39 5 series

no where does it say it supports the facelift sedan...


the website says:

Models Supported:
1999-2003 e46 3-series Coupe (pre-facelift, non-sealed lamps)
1999-2005 e46 3-series Sedan
2000-2006 e46 M3 Coupe/Convertible

not to mention, the black headlidght bezel won't go back in with the angel eyes installed. the angel eyes are in the way of the bezel and there's no way it will fit back in.

i think they sent me the wrong kit.

i think im going to spontaneously combust. ive been working on this for the past 5 hours.

FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

[pleasecorrupt]

Sorry never got to go to car. With that said I don't know what I can say besides that even if they sent you wrong sent, they should still light up..

[GreenFrog]

In terms of the lighting issue, I think I figured that out.

But fitment.. the angel eyes are blacking the pathway for the bezel to fit in...

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%201%2050%2036%20AM.jpeg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%201%2050%2018%20AM.jpeg

notice how in the first pic, the angel eyes are directly blocking the black bezel from going back in. and yes, i installed the eyes onto the projectors correctly.

hahahaha at this point literally EVERY step that could go wrong, has gone wrong. I mean, literally EVERY step along the way ive run into issues.

[pleasecorrupt]

as far as the second pic, thats pretty much how they're suppose to look and fit, on the first picture I can't really make whats going on

[GreenFrog]

this image says that the bolt on the left side is the ground http://www.khoalty.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/POSITIVE-NEGATIVE-CONNECTIONS-243x300.jpg

but the eas installation video refers to that same exact bolt on the left as the negative terminal.. further, the video says that the ground relay must attach to the bolt that is to the right side of the positive terminal.

im at wit's end.

[GreenFrog]

umnitza's website makes you select the model of car you ahve before you add your angel eyes to the basket, implying that there are different models for the pre-facelift and facelift.

EAS angel eyes, you simply add them to your cart because the description says they will work for all models. that is 100% bullshit.

the amount of stress ive endured for the past 5 hours is mind blowing. im not even angry anymore. im just laughing at my misfortune.

if anyone is in the boston area and willing to help, i will gladly pay you a fee. or if anyone can refer me to a mechanic who can install these, that would be great.

i would pay 200 bucks to get these installed properly at this point. at first i laughed at that price before i attempted ot install them myself, but wow, after 5 hours, i would GLADLY and EASILY pay 200 bucks.

[GreenFrog]

as far as the second pic, thats pretty much how they're suppose to look and fit, on the first picture I can't really make whats going on

the angel eyes are blocking the bezel from going in. i simply cannot slide the bezel back in with the angel eyes there..

[az3579]

this image says that the bolt on the left side is the ground http://www.khoalty.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/POSITIVE-NEGATIVE-CONNECTIONS-243x300.jpg

but the eas installation video refers to that same exact bolt on the left as the negative terminal.. further, the video says that the ground relay must attach to the bolt that is to the right side of the positive terminal.

im at wit's end.

The "negative terminal" is ground. Same difference.

It really shouldn't take 5 hours, so don't be discouraged by a run of bad luck.
If I remember correctly, I've seen people who have the inner rings slightly off so that the bezel will fit. Did you try to fit nudge the rings slightly off towards the center of the housing to perhaps make the housing fit? If all else fails, there's always some modification that could get it to fit; the plastic could perhaps be dremelled to allow it to slide in? I can't truly see the top of it with the pics you provided, but if it's what I think it is, it's just a minor amount of plastic that's preventing it.

My PO did my car's angel eyes, so unfortunately I don't know what was involved, I have seen some people's inner rings sort of hide behind the black plastic though, if that helps. The full ring isn't visible when on because a small portion of it is blocked by the plastic.

[danewilson77]

the angel eyes are blocking the bezel from going in. i simply cannot slide the bezel back in with the angel eyes there..

Need to push the clips all the way in.

[danewilson77]

Status update.

[GreenFrog]

Image 1. The splicing for the ECU box
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%2010%2000%2052%20AM.jpeg

Image 2. The black relay I'm having issues with.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%2010%2001%2021%20AM.jpeg

Image 3. The black relay from image 2 won't fit into the ground terminal. The hole is too narrow and I can't push the relay in all the way to the back.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%2010%2001%2043%20AM.jpeg

Image 4. The wiring for the positive cable; it is under the positive terminal.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%2010%2002%2001%20AM.jpeg

Images 5 and 6. What am I supposed to do with these two cables?
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%2010%2008%2056%20AM.jpeg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Photo%20Jul%2007%2C%2010%2009%2022%20AM.jpeg

[GreenFrog]

Update:

So I got the lights working, but three major issues:

1. Was not able to get the remote on/off feature set up due to inability to wire cable through footwell.
2. Black bezel/trim inside the headlight was not installed because they are blocked by the angel eyes
3. The black cube piece from picture three was not bolted on because it will not fit.

Further, my headlights got aligned weirdly (I took them out) and there is a wide gap between the headlights and the turn lamps. I'm going to take my car to a mechanic to get these loose ends taken care of. I can't handle working on this anymore.

[GreenFrog]

if you look at where the headlights meet the turnlights, you can see a black slit -- that's the gap. also, pictures make the auroras seem like the lights are a solid circle, but that's just pictures. when you see them in person the gaps are very noticeable.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Screen%20shot%202011-07-07%20at%2012.11.34%20PM.png


overall, very disappointed with this product. I think im going to return them for orions or sth. I always thought orions were more popular because they were cheaper, but i guess not.

[M0nk3y]

if you look at where the headlights meet the turnlights, you can see a black slit -- that's the gap. also, pictures make the auroras seem like the lights are a solid circle, but that's just pictures. when you see them in person the gaps are very noticeable.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Screen%20shot%202011-07-07%20at%2012.11.34%20PM.png


overall, very disappointed with this product. I think im going to return them for orions or sth. I always thought orions were more popular because they were cheaper, but i guess not.

Welcome to the world of photography. Its been a flame war of who's angel eyes are better since day 1. I couldn't care less now. Sooner or later people will discover the real truth I've been trying to theology them a couple years ago

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Welcome to the world of photography. Its been a flame war of who's angel eyes are better since day 1. I could car less now. Sooner or later people will discover the real truth I've been trying to theology them a couple years ago

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

+1

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[pleasecorrupt]

Update:

So I got the lights working, but three major issues:

1. Was not able to get the remote on/off feature set up due to inability to wire cable through footwell.
2. Black bezel/trim inside the headlight was not installed because they are blocked by the angel eyes
3. The black cube piece from picture three was not bolted on because it will not fit.

Further, my headlights got aligned weirdly (I took them out) and there is a wide gap between the headlights and the turn lamps. I'm going to take my car to a mechanic to get these loose ends taken care of. I can't handle working on this anymore.

1. installing AEs took me probably like half an hour, the remote on/off feature through footwell took me well over an hour, my advice is to borrow a friends iphone 4 and shove it up the foot light from the passenger side to try to see where the cable is after pushing it in

2. not quite sure what to say here, except without it will moisture be able to get inside the light housing, main concern here. as someone put it, make sure clips are pushed all the way in.

3. LINK (http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes/angeleyesv223.jpg) this didn't work?

4. mechanic isn't going to do much for you if you are done with installing them yourself, go on craigslist and see if theres a local guy installing AEs

[pleasecorrupt]

if you look at where the headlights meet the turnlights, you can see a black slit -- that's the gap. also, pictures make the auroras seem like the lights are a solid circle, but that's just pictures. when you see them in person the gaps are very noticeable.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15824594/Screen%20shot%202011-07-07%20at%2012.11.34%20PM.png


overall, very disappointed with this product. I think im going to return them for orions or sth. I always thought orions were more popular because they were cheaper, but i guess not.

Did you buy the orion v2s or the orion lite? v2s have been raved about since day one, are the most expensive, and look great imho. sorry for all the the bad luck. =\

[GreenFrog]

1. installing AEs took me probably like half an hour, the remote on/off feature through footwell took me well over an hour, my advice is to borrow a friends iphone 4 and shove it up the foot light from the passenger side to try to see where the cable is after pushing it in

2. not quite sure what to say here, except without it will moisture be able to get inside the light housing, main concern here. as someone put it, make sure clips are pushed all the way in.

3. LINK (http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes/angeleyesv223.jpg) this didn't work?
If you look at Image 3 above, you will see that the black cube piece does not fit on to that screw. The hole is too small

4. mechanic isn't going to do much for you if you are done with installing them yourself, go on craigslist and see if theres a local guy installing AEs


Did you buy the orion v2s or the orion lite? v2s have been raved about since day one, are the most expensive, and look great imho. sorry for all the the bad luck. =\

I got the auroras but I'm going to return them and get the orion v2 opaques. The auroras get drowned out too easily in sunlight.

[trancenation]

I've also had problems with the black bezel being unable to sit properly. It slightly rubs the angel eye clips when the adapative feature is activated. Like Dane said, push the alligator clips all of the way in.

[GreenFrog]

I've also had problems with the black bezel being unable to sit properly. It slightly rubs the angel eye clips when the adapative feature is activated. Like Dane said, push the alligator clips all of the way in.

Do you have the auroras?

I've tried Dane's advice and pushed all the clips as far back as possible, and no dice. The bezel just will not go in unless I cut chunks of it out with a dremel.

[trancenation]

I actually have the orion v2's.

The bezel need not to be pushed in all the way prior to lense installation.

[DeM3n]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with these AE's. I bought Khooalty's kit and had no issues whatsoever (despite a lot of negative criticism over on E46fanatics). I do have to say, however, that their installation instructions sucked. Their website pretty much sent me to DIYs created by other forum members. I ended up wiring them to a separate switch instead. I like it this way so I can have just my AE's on and not have that nasty orange bulb showing when the parking lights are on.