Addicted to Lighting

[JKO_ZHP]

Most people's first mods with their cars has nothing to do with lighting; it's all about bolt-on looks, performance, lower ride height, etc.

For me though, I'm addicted to light. The first thing I did the same day after purchasing the ZHP was toss in the 6000K D2S bulbs and the last thing I did was install the interior LED kit with an 18-LED panel.

Now, I'm considering turning the headlights into quad projectors with Osram CBI's (just ordered them from TRS).

I'm trying to find a reputable, local place/professional to do the actual install since I religiously follow the code that if I can't do it with my own two hands with 100% surgical precision, then pay more just once to have a pro do it right the first time.

So far:
LED interior from Khoalty w/ 18-LED panel (installed)
LED turn signal w/ 27 individual LEDs on each (not yet installed)
LED CREE reverse lights (not yet received/installed)
Osram CBI (not yet received/installed)
6000K Orion V2 angel eyes from Umnitza (installed)
*35W 6000K HID fogs (passenger side needs to be fixed)

TBA:
Quad projectors, with help from TRS

*Would have gone with 55W but....illegal and creates too much heat in that small of a space.

No parts for the quad projector project have been ordered, will update if it is a go! :biggrin

[BimmerWill]

Im with you on the lighting bug first thing I did when I got mine was change the tails to led then the clears all around, then led 6k interior lights, 6k orion v2 angel eyes, 6k d2s bulbs, 6k led license plate light modules. Im all about the lights, that quad set up sounds awesome. I have no idea how that would work but props if you can get all that stuff in there, that's going to look sick! Keep us updated.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[JupiterBMW]

Its funny you mention this, I've never been big into lighting, nor am I really a huge fan of aftermarket looking lights.. When I bought my ZHP, I immediately started to deal with the burnt ZKW bowls. First I did the E90 retrofit, then I purchased some AL brand headlights. I had to do a few repairs to those to make them work well, but I eventually I did. I also purchased new Osram SVS bulbs from TRS for the lights. My headlights were so amazingly perfect at that point, that I also had to complete the package. And like you, nothing but the best... So, I ordered the full Euro clear package from TMS. I installed those with the stealth bulbs front and back... So far that's all I've done, but I have plans to do more. I'm still planning on some 3000K HID fogs, and some angel eyes. Not sure what set of angel eyes to get, but probably either the Weisslicht or the Umnitza Orion V4... That'll be it though as I don't like ultra bright or colored interior/license plate lights... i want to keep things OEM looking, at least for the most part...

Anyone care to make some donations?? :biggrin

[ryankokesh]

Here's one of my lighting mods:

http://youtu.be/uxRVlT_OTlU


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[JupiterBMW]

Amusing to say the least, but not for me... :thumbsup

[cakM3]

Amusing to say the least, but not for me... :thumbsup

+1

[JupiterBMW]

You know, I do have to be honest though... I didn't always have the same thoughts in regards to lighting...

I may or may not have installed underbody neons at some time in the past... :eeps

[danewilson77]

LMAO!

[ryankokesh]

Hahaha, normally I keep it set to a really soft red glow. Complements the red led's by the sunroof, and isn't distracting. Decided to do it because my mom's CC came oem with some dim footwell lighting that stays on and it actually is kinda useful. Thought it was weird at first, but it really grew on me.

But, I can also have a rave at the push of a button! :thumbsup


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[Rovert]

Sweeet party mode!! You'll rival the party bus that I pass on Saturday nights!!

[danewilson77]

Sweeet party mode!! You'll rival the party bus that I pass on Saturday nights!!

Trevor....did you get my PM...from a couple of days ago?

[Rovert]

LOL....got so many email notifications it must have got lost. Taken care of! :P back on topic now!

LED craziness!!!!

[JKO_ZHP]

Here's one of my lighting mods:

http://youtu.be/uxRVlT_OTlU


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

LOL
Would be even better if your overhead panel was rigged like that too :rofl

The yolk has been removed from the egg. The broken egg look is now transformed to a hard-boiled egg.
(Amber turn signal bulbs are out, LEDs in)
Will have pics up later at night. Fog lights were fixed too, just a crappy ballast.

[BavarianZHP]

How is the interior LED mod? My main concern is if they are too bright. Also, is the light pure white? Any blue hue tends to give me headaches after a while. I've been thinking about LED interior since it looks like a simple, quick and cheap DIY.

[Hornung418]

No to the quad projectors...loss of flash-to-pass and a delay in any highbeam functionality. The xenon cycling period will be stressed and the bulbs will wear out very quickly. No point in adding them IMO.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[JKO_ZHP]

How is the interior LED mod? My main concern is if they are too bright. Also, is the light pure white? Any blue hue tends to give me headaches after a while. I've been thinking about LED interior since it looks like a simple, quick and cheap DIY.

The 18-LED panel was available for an extra 5 bucks I think, and that's the one I got. I wouldn't recommend this one, it is seriously way too bright. I use the lights on the sides if I'm ever at an unfamiliar place because honestly, when that panel's on, the grey leather reflects the light and people a mile away can see how many people are in the car.
And yes, it is pure white, there is no blue tinge whatsoever.

http://oi47.tinypic.com/2drdjdt.jpg

Passenger fog fixed, was a faulty ballast but the two are mismatching.........driver's side is actually a deep 6000K light blueish wile the passenger side has become more like 4300K bright white.

Egg yolk gone though. :)

[Johal E32]

No to the quad projectors...loss of flash-to-pass and a delay in any highbeam functionality. The xenon cycling period will be stressed and the bulbs will wear out very quickly. No point in adding them IMO.

From a GS3, this was sent.

this. +1 million

Keep the low beams as projectors and high beams as reflectors.

The CBI bulbs will be a good upgrade. Quality D2S bulb> generic D2S bulb.

[johnrando]

Every time I glance at the title I read "addicted to lightening". lol

[JKO_ZHP]

No to the quad projectors...loss of flash-to-pass and a delay in any highbeam functionality. The xenon cycling period will be stressed and the bulbs will wear out very quickly. No point in adding them IMO.

From a GS3, this was sent.

Yeah I've thought about that...but I've never flashed anyone on the road, usually it's honk or switch to steptronic, shift down and take off hehe
Nomis_nehc on the E60 forums is the guy who did my AE's and has quad projectors himself. Works on Umnitza's customers' lights, they ship the entire assembly, housing, etc. to him and he does magic on them. From custom eyebrows to quad projectors and more.

I don't know how he did his but they made nighttime look like midday summer and have been going strong from what I've seen/heard.

[JKO_ZHP]

A couple pics of my buddy's own headlights. I don't think he does this look specifically for anyone else (unless you fork over $99999 of course) since this is his own creation.

Seriously, he does magic. I'm sure whatever concerns or common problems others have, he has a ballast, bulb, or something to counter it.

http://oi47.tinypic.com/6h1hdi.jpg

http://oi49.tinypic.com/307t56s.jpg

http://oi50.tinypic.com/2rrw3lc.jpg

http://oi49.tinypic.com/n627ep.jpg

[Hornung418]

K.

Still think you just need to experience the trifecta light mod. Fogs, inners and xenons on all at once. Free and no work necessary.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[Hermes]

I'm personally very happy with a single AL bi-xenon 4300k and two halogen 2500k's, I find it a much more functional setup

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/frenching/P1010047.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/frenching/P1010025.jpg

I also painted my reflector bowls for that additional color effect (2dr lights require more effort)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/185a290e.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/frenching/P1000464.jpg

[Rovert]

What's for dessert honey??? Baked headlights!

[JupiterBMW]

What's for dessert honey??? Baked headlights!

:facepalm I tried to bake open one of the E90 lights I had when doing my retrofit... Holy hell what a pain in the ass... After 15 minutes of prying, out came the jigsaw and I hacked right through the thing.... Much more effective I think!

[JKO_ZHP]

What's for dessert honey??? Baked headlights!

My buddy got it right the first time :) Experience ftw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8Nf...ature=youtu.be

Here's a short vid of the lights, excluding the license plate LEDs in the rear and inside the trunk.
Fogs are mismatching, doesn't look to be 6000K on both sides anymore.

[Hermes]

link doesn't work

[JKO_ZHP]

link doesn't work


http://youtu.be/k8Nf3L4AHq4

[Hermes]

that does look good, but FYI - your turn signals are technically illegal as they have to be amber. Cops can technically stop you in Cali for that

[JKO_ZHP]

that does look good, but FYI - your turn signals are technically illegal as they have to be amber. Cops can technically stop you in Cali for that

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=722110
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc24953.htm

I'm prepared to have a printout of this page ready in the glove compartment for reference :)

[Hermes]

Have you ever tried to argue about something like that on the side of the road? I have... they tend to seriously check your car for every possible issue at that point. I ended up getting a $700 ticket that night (old car), so nowadays I just pick my battles and run stuff that "looks" legal. All my yellow lights are technically off-road use only PIAA bulbs.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/frenching/69b058e3.jpg

[terraphantm]

K.

Still think you just need to experience the trifecta light mod. Fogs, inners and xenons on all at once. Free and no work necessary.

From a GS3, this was sent.

+1

Still one of my favorite mods. Makes driving at night so much easier

[JKO_ZHP]

Has anyone tried using any aftermarket ballasts for their headlights? I'm planning on buying the H1 35W Morimoto ballast kit with 6000K bulbs and am thinking of also getting a pair for the headlights (different specs though) but I actually have no idea if the stock wattage is 35 or 50 or maybe some other number.

[nike001]

What? I don't know what you said since you said headlights twice.

Morimoto bulbs suck. Ask me how I know.

[JKO_ZHP]

What? I don't know what you said since you said headlights twice.

Morimoto bulbs suck. Ask me how I know.

:confused
Oh haha oops. The aforementioned (H1 35W Morimoto ballast kit with 6000K bulbs) is for the fog lights. I currently have an H1 35W ONEX kit and I just found out they're cheap, out of business, and is crappy AF. Heard the Morimotos were way better, the ballasts at least.

And I have no idea what wattage the factory ballasts are but I'm on the fence as to whether or not replacing them with Morimoto's would increase light output.

[az3579]

Factory ballasts are 35w. I believe 55w is illegal...

[Hermes]

55w is illegal...

it is

[nike001]

Factory ballasts are 35w. I believe 55w is illegal...

As illegal as HIDs in halogen reflectors? Cops don't give a shit about that so I don't see how anyone would be given a hard time upgrading their ballasts to 55w anyways.

There's a reason car companies have 35w and not 55w... It's not a good idea to upgrade

[az3579]

It really isn't necessary to upgrade, unless your sole goal is to blind oncoming motorists and melt certain headlight components...

[wertyu78]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/wertyu78/IMG_0887_zps0519e7f3.jpg

This was before my FX-R Retrofit. A good mod for those late night mountain runs. I've since removed my fogs. I'm debating on retrofitting some mini-projectors in new housings with a clear lens. I hate the ZHP fluted glass.

[BavarianZHP]

K.

Still think you just need to experience the trifecta light mod. Fogs, inners and xenons on all at once. Free and no work necessary.

From a GS3, this was sent.


Hmmm, anyone kind enough to link me? I really want to do this. Do the halogens only come on with highbeams activated or does it simply provide more low beam light?

[Hornung418]

It's just a coding feature that you enable through any typical software stuff for your BMW. The Inner Bowls are your F2P (Brights) and your DRLs (Dims). When you flick the highs they are bright and your xenon shutter is actuated. With the fogs on you have the ultimate lighting machine.

[az3579]

With the fogs on you have the ultimate lighting machine.

AKA "Instant Daylight".

[JKO_ZHP]

Update.
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2221-What-did-you-do-for-your-ZHP-BMW-today&p=228368#post228368

Here's to a brighter new year! <- See what I did there? :rofl
Took the advice, no more illegal stuff. So still 35W everything.
But I think it's safe to say I have the brightest legal 35W lights on the road now around here. :)
LET THERE BE LIGHT!

[sillieidiot]

Update.
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2221-What-did-you-do-for-your-ZHP-BMW-today&p=228368#post228368

Here's to a brighter new year! <- See what I did there? :rofl
Took the advice, no more illegal stuff. So still 35W everything.
But I think it's safe to say I have the brightest legal 35W lights on the road now around here. :)
LET THERE BE LIGHT!

sorry to break it to you, but you're not. this of course if "around here" meant all of socal lol but if you want to be technical, the HID kits themselves are illegal for use on streets lol so you don't even have a legal setup. but it's not like anyone will know. nice work nonetheless :thumbsup:

[danewilson77]

sorry to break it to you, but you're not. this of course if "around here" meant all of socal lol but if you want to be technical, the HID kits themselves are illegal for use on streets lol so you don't even have a legal setup. but it's not like anyone will know. nice work nonetheless :thumbsup:

Buzz killer!

[johnrando]

Yeah, but better to know though.

[JKO_ZHP]

sorry to break it to you, but you're not. this of course if "around here" meant all of socal lol but if you want to be technical, the HID kits themselves are illegal for use on streets lol so you don't even have a legal setup. but it's not like anyone will know. nice work nonetheless :thumbsup:

Not ALL of SoCal haha that's impossible. I'm sure there's 5 even more hardcore retrofitters for every plug-and-play guy like me.
I'm still VERY tempted to go 55W though....or quad projectors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Z_vomLvHE
No one will ever truly know how badly I want this. More than Vorsteiner wheels, more than a twin-screw.

[Hermes]

meh... you're wasting money retrofitting technology which is now two generations behind, these are 1000x brighter than Xenons:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H_0bAok2jY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h29SwJDXMBc

keep what you have now

[sillieidiot]

Not ALL of SoCal haha that's impossible. I'm sure there's 5 even more hardcore retrofitters for every plug-and-play guy like me.
I'm still VERY tempted to go 55W though....or quad projectors.
No one will ever truly know how badly I want this. More than Vorsteiner wheels, more than a twin-screw.

lol i know exactly how it feels (talking about the quads). so much so that i did it on my first e46 (which was a sedan). retrofits on e46 sedans and pfl coupes are so much easier compared to fl coupes. you don't even know lol it was nice for the wow factor, but it's totally useless. it takes awhile to light up, by the time it does, there's an oncoming car. unless i'm like in the backroads in the boonies, it's totally useless lol but what it was useful was for fogs. once i retrofitted the inners so that they faced down more. would have been great for a csl setup though

i'd just keep your setup. or put the ZKW-R lenses it if you haven't already. CBI + ZKW-R lenses are like the best bang for your buck mods for our cars. only because it's easy to do lol

[WOLFN8TR]

I've used these guys for LED's in my truck. I have the LED CREE reverse bulbs and they are amazing! I have steps that fold down when the door is opened (ya my truck is a bit high) and used some small LED's on those. They have LED's for just about anything. Check them out!

Superbrightleds (http://www.superbrightleds.com/)