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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > E90 LCI Halogen to Xenon Conversion



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      05-15-2014, 03:07 PM   #1
E90inSC
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E90 LCI Halogen to Xenon Conversion

OK everyone, before I get slammed because this topic has been beat to death, I have to say that everything I see/read refers to pre-LCI cars.

I have a 2009 LCI E90 sedan that I want to convert to xenon. It seems, from what I've read, that all US cars fitted from the factory with xenon headlights run an adaptive system. However, cars in Europe run a bi-xenon, non-adaptive system.

This is where I start running into issues. Can anyone tell me if that is correct? If so, what is the advantage of adaptive vs. non-adaptive? I travel to Germany 4-5 times per year, and I'm willing to find a used set while I'm there if they can be retrofitted to my car. But that adds to my confusion.

What all is required to make the retrofit work? I have read that you need a new footwell module. Other posts talk about headlight leveling switches. Still other state that you must have headlight washers too. What is really required?!?

I'm looking for a simplified answer from someone who has direct experience with this conversion. Sorry, but I am not looking for people's opinions (you know what they say about opinions) or a rehash of what other have posted, I'm looking for first hand experience.

Via the RealOEM web site, I found these parts numbers which look to be what I'm after, (63117240245 / 63117240246) for the US version with my build date. For the European version they show these numbers (63117240247 /63117240248). Can I use either set of parts, or...?

I am comfortable with coding and getting the wiring sorted, I just need confirmation of exactly which parts are required for the conversion.
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      05-15-2014, 03:21 PM   #2
Delta0311
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I had the pre-lci HID headlights on the 328. They worked fine without coding but I had CANBUS ballasts with error cancelors for the bulbs. That setup worked fine for as long as I had the car. Not sure what exactly you would need in your case but the setup IS NOT 100% plug and play. For starters the halogen bulbs are set for 50W while the HIDs are running 35W, so first thing to do would be to code the wattage. I know all this had been done before so do a little searching.
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      05-16-2014, 02:37 PM   #3
maymay07
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I did this same conversion on my 2011 E90. I bought the Euro-style headlights from I think it was the German Ebay, because they were cheaper (they come from eastern europe). Also, I like the Euro ones because the have no reflectors on the inner rings, which I think makes the angel eyes look cleaner.

Typical link is shown here, with data below. However, you can get them cheaper on the German Ebay or locally in
europe if you're there:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-3-Series...28bfcc&vxp=mtr

Item name: Bi-Xenon Headlights
Part Brand: ZKV, OEM parts manufacturer
Placement on vehicle: Left + Right Side
OEM Numbers: 63117240247+63117240248
Reamark: For vehicles with headlight levelling (automatic),
Without ECU (control unit for Xenon), Without Bulbs,
With servo motor for LDR


Most people will probably agree that adaptive headlights are too much trouble when retrofitting a Halogen car. I did mine without it, but it's up to you. You don't need a footwell or new switches. In Europe, you need washers but not in the US.

you need:
Housings above, LED turn signals, D1s bulbs and ballasts, and H8 bulbs for the AE.

To install:
Code car = add $522 to the the VO and recode NFRM to default values (updates NFRM for xenon), set AUTO_LWR_ENABLE to nicht_activ, code out any bulb checks if necessary.
Do wiring jumpering per one of the many forum threads (adds ground to xenons, adds LED marker light, make bi-xenon work).
Remove front bumper and swap headlights.
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      05-16-2014, 03:04 PM   #4
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Xenon retrofit kit

I saw this BMW retrofit kit for the e90. Anyone tried this? I found the kit online for about $1300 minus the FRM, but I wondering if I even need that for my car.

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/63130395396

Says it works with the E90. Just need to make sure I get the correct headlights.

Any thoughts?
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      10-21-2014, 09:33 PM   #5
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I just e-mail my SA a couple kit part numbers I and will report any positive/ promising news.
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      11-06-2014, 05:33 PM   #6
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SA said Kit was no longer available. I didn't pursue.....
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      04-20-2017, 12:55 AM   #7
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I know this is a old thread but I'm currently doing thing now with the oem us spec headlights. Did anyone get this to work.
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