Zach's HID Retrofit Thread!!

**Zach** · 4-2-07, 23:13

First let me get the formalities out of the way. I first thought of this idea when I saw Ray's (MX6GT91) HID retrofit, so thanks to him. He didn't have any real footage of what he had done to get it work, just that he cracked the case, put in the projectors and voila. I'm going to take it a few steps further and document with pictures and instructions!

So...the start of the retrofitted projector's is finally coming through. The projectors are from an E46 BMW (ECE cutoffs), and measure 3" (max height) tall, 4" wide and 5" deep...sounds like a perfect fit, as the inside height is roughly 3 1/4". These can be purchased off of eBay like I did, or you can go to hidplanet.com and pick some up for about $99 before shipping.

You'll need ballasts w/ignitors, D2S bulbs and connectors. ZE Power MX6 has them for sale occasionally, as well as of course eBay.

I don't have much else, as my projectors didn't come in the mail today as I had hoped. So as soon as they arrive, I will start on the project!

Stay tuned till next time!

**Panther37** · 11-22-07, 0:04

Anyone other than Zach that posts here will have their post deleted when Zach is done with this thread. I will NOT move your post to the comments so just chill and hold your post.

**Trent** · 11-22-07, 0:41

I "hold my post" every day. Several times a day if time allows.

SixSick6 · 11-22-07, 19:31

Ever do "The Stranger"?

defiler · 11-25-07, 15:52

*yawn*

Is this done yet?

**Zach** · 11-25-07, 17:00

I had the projectors delivered to my work and I had a four day weekend. They are there now...so as soon as I get them, I'll start making them fit

**monoxidechild** · 11-25-07, 18:27

I just tossed a set of 12k hid's on my 626. but just in the stock housings. i am planning on getting ahold of some projector lenses so it doesnt have so much of a glare.

**mx6GT91** · 11-25-07, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by monoxidechild

I just tossed a set of 12k hid's on my 626. but just in the stock housings. i am planning on getting ahold of some projector lenses so it doesnt have so much of a glare.

12k is the worse! Hahaha
6000k and lower is the most light output.

Cant wait for the work to be done!

**monoxidechild** · 11-25-07, 18:56

i got the color i wanted. (not what someone else wanted)

12k is still like 50X better then stock.

**Trent** · 11-25-07, 19:42

Problem is, those 12k lights will give you a severe headache on long trips. It's unnatural to stare at colorized light for that long. The 4800 kits are the best, truest white light output.

Different strokes for different folks i guess.

**Zach** · 11-30-07, 0:34

Alright, I'm not going to bore you with the oven pict4rs...but I'll give you the instructions on how to remove the glass from the case:
1 - Remove headlight from bracket and take off metal clips from glass/case so you have a bare headlight, no bulbs, etc.
2 - Preheat oven to 250 degrees
3 - Once preheated, toss headlight on oven rack and set timer for 15 minutes
4 - Take headlight out with oven mitts
5 - Take a screwdriver or butter knife and push forward on the top glass tab of the headlight glass. The glass will slowly separate from the case!
6 - Last step here, take a standard philips screwdriver and remove the two screws that hold down the shield.

So you've done that, next grab your E46 ECE HID Projectors

The fit is tits on, and I suspect that I only need one anchor screw to hold it on. The projectors have a straight edge on top and bottom, so no real need to level them once in the headlight case

I must say, looks damn good in there!

Here's the back side; the opening is the SAME SIZE AS STOCK!

I just need to cut off the stock 9004 opening and widen the mouth about 1mm or so to get a snug fit and learn me a way to anchor them. The reflector inside is actually part of the case unfortunately

Here's a blurry pic of the cutoff inside looking into the projector from the rear

Lots more to come later!

P.S.;

I'm going to be experimenting with casting and polycarbonate sheets to form a clear headlight as to not fark with the cutoff and light output

**4cylfun** · 11-30-07, 19:08

i have a good article from honda tuning. I could find my scanner and share. It shows how to change fluted glass from an older RL to clear with a projector just as we're doing.

**Zach** · 11-30-07, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4cylfun

i have a good article from honda tuning. I could find my scanner and share. It shows how to change fluted glass from an older RL to clear with a projector just as we're doing.

I would much rather have polycarbonate than grinded down glass, as it won't mess with the beam and cutoff like that would.

**jphillips626** · 11-30-07, 21:23

so where are you going to find a new cover of non fluted glass to go over that set up. I like this idea. i was going to make some silva headlights fit into the stock assemblys just like this. Great work. I bought some 4800k bizenon bulbs but haven't put them back in yet. Took them out to fix a wire that kept shorting out. But they are bright.

**Zach** · 11-30-07, 22:04

I'm going to make a set...and more if the interest is there

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphillips626

so where are you going to find a new cover of non fluted glass to go over that set up. I like this idea. i was going to make some silva headlights fit into the stock assemblys just like this. Great work. I bought some 4800k bizenon bulbs but haven't put them back in yet. Took them out to fix a wire that kept shorting out. But they are bright.