LCI Corona Ring Upgrade - Angel Eyes

[MrLiou168]

So there are a TON of possibilities out there for angel eye upgrades, all ranging from $1 to over $300. Which ones do you use and recommend?

Looking up the part on realoem.com, it seems to me that the bulb (on LCI E60) is a simple H8. So what's stopping everyone from buying a 5000K or 6000K color temperature H8 LED bulb off eBay and throwing it in?

[bobblehead]

Some of them will have error code when installed. stock halogen runs 35w. LED runs below 6 watts.

Some have gone HID kit. Again some kits will give you error ... and since they are HID, the overall result is a big glob of light without definition (better appearence)

I, myself have tried several different aftermarket haolgen bulb, like MTEC, GP Thunder and PIAA with color temp ranging from 4500K - 8500K. None gave me the satisfation, in terms of matching the angel eyes to the HID low beam.

Ended up going with H8 PIAA plasma ion yellow. In my view, better contrast /color in the ring.

[MrLiou168]

Gotcha. I didn't think about the sensitivity of the diagnostic system. After some research, I found that the OEM part numbers for the newest 3-series are just slightly off, but the bulb is the same H8.

So theoretically, replacing the E60 LCI ring bulbs with the newest ~5000K color temp OEM bulbs from the new 335 should work. I believe it's still a halogen, it looks great on the 335, is a "safe" BMW OEM part, and has a much higher color temp.

Devil's advocate?

[bobblehead]

The 2011 335 uses LED in the corona ring. Factory rates it 6500K. It is not halogen H8. Therefore, you may have to consult your dealer.

I believe 328 / 323 still uses halogen H8 in the corona ring.

Originally Posted by MrLiou168

Gotcha. I didn't think about the sensitivity of the diagnostic system. After some research, I found that the OEM part numbers for the newest 3-series are just slightly off, but the bulb is the same H8.

So theoretically, replacing the E60 LCI ring bulbs with the newest ~5000K color temp OEM bulbs from the new 335 should work. I believe it's still a halogen, it looks great on the 335, is a "safe" BMW OEM part, and has a much higher color temp.

Devil's advocate?

[MrLiou168]

OK. The bulbs and sockets are the same, and hence will fit the E60. The only difference between is the lighting element - an H8 is an H8 in terms of fitment... but unless the diagnostic system is programmed to look for less load from the LEDs, I'll still get an error code.

I guess the only solution is to use one of those artificial "ricey" blue bulbs that have a higher output. =(

[bobblehead]

LED corona ring on the F10

[bobblehead]

Don't use the higher output bulb (ie. 80/100 watts). It will fry your wire after extened time use. Be careful.


Don't forget that the h8 corona ring will lower the power draw (factory default) when the HID low beam is on. Therefore, the whitish/bluish color that you are going for will look really dim and faint. Like I said earlier, I have tried the 4500K to 8500K. They all look very dull.

Just buy a cheap one to try out and see for yourself. GP Thunder goes for about $25 pair. Try the 7500K. I had the 8500K Version 2and only last me about 6 months.

You may want to take a look at Hoen's bulb. They claimed to be much better looking than all the others.

[MrLiou168]

Will do, thanks for your input.

[bobblehead]

Since you are in NJ. Maybe you can check out this place in NYC. The guy (John) is a pro in corona ring upgrade (with HID kit)

http://forums.5series.net/topic/9674...th-xenons-only

347-644-5363
Location Motorcepts 126-10 89th Ave Richmond Hill, NY 11418

[krazi bluntz]

+1 on the hid angel eyes I just got them installed last week