SeaLawyer

Many of you have seen reference to this mod, but I figured I'd post my own pics and results. Thanks to all those who went before, including the guys on BMWE34.net who apparently originally came up with the idea. Anyway, for those that don't know, the idea is to use a 9005 HIGH BEAM bulb in place of the stock 9006 LOW BEAM bulb. I also figured, why not upgrade to Sylvania Silverstar bulbs all around while I'm at it.

Here they are - I got them from AutoZone for $34.99 per 2-pack, minus a $5 mail-in rebate:

• First start by turning on the headlight switch all the way, then turn back to just parking lights. This will keep the lights flipped up, but they'll be off.
  
• Then disconnect the battery cable from the negative post (this is important because otherwise the headlights will try to flip down when you plug in the bulbs).
  
• Then remove the 3 screws from the headlight shroud and remove the shroud (no need to remove the round access panel).
  
• Reach inside and remove the outside bulb by rotating it and pulling out. I also changed my high-beams to Silverstar bulbs, so I took both bulbs out.
  
  **BE CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH THE BULB WITH YOUR BARE HANDS, AS THEY DON'T LIKE BODY OILS VERY MUCH**
  
  Here's a pic of the wires hanging free - the GRAY plug is the low-beam and the BLACK plug (hidden in this pic) is the high-beam plug:
  
  
  Here's a pic of the stock 9006 (low-beam) bulbs and the Sylvania Silverstar bulbs side-by-side:
  
  
  
• The 9005 has two notches inside the plug (seen above) that must be removed. I used a SUPER dremel (actually a pneumatic die-grinder with a rotozip bit):
  
  
  Here's the result:
  
  
  
• Then you must remove about 1/4 of the LEFT SIDE of the top notch (with the plug facing down and the bulb facing away). Here's a before and after:
  
  
  
• Lastly, take the o-ring of the old bulb (I used the one off the old 9005 since it fit better) and drop it on to the new 9005 like so:
  
  
  
• Install in reverse.

See next thread for results...

SeaLawyer

Here's a before and after of just the low-beams:


Here's a before and after of the low-beams + the PIAA foglights:


Here's a before and after of the high beams:


As you can see, it's quite a nice improvement. Not bad for $60...
Enjoy!
Vaughn