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Thread: 2011 X3 (F25) Halogen to LED upgrade

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    BMW

    2011 X3 (F25) Halogen to LED upgrade

    Hello folks,

    I joined in 2011 and used the forum as a helpful resource, but sold my E92 long ago and haven’t contributed until now. Since I found helpful info here, I wanted to take a minute and add to the knowledge base. I’m not affiliated with any business, just sharing what worked for us. I also shared this on the other BMW forum I am a member of.

    My Dad has a 2011 X3 (F25) that unfortunately came with the halogen reflector headlights. I’ve long wanted to upgrade, but wasn’t pleased with the available aftermarket options - until now.

    This week I installed VLEDS Micro Evolution led H7 bulbs into the stock headlight housings. Having used VLEDS products since 2012, I expected high quality and have not been disappointed. In fact, I use these same bulbs in my Jeep and other vehicles. They work. Well.

    Since this version of the X3 has bulbs that are held in by spring tension, not by a fold over metal clip, the VLEDS bulbs went in easily. I replaced both high & low beams, in addition to the city light bulbs. I went with 5000k color.

    The light output is absolutely fantastic. The stock DRL function works great, offering the dimmed high beam that is still brighter and whiter than stock halogens. The performance of the low beams is amazing. We have not been flashed by oncoming motorists. We also did some testing, driving in front of and opposing the X3 and we don’t find any issue with excessive glare. I call it a win.

    I also installed their 6-XTE H8 fog bulbs, also in 5000k. Initially I planned to install their Micro Evolution bulbs in the fog positions, but there is not enough clearance behind the lamp assembly for anything more than a stock bulb base. The 6-XTE is rated at 800 lumens, compared to the 804 lumens of the stock H8 bulb, but in actual use it is much brighter.

    I do have the bulb out warning on the lower display in instrument cluster, but will be coding it out using the BimmerCode app later today.

    I’m sure many others are disappointed by the stock halogen lights and want the improvements of high quality leds. This solution worked well for us and, as a bonus, gives the front end the whiter light look that is common in the latest models.

    I hope this helps some of you in the same situation.

    Hoppy



    Edit: I successfully coded the vehicle with BimmerCode app today and there are no bulb out warnings. Everything is working great.
    Last edited by hoppyjr; 03-08-2019 at 10:55 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    Old Bridge, NJ
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    2014 BMW 550xi M Sport
    hoppyjr, do you have photos of the lights after installing?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    warwick RI
    Posts
    2,522
    My Cars
    E30/E32/F25
    Please post pix !! my brother has halogens in his facelift f25 and we are not sure if we want to do hid or led. We are worried about how the light pattern will be.
    Me E30 87/ 325i + F25 12/ M-Sport + E32 94/ 740i

    G/F’s E34 92/ 525iT + F48 18/ X1

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Washington DC area
    Posts
    186
    My Cars
    Zed4
    From the VLED web site:
    Due to the extreme intensity we recommend using them in projector housings or high beam applications only. They are NOT recommended for use in open reflector housings.

    With that said, I would not recommend installing them since they'll most likely blind on coming traffic.

    Look here for LEDs that work well in reflector housings.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    16
    My Cars
    2010 328I M3
    Aye bro can you or anyone post what are the the coding options are please. It will be used in offroad setting

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