06-19-2015, 11:06 AM | #89 |
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I already have the Active Autowerkz tune and I am very impressed with it. Downpipes are the next performance step for me, however they (AA) want to sell me their downpipes for $1699 (ouch!) including a software upgrade for the tune that I already have.... I have been tempted to go with a more economical solution and have even considered buying a set of de-catted OEM downpipes, however, I have also been led to believe that the tune should match the downpipes (AA tune + AA downpipes) for optimal performance....
What do you guys think? Got it! Parts shipping today. Will email or PM tracking info. |
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06-22-2015, 09:33 PM | #90 |
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I have been lukewarm about the F15, but put a set of Titanium Gunmetal BBS SV 22" wheels on it... WOW!
Great job, Alan! Last edited by gixxerboy63; 12-28-2017 at 06:34 PM.. |
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06-24-2015, 07:47 PM | #91 |
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^So I was daydreaming a little.... Blame it on my ADD.
Back on task. I decided to do away with my front bumper plate mount, fix the holes and have the front bumper professionally resprayed. Once the bumper came off, I started looking at the side skirts and the rear bumper and the rest of the truck. I noticed that the side skirts have the typical "road pitting" next to and extending into the rear fender extensions. The rear bumper also had one or two small imperfections... these pieces were the only distraction to the overall finish of the truck, so I decided to take them off and finish them properly (bumpers and side skirt). While the bumpers were off and since I have all of my LED retrofit headlight stuff and a little time on my hands, I decided to to attempt the LED headlight mod myself. The retrofit manual says 3.75 hours...hahaha! I was once an Aircraft Maintenance Tech, so am a little anal about doing it right the first time. Todays progress: I started on the left (drivers) side this morning, removed the front wheel, inner fender and Left headlight assembly. Next, I removed the access covers in the engine department, opened up the access to the main fuse panel and to the Footwell module. I began routing the retrofit wiring from the FRM module through the firewall to the left headlight and across to the passenger footwell. The FRM module was removed at this point. After lunch, the left headlight plug was configured and the left headlight was installed according to the instructions. The left fender is now buttoned back up and the wheel is back on, but the day is over and we need to reposition cars. My X5M is not happy with me at the moment. I left the FRM module unplugged and my lights obviously do not work, but neither do my windows or my mirror adjustments. There are a slew of error messages because PDC is also disconnected. The truck nearly refuses to be moved... put it in drive and the brakes immediately lock and the transmission goes back into park mode with more error messages. I am finally able to "limp" maneuver the truck into it s new designated spot and there it sets.... One LED headlamp in, no FRM, wires everywhere, no bumpers or side skirts... Until tomorrow... Oh... and I finally got around to ordering downpipes from Active Autowerkes yesterday... I will probably put them on immediately.... can't wait to see/fee the difference they will make! Last edited by gixxerboy63; 06-25-2015 at 06:42 AM.. |
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06-25-2015, 04:25 AM | #92 |
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Yeh having the FRM disconnected will throw up those issues. Good move on having the troublesome areas painted at the same time, its going to look fresh once its done.
I'm super anal when it comes to paint so much that I completely wet sanded the clear coat to knock of the orange peel BMW gifted us with. Only took off 4 microns but the reflections are undeniable. In for more updates |
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06-25-2015, 07:35 PM | #93 |
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Today, I finished pinning out the wiring in the connectors, installed fuses, pulled the final leg of the harness from the fusebox into the PS wheel well, installed the FRM3 module and buttoned up the panels inside the vehicle.
All I have left to do is finish installing the right side headlight assembly, button up the fender well and code the new headlights. The smartphone images really do not capture how impressive the new LED headlights look. It looks/feels like I have just traded up to a much newer model. Last edited by gixxerboy63; 10-28-2015 at 12:17 PM.. |
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06-25-2015, 07:46 PM | #94 |
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06-26-2015, 05:06 PM | #96 | ||
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I finished the install today (except for coding). So far this is what is happening; The left side halo rings, low and high beams work, but no turn signals or amber running lights. The right side halo rings, low beams, turn signals and running lights work, but no high beams. I also noticed that my window buttons on the driver's door are now reversed (left switches control right side windows and vise-versa)? I'm wondering what else has changed with the new FRM3 module that will have to be corrected? |
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06-27-2015, 11:38 AM | #97 |
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I agree with Chris. This mod is not for the weak minded, however, I was able to find a better/quicker way around a few things. One quicker way to the passenger side access... Once I had all the filters and airbox removed, I started looking for ways around removing the DME box, then I discovered another route for wiring through the grommet (just like the drivers side).... forget removing anything under the hood on the passenger side, all you need to do can be accomplished inside the fender well. There is a thick rubberized access panel underneath the fender liner that is held in place by 4-8mm bolts. Remove this panel and you will be able to see the factory wiring harness grommet underneath the DME Box.... The grommet is still a pain in the ass just like the driver's side, but at least you don't have to deal with removing everything under the hood!
I was also able to maneuver the LED headlight into place without removing LED computer module, however it was extremely tight; it may have made it a little easier having the module out of the way. I left one stinkin' bolt out and now I remember where it goes: behind the fender well that has already been riveted back together.....arrrrrrghh!!!!! Look at what just arrived a few moments ago from Active Autowerkes: (these things are freaking HUGE!!!) |
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06-27-2015, 01:31 PM | #98 |
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Going strong with the mods, keep it up! |
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06-27-2015, 01:57 PM | #99 |
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Yes I am!
- Gixxer wants your front spoiler, rear diffuser and tailpipes next! Last edited by gixxerboy63; 06-27-2015 at 03:58 PM.. |
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07-01-2015, 08:43 AM | #100 |
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Nice! Your going to love the performance increase but mostly the sound from the dp's (and tune?)! Love the new headlights. Definitely brought the car into an "updated" state.
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07-02-2015, 05:35 PM | #101 | |
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Oh yeah! I already have the Active Autowerkes tune... just getting a software update to accommodate the downpipes. I hope to report back with a good review! Front bumper done and waiting to be re-installed! ...and another look at the new LCI LED Headlights; What do you guys think of the LCI taillights? I happen to like my original Celis taillights, but I'm wondering if I should update them to the newer LCI style too? |
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07-02-2015, 07:00 PM | #103 |
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Nice!
Are you able to do the coding yourself? It's the main thing keeping me from doing this mod. Do not trust anyone here in HI to code them properly. Btw let me know if you decide to sell your old headlights. |
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07-02-2015, 09:33 PM | #104 | |
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Yes, I will consider selling my original headlights once I get the LEDs working 100% with absolutely 0 issues. |
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07-10-2015, 10:51 PM | #105 |
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Still sorting this out, but getting closer.
My service tech discovered new information regarding retrofit kits. The instructions I was originally working from is dated 5/2012, yet the latest revision occurred in 2014 and includes a wiring harness with 5 branches at the headlight connectors (X13420 & X13421) instead of 4. In cars without SA524 (ADAPTIVE CORNERING FOG LIGHTS/ not adaptive headlights), this revision utilizes all of them. The best news is that this revision no longer requires a FRM module replacement! I will try to acquire the latest revision and post it here once I know that mine will be finished, coded and working perfectly. Meanwhile.... (carbon fiber diffuser showed up today!) Last edited by gixxerboy63; 08-18-2015 at 04:20 PM.. |
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07-11-2015, 02:52 AM | #107 |
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07-11-2015, 03:22 AM | #108 |
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Interesting, so what your saying is the current retrofit harness is out dated? My car doesn't have Adaptive headlights just regular Bi-Xenons, however I have purchased the latest FRM3 (61359342897) will I be OK with the harness since I have newer FRM3 and wire as per instruction where it mentions cars 'without' SA 524? with 4 branch wire ends? Recognize that foam packing, I also got my diffuser from cnautofans. The fitment is perfect |
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07-12-2015, 10:52 PM | #109 |
Tanzanite Blue II X5M Pilot
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I think yours will be fine. Mine didnt want to code to the new FRM, but I also had it wired as if I had SA524 (which I have now learned that it does not have optiom SA524). The revised instructions and additional wiring leads should negate the need to change the FRM according to the revision. We are going back through the revised instructions and will wire it WITHOUT SA524 this time. Hopefully, I will have good news tomorrow!
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07-13-2015, 12:25 PM | #110 |
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OK so I took my harness out to have a quick look before installation and I seem to have the new updated harness with 5 wires on the headlight ends. Note the FRM end now has 6 wires in total.
Not checked off the colours on old instructions, but I'm eager to see the updated instructions now, hopefully Tim gets them soon! Last edited by UnicornM; 07-07-2016 at 12:04 PM.. |
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