Another successful bi-xenon retrofit

[booch]

I finally got around to installing my ecode bi-xenons, ballasts, etc. last night and I figured I would post it up to let people know that it is a pretty doable task.

Basically I have had the stuff sitting around for a few weeks, got some bad housings, had to get new ones, kufatec took forever and I needed to buy some tools, but I pulled an all-nighter last night and got it done.

Honestly, I was surprised that I thought by far the hardest part was removing the bumper. I can't believe some of you guys do this on a regular basis, those little rests the grill clips into (the two) took me forever to figure out. Finally, I realized you could actually expand the gap to make it easier to slide on, but damn.

After I physically had the housings installed the kufatec harness made everything pretty easy. It's awesome they place the right connectors so the leads for the high beams and drl's plug into the harnesses under the dash. [up]

Also worth noting is that the Bentley manual for the B7 isn't all that. I found it easier to follow the bumper removal guide on AudiWorld rather than use the manual, but it was helpful for finding the pins and I'm sure I'll use it again.

I still have a little aiming to do but all in all I'm happy with the install. My only outstanding issue is tightening two of the torx screws that the lights are set by (towards the fenders) because I lacked the extension to tighten them. Also, my keyless entry isn't working, but since I removed the battery I'm thinking it needs to be reset or something (can anyone confirm?)

Big thanks to Jens (lowestA4) for getting me good parts in good shape.[up] Also, thanks to Chuck (Mercury26) for letting us/me know it was possible to get full functionality (and for answering my questions haha). [up]

I would be happy to give anybody some info who is doing the install now that it's done. I really think it would be way easier the second time around, but this was def. the most involved project I think I have done with my B7.

Now that I've retrofitted Nav+, BT, and the bi-xenons I think thats about it for upgrades (well after my Velocity wheels come, which I think might demand C/O's haha).

Thanks AZ for all the info [az]

[mksap11]

Nice to hear about the successful retrofit! Is the kit you installed all OEM or just the housings? If it's all OEM, be aware that there are specific instructions (found in the Bentley and on Ross-Tech's website) about leveling Xenons.

[booch]

Originally posted by mksap11
Nice to hear about the successful retrofit! Is the kit you installed all OEM or just the housings? If it's all OEM, be aware that there are specific instructions (found in the Bentley and on Ross-Tech's website) about leveling Xenons.

Yes, the install was OEM housings, bulbs and ballasts. But I have not installed the auto-leveling controller which I have heard you can get from kufatec. I would assume this module also controls the electronic range adjustment? Or would I still be able to do it?

I am thinking of adding it in the future if necessary, I'm going to stiffen up my suspension and since it's just me, auto-leveling is not a huge concern for now at least.

[Dangler]

when you disconnect the battery you need to do a few things, the key fob might not work, nor your auto up and down windows. sowhat you do is, insert the key in the ignition....

and turn the key to the on position, then back to the off...then on again and then off, and on and off one more time....don't start the car. i do it three times to make sure. the manual might say otherwise

as far as the auto up windows....roll down the windows all the way by holding the switching.....then roll them up all the way....holding the switch until the windows stop.....once the window is all the way up....pull UP again until you hear a click type noise....not the auto up and down is reset for that particular window....repeat for all the windows....

its in the owners manual, search for the "battery" topics fofr more help

[nadroj81]

Originally posted by booch
I finally got around to installing my ecode bi-xenons, ballasts, etc. last night and I figured I would post it up to let people know that it is a pretty doable task.

Basically I have had the stuff sitting around for a few weeks, got some bad housings, had to get new ones, kufatec took forever and I needed to buy some tools, but I pulled an all-nighter last night and got it done.

Honestly, I was surprised that I thought by far the hardest part was removing the bumper. I can't believe some of you guys do this on a regular basis, those little rests the grill clips into (the two) took me forever to figure out. Finally, I realized you could actually expand the gap to make it easier to slide on, but damn.

After I physically had the housings installed the kufatec harness made everything pretty easy. It's awesome they place the right connectors so the leads for the high beams and drl's plug into the harnesses under the dash. [up]

Also worth noting is that the Bentley manual for the B7 isn't all that. I found it easier to follow the bumper removal guide on AudiWorld rather than use the manual, but it was helpful for finding the pins and I'm sure I'll use it again.

I still have a little aiming to do but all in all I'm happy with the install. My only outstanding issue is tightening two of the torx screws that the lights are set by (towards the fenders) because I lacked the extension to tighten them. Also, my keyless entry isn't working, but since I removed the battery I'm thinking it needs to be reset or something (can anyone confirm?)

Big thanks to Jens (lowestA4) for getting me good parts in good shape.[up] Also, thanks to Chuck (Mercury26) for letting us/me know it was possible to get full functionality (and for answering my questions haha). [up]

I would be happy to give anybody some info who is doing the install now that it's done. I really think it would be way easier the second time around, but this was def. the most involved project I think I have done with my B7.

Now that I've retrofitted Nav+, BT, and the bi-xenons I think thats about it for upgrades (well after my Velocity wheels come, which I think might demand C/O's haha).

Thanks AZ for all the info [az]

You have the bentley manual for the b7? Can you get me any info on passanger seat diagrams, circuits etc?

[booch]

Originally posted by nadroj81
You have the bentley manual for the b7? Can you get me any info on passanger seat diagrams, circuits etc?

sure man, pm me with what you need. i'm going to run to the store but i'll check it out when i get back.

[mksap11]

Originally posted by booch
sure man, pm me with what you need. i'm going to run to the store but i'll check it out when i get back.

I've also got one as well. If you don't hook up with booch, let me know what you need

[phillyquattro]

If you don't mind me asking how much did all the parts necessary for the retrofit?

[whizbang18T]

can u post pix plz?

[booch]

Originally posted by phillyquattro
If you don't mind me asking how much did all the parts necessary for the retrofit?


about 900 and change, not that bad all things considered

[booch]

Originally posted by whizbang18T
can u post pix plz?

i gotta charge my camera but i'll get some pics up soon. i have to tie a few wires off with zip ties tomorrow so i'll snap some shots

[booch]

thanks man, this worked...and you saved me from RTFM


Originally posted by audinoob06
when you disconnect the battery you need to do a few things, the key fob might not work, nor your auto up and down windows. sowhat you do is, insert the key in the ignition....

and turn the key to the on position, then back to the off...then on again and then off, and on and off one more time....don't start the car. i do it three times to make sure. the manual might say otherwise

as far as the auto up windows....roll down the windows all the way by holding the switching.....then roll them up all the way....holding the switch until the windows stop.....once the window is all the way up....pull UP again until you hear a click type noise....not the auto up and down is reset for that particular window....repeat for all the windows....

its in the owners manual, search for the "battery" topics fofr more help

[Dangler]

np man, i had to do this, after installing my exhaust, had to disconnect the battery, when doing some welding work....

i freaked at first, thinking the welding screwed up my ride, but its all good now