Page 1: Various External Pix
Page 2: Upgrade to 2001 headlamp look
Page 3: Watch TV

This is a 97 740i before anything has been done, except for the kidney changed from the older model to the 2001 750 one. I didn't have to do any further mods to fit the kidney.

On frequent request:
Parts bought:
New headlight assemblies, l/r, $ 600 for both on ebay
New indicators, l/r, $ 50 for both, ebay
New kidney insert, l/r, $ 80 at the dealer, already mounted and fits !
Ordered new fenders at the dealer, $600 (silly me, the old ones will do !)
Ordered the small covers underneath the headlights at the dealer

Important Update
The new-style indicators are mounted to the headlight assemblies rather than the fender. The space in the "old" fenders is exactly right for the new style indicators, except for the lower edge, which starts about an inch higher up. Heres your choice: Either buy two new-style fenders ($600 + $300 paint job and installation), or have a $100 body-shop job done, which will "upgrade" your existing fenders to match the new style indicators.

These pictures show the 97 740, just to demonstrate that the new style kidney does indeed fit:


There is one slight difference in the connectors to the headlights that your dealer can easily fix:

This can be fixed as follows:
The old style connector plug numbers its pins from 1 to 8. Pins 1 to 4 are power supply and remain unchanged. Pin 5 in the old style numbering becomes Pin 1 in the second, smaller plug on the newer style unit. Pin 6 becomes 2, 7 becomes 3, and 8 becomes 4.

Apart from the 740, I have also upgraded my 1996 750iL and tried to illustrate the entire process. Note that the kidney has been changed quite late during this project. I also didn't buy new-style fenders for this project, I rather mounted the new style headlights and had the body shop take care of the rest:

This is the front before:


First, you have to remove the indicators - remove the rubber cap and locate the screw - loosen it, the indicator pulls straight out towards the front:



At this point, I have to stress again that the new style indicator has exactly the same upper edge shape as the old one. The only difference is that the lower edge starts about an inch higher up. If you would like to save the costs for a new fender, paint and work, just have the missing bit filled up at your body shop for about $100:


Next - Remove the lower cover by sliding it towards the center of the car:


Now you can start unmounting the actual headlight assembly - Search for the screws underneath the headlights, bearing in mind that you need a TORX screwdriver to undo these :-)


There are two of them underneath the unit, another two standard screws easily accessible atop:


Now, you got only one step left: In the lower, outer corner, next to the fender, you will find a small plastic bar, which you slide towards the center of the car to loosen the connection to the fender. Now, you are able to pull the entire unit out towards the front. Bear in mind that it would be easier if you disconnect the connector on the back before pulling out the entire unit.

GONE!

Now, the good thing is, you don't have to change anything else. The new style headlight unit will slide and fit right in. Even the power connector is the same ! Also, even the old indicator bulb unit will fit the new indicator !

You then attach the new style indicators directly to the headlight unit, and you are almost done:

The bright fellow will obviously notice what is left to do in this picture:
1.) Get the new-style covers for below the headlights at your dealer
2.) Get the converter plug for the new-style leveling device (You might as well just run the cables there manually)
3.) Have the missing bit in the fenders covered up and the entire fender repainted at your body shop.
4.) Change the kidney - YEARS OFF your bimmer !

Heres some more info:
First, some closeup pics of the "target area":









And then, there is some more:

These new covers are just clipped on and in my case, my old door trims had showed signs of corrosion and had to be replaced soon anyway. I guess you might just stick with the old trim covers, but then again, you want a full job done.

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