Critical info on HID install!

[ronlray]

Me and a buddy of mine began to install the "CQ lites" HID unit in my LT Saturday night and it took us 1.5 hours longer than it should have! WHY you ask... because the procedure posted on this site regarding installation was missing a crucial piece of information. On the back of the HID bulb there is a plastic piece that appears to be part of the bulb assembly. IT IS NOT! IT MUST BE REMOVED! I almost lost my religion trying to figure out why this thing didn't fit right!! The plastic piece is just pushed up on the back of the bulb and has a slot in it ...just pull it back and slip it off using the slot and discard it ! I'm sorry to say that before I figured this out I messed up my bulb retaining clip trying to get the darn thing to work. After removing the plastic piece everything else went smooth and the HID is great! One last thing ...be real careful drilling the hole because even though it is a 1" grommet, the hole needs to be a little smaller to work properly. Good Luck! Ron Ray

[Josmas]

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18226

[dandiver]

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18226

I have found that whenever I do anything on the bike that requires help from this forum, I really research it throughly and look for the latest information. It does change and better methods prevail. It would require a lot of work to keep it always up to date, maybe just adding it to the Halls of Wisdom and keep it dated might help. Those with older bikes, like mine still need the original data.

I cannot say enough about the amount of collective wisdom on this site and really do appreciate all of the help I have received. I knew nothing about my bike before the purchase, only that I loved the way it preformed. Now I know just a little more than nothing but enough to get it to do what I want it to do.

[donsobeck]

Ron; I had trouble with mine too but I couldn't find the plastic ring. How thick is the flange after you remove the the plastic ring?

DON

[RiderRay]

I did my install with a 1" hole and it worked fine.

[c00k1e]

Having ordered the CQ kit in the UK and now waiting for delivery, I have trawlled this site for the install details.
Some installs mention the ring and some dont. At least one states that you need it left in place, one specifies that you must remove it.

As a resource, this site is amazing. My bike is in pieces right now, SO thinks I am mad! But I know without a dobt, that the people on this site are in that garage with me (well thier knowledge is). And like having loads of people talk about something, you will get loads of opinions.

At the end of the day I have to make the call from what I have read. Most importantly, read everything that is available before making my mind up.

[ronlray]

Dano, thanks for your response. I'm afraid that I didn't get your version for the HID install as yours is very thorough. The one I saw left out the crucial step about removing the packing ring. I am thankful for this site and all the members who give us such good info. I guess I should have researched a little deeper. Thanks! Ron

[dandiver]

Naaaa, Not mine, wish I could take credit for the great pictures and explanation. I installed mine several years ago via bits and pieces of wisdom from this site. Took me about 1-2 hours but I wasn't in a hurry and dissembled about 1/2 of the front end. Now it's easier and the instructions are a little more through. Just follow what is available and if you get stumped, just stop and submit a question. There will be a response quickly. You gots lots of new friends waiting to help.

[wcarter]

Ron, I had the very same problem.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17903

[ronlray]

W Carter, That is exactly the problem that I had, thinking that the "discard piece" was part of the bulb! Thanks for posting the photos. This should help someone installing the kit. Again guys...on the back of the bulb there is plastic piece that has to be discarded! Thanks!!

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17903