Angel Eyes for my e38 [Archive] - Bimmerforums

Arbys_Night

12-04-2003, 10:39 PM

Well I'm compiling my extensive 2003 Christmas list and I've always thought those BMWs with the ring of light around the headlights look cool. Thru the various e38 groups, I've found they are called both Angel Eyes and Daylight Demon Eyes (DDE), which are oddly contradictory.

My questions: What's good? Where do you get them? How much should I expect to pay? Will putting them on my e38 put me in the same category as those who put 6" diameter mufflers on Dodge Neons?

Any input would be appreciated.

Bimmerhead

12-04-2003, 10:44 PM

Arbys_Night,

The are essentially the same. Up to now they have been through 5 or 6 stages of evolution. The system in the pics is called "Lightning" and is available from "Umnitza.com"

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/140000-140999/140822_169_full.jpg

The light is from the rings only, the xenons are off.

shled

12-04-2003, 11:34 PM

Not looking for *this* Christmas, are you?

allthewayfive

12-05-2003, 01:00 PM

Yeah, Aaron aka "Immaculate" got his eyes installed by Matt at Umnitza. I'm wondering if it would be worth it for me to order a set of the newer generation for the "scalloped" headlights and DIY it. Or just wait for a authorized installer to pop up in San Diego? Thoughts?

umnitza

12-05-2003, 02:31 PM

Shled, I'm not sure what I personally did to deserve your derision:(

But I assure you that this customer will receive his product by his "wishlist" date. PERIOD.

Here's what you'll be looking for - Daylight Demon Eyes Lightning Enhanced.

www.umnitza.com has all you need.

This is how bright they are during the day.
http://www.umnitza.com/albums/lightning/IMGP1877.jpg
This is at night - picture taken so that the eyes are at least viewable.
http://www.umnitza.com/albums/lightning/e38lightning.jpg

And this is what will happen if you buy them:)
http://www.umnitza.com/albums/lightning/rickko.jpg

umnitza

12-05-2003, 02:38 PM

THE NEW PRODUCT IS EASY DIY.

99bmw740il

12-05-2003, 05:10 PM

are they as bright as the ae's in the 3series? or will they be dimmer on the 7?

Arbys_Night

12-05-2003, 05:28 PM

I visitied Umnitza's website and found it to be a bit confusing. There seems to be different tiers of DDEs and I can't tell what is what. What are the differences between basic, enhanced, and plus. Are these add-ons to one kit. What is best? What is an upgrade? A wiring harne?

Ideally, when installed the DDEs will come on when I turn on the car, exactly like my daytime driving lights. How are these wired exactly. As far as professionally installed vs. DIY, I'm definitely a DIY person. I want the best kit regardless of how much time it takes to install and I definitely want to do it myself... that's where all the fun is!

umnitza

12-05-2003, 05:53 PM

DDE Lightning Enhanced for the E38 - that's the one that I've showing you guys here.

They are as bright as the E46:)

It's a DIY project, very easy:)

This is the best kit, it's no joke:)

umnitza

12-05-2003, 06:39 PM

Or you could do red:
http://www.umnitza.com/images/red.jpg

MDabney

12-05-2003, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by umnitza
[B]Or you could do red:
[B]

WOW that's hott Matt... but in NJ it = "Go straight to jail, do not collect $200." :D

jcarey

12-05-2003, 07:57 PM

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/9/web/177000-177999/177010_44.jpg

These are not Umnitza's kit because he was not around when I modified bettie's eyes. I like the look on the E38 BUT , I see the E65 lights on the road and I am jealous of the way they ahve a dark background for the rings. I am thinking of a new mod to increase the contrast for the rings when the low beams are on.

Regardless, I think they look pretty cool! GO for it, it is a nice holidy project.

Arbys_Night

12-06-2003, 12:43 PM

I understand that this is a sponsered site, but I'd like an objective answer to the following:

Why umnitza? Why not the Gen IV rings I can get on eBay? Or better yet, why not the Gev V rings I can get on eBay?

jcarey

12-06-2003, 11:05 PM

I don't know the differences between Gen IV Gen V or Enhanced whatever. In fact I find this terminology confusing myself but I suspect the main differences between kits out there from no name vendors of one type or another will be the quality of the plastic rings, fiber optics, the connectors between the fiber optic cables and the lights source, the light source housing and the hardware. connection pieces supplied.

The older kits used LEDs that never quite lived up to my expectations in light output, but the newer kits use a 35W or 50W halogen bulb as the light source and fiber optic cables to carry the light to the top of the rings. This is the way BMW does it too, and I bought the OEM parts form an E39 to mod Bettie's eyes.

I recommend that you look for a kit that uses fiber optics with a high wattage light source and one that has complete hardware and electrical connections included with it. Also look into the light mounting box because this is a place that is critical to the safety of the kit. You don't want a really hot bulb exposed under your hood. If you can find those things in a kit on Ebay or anywhere then it doesn't matter where you buy it.

Matt (Umnitza) has gone through the learning curve with many owners and so I think the guys here were only trying to steer you to the most likely source of quality and simplicity of installation, that's all. You asked for opinions and you got them.

immaculate

12-07-2003, 02:00 AM

IMHO, i far prefer the OEM look on our E38s. here's what i mean:

http://extrospective.gzweb.com/temp/2003.08.25/DDE2.jpg

i bought the DDE Gen Vs from the maker who lives here in SD. I had them installed by Matt (umnitza) when i was back up in norcal as i was confident he would do an excellent job (since he too has a 7er, or his wife at least). the end result (i think) is simply amazing.

aaron

allthewayfive

12-07-2003, 03:38 AM

Aaron,
Since the maker is in SD does he also have an authorized installer located here too? I'm not too keen about doing this myself if I should purchase the Gen V's.

MDabney

12-07-2003, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by allthewayfive
Aaron,
Since the maker is in SD does he also have an authorized installer located here too? I'm not too keen about doing this myself if I should purchase the Gen V's.

I posted this in your DIY thread but incase you missed it. Send a PM to Jim Powell, member "JSP98M3" here. Or check his website for more contact info here: http://www.apexcone.com/contact.html

I'm sure he has "local" installers that will do good by you. Just tell Jim I sent you and he'll only double the fee. :D j/k

Good luck with it...

- Mike D.

immaculate

12-07-2003, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by allthewayfive
Aaron,
Since the maker is in SD does he also have an authorized installer located here too? I'm not too keen about doing this myself if I should purchase the Gen V's.

Al,

Jim told me (upon selling me the DDEs) that he hadn't installed them on a 7er before and there wasn't an authorized installer in SD for the 7er. i was told the closest was in LA. keep in mind that it's EVEN harder on your cool-style headlights :D

knowing Matt (umnitza) had a 7er and had done numerous other 7ers before, i felt comfortable (by jim's recommendation too) with waiting until i saw matt to have the DDEs installed. it was a long wait, but i have no regrets!

aaron

99bmw740il

12-07-2003, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by Arbys_Night
I understand that this is a sponsered site, but I'd like an objective answer to the following:

Why umnitza? Why not the Gen IV rings I can get on eBay? Or better yet, why not the Gev V rings I can get on eBay?

ban! just kidding this isnt roadfly

umnitza

12-07-2003, 08:23 PM

Really guys, it's like a vendor doesn't really need to be believed.
Here's why you need to understand that what comes from ME is straight talk, not some blatant gibberish with no substance.

a) DDE was INVENTED by Jim Powell.
b) At this time DDE Lightning and DDE Lightning Enhanced is a JOINT Venture between Jim Powell's Apexcone.com and My Umnitza.com.
c) the Latest product is superior in a variety of ways and explanations that I will go into shortly.

Genealogy
Gen I = LEDs, DIY cut the rings <-- YUCK but effective at entering the market.
Gen II = First Fiber Optics Product <-- Still not polished - too much DIY.
Gen III = Additional colors added, still like Gen II.
Gen IV = New Polycarbonate rings.
Gen V = New wiring harness, larger illuminators, and of course much easier wiring.

ok, now onto DDE Lightning and Lightning Enhanced.

umnitza

12-07-2003, 08:26 PM

Now, let's discuss why NOT Gen IV rings on eBay, or Gen V rings for that matter.

1) Gen IV and V rings are Very pretty, but with LEDs or Fiber they are merely 1/2 the brightness of DDE Lightning.

2) They require a LOT of work on 99+ headlights. Since you have one, I would advise you listen to our experience.

There is only 1 person in the whole country that has ever installed Gen V on an E38 99+ headlight more than once, that's yours truly. Not just a vendor, I actually get my hands dirty.

And one more thread post...

umnitza

12-07-2003, 08:30 PM

Gen V rings into 99+ headlights require:
Clamps, glue, praying, and cutting, OUCH!

DDE Lightning Enhanced, because of the proper dimensions and lack of light box, are literally just peel and stick, not cutting, not drilling, not gluing, not anything. Just open and go.

They are non-permanent, bright, but not too bright, and they are a XENON color, so they don't really look OEM, but they also aren't as dull.

The E65 rings/halos are literally incredibly DULL in comparison, they aren't very menacing, they are disconnected, and in many that I've personally seen, they aren't consistently bright.

Again, why listen to us? Because we have experience, this is what we do.

There are a variety of places to buy DDE Lightning Enhanced <-- vendors won't do this:

Turner Motorsport
Bavarian Autosport
Umnitza
M3 Motorwerks
and a variety of other smaller vendors.

For the first time, this is really a DIY install for the AVERAGE JOE, not a mechanic. All you need are a few screw driver bits, the ability to follow the manual, and you'll have angel eyes with NO PERMANENT CHANGES TO YOUR HEADLIGHTS.

iforged

12-07-2003, 10:22 PM

Matt did the first 99 e38 headlight upgrage on my car. The results were perfect. Matt is the premier expert on DDE installation and sales.

Look for these headlights to be on Shled's car in the near future.
http://www.iforged.com/740i2.jpg

JLe38

12-08-2003, 03:20 AM

I purchased a so called Gen V product from ebay and decided against installing in my '01 740i Sport. Gave it to a friend who installed it in is '97 740il. It was dim, cannot see at day time at all. I will probably buy a set from Matt base on the postings here. BTW, I don't see the ebay seller marketing the demon eyes anymore. I also have no experience with the rest of the ebay demon eyes sellers.

JL
"Unofficial Organizer of Dallas - Fort Worth E38 Group" :wave:

umnitza

12-08-2003, 03:26 AM

Ebay sellers aren't selling them, because they aren't buying them anymore:D

JLe38 - I promise you will be VERY pleased.

As for the Gen V on the E38, I suspect we can even help your friend improve it:)

taiheung

12-08-2003, 08:10 AM

One thing which is failed to be mentioned whenever Matt talks up his product is what they look like when off. I know it isn't huge and I've seen his product in action (in person) and I'll admit they're pretty awesome.... but I can't get over the way they look when they're off. For a real OEM look you can't go past GenVs in my opinion - that and you can change the colour of them with ease. If Matt can some how make the Lightnings aesthetics the same as GenVs when off then I'd be sold. What I'm talking about is that thick chunky Angel Eye look that they have, instead of the "cheap circle neon" appearance that your Lightnings seem to have when off.

Matt: Can you do this? Is it @ all possible?

umnitza

12-08-2003, 11:44 AM

That's EXACTLY why we have Lightning ENHANCED.

Go here:
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=1627379#post1627379

allthewayfive

12-08-2003, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by MDabney
I posted this in your DIY thread but incase you missed it. Send a PM to Jim Powell, member "JSP98M3" here. Or check his website for more contact info here: http://www.apexcone.com/contact.html

I'm sure he has "local" installers that will do good by you. Just tell Jim I sent you and he'll only double the fee. :D j/k

Good luck with it...

- Mike D.

Thanks Mike, I just sent him an email. :)

Al

umnitza

12-08-2003, 01:21 PM

Jim will not be back until after Tuesday. So, please be patient.

allthewayfive

12-08-2003, 02:02 PM

Thanks. I just found out a co-worker of mine knows Jim pretty well. His 3 series is a test bed for his demon eyes.

umnitza

12-08-2003, 02:08 PM

Croak? :D

umnitza

12-08-2003, 02:09 PM

I've already told Jim to expect your email and his response to be - "um, I don't do 7 series, that's your job."

So, it's possible that when I go down there in the next few weeks, I'll likely do up your car quickly for you:D

allthewayfive

12-08-2003, 02:14 PM

Keep me in the know, Matt. :) I'll put some funds aside for the eyes and/or install fees. Then I'll call Aaron (Immaculate) so we can compare our headlights afterwards.

QUICKBIMMER

12-08-2003, 05:16 PM

Hey Immac I live in San Diego where did you give your lights. Look sharp! :clap:

immaculate

12-09-2003, 12:40 AM

Originally posted by QUICKBIMMER
Hey Immac I live in San Diego where did you give your lights. Look sharp! :clap:

hey Quickbimmer,

my headlights are Catz 4500k which i bought from umnitza. ok wait, before this gets redundant, lets just say this. ALL my lighting is from umnitza. this includes the headlights, foglights (Catz 6000k HID) and DDE Gen Vs.

i'd be more than willing to meet up with you somewhere if you wanted to take a look at them sometime in person. the photo representations aren't quite accurate :D

aaron

immaculate

12-09-2003, 12:42 AM

Originally posted by allthewayfive
Keep me in the know, Matt. :) I'll put some funds aside for the eyes and/or install fees. Then I'll call Aaron (Immaculate) so we can compare our headlights afterwards.

i'll shoot you an email later this week Al so we can meet up and i can egg you on with your purchase a bit more by showing you my DDEs :D j/k. so NOW did the SC7s cards get there yet? there is no way it could take more than 3 days for a regular letter to go 5 miles...i KNEW i should've just met up with you and handed them to you! hehe oh well.

aaron

allthewayfive

12-09-2003, 02:22 AM

Oh yeah, I got the cards Aaron. Thanks! :)

Tranceshark

12-09-2003, 04:24 PM

Here´s a pic of my angeleyes. I created them from the original E39 Angeleyes, so the Hardware is OEM BMW, just the lighting is different. I used LED´s in white, which gives a slight blueish look...
http://www.vision-motorsport.de/angeleye.jpg

umnitza

12-11-2003, 11:40 AM

But those aren't really visible for 100 ft away;)

Tranceshark

12-11-2003, 05:56 PM

That´s right...
But I would get in trouble in Germany using brighter AngelEyes...

But u know what? I don´t really care I guess... I want to get the ones Sim´s got now! Those are yours right?

umnitza

12-11-2003, 06:27 PM

Sim's are indeed DDE Lightning - with his flavor.

BTW - they are dimmable:D

JLe38

12-11-2003, 06:47 PM

umnitza,

Are you located in SD? I'll be visiting during Xmas. Please tell me the exact one I need to get for my 2001 740i Sport in your opinion, item # if you have it, thanks!

JL

umnitza

12-11-2003, 07:28 PM

I will BE in SD actually likely on the 29th or 30th.
You can get the DDE Lightning Enhanced, we have that in stock. I can even ship it to you, you can play with it, or just have me do it when I see you or have any of my installers in SD do it.

I have to promise you this much, you will NOT be dissapointed:)
http://www.umnitza.com/product_info.php?cPath=68&products_id=149

MarkyMark

12-13-2003, 09:51 AM

Umnitza do you ship to the UK and can you mail me the price inc shipping for the DDE Lightning for 97 740i

umnitza

12-13-2003, 11:37 AM

shipping is $25-35, not much more, the product shipping costs get calculated on the site.

Great Shark

12-14-2003, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by immaculate

my headlights are Catz 4500k which i bought from umnitza. ok wait, before this gets redundant, lets just say this. ALL my lighting is from umnitza. this includes the headlights, foglights (Catz 6000k HID) and DDE Gen Vs.

aaron [/B]

Matt- Can you clarify a few things for me? I have been to the Umnitza site and find it confusing. :dunno

The site only shows (4) items for the 7 series-> E38('95-'01) and HID headlights/foglights are NOT any of them.

1.) Do you sell HID head/foglight P-n-P kits for a '97 740iL?

2.) DDE Enhanced does NOT show the E38 as an "application". Does show (E30-E39, E53) Do you sell the "Enhanced" product for an E38 '97 740iL?

3.) Finally!! :clap: I want to purchase the HID headlights, HID foglights and the DDE Enhanced for my '97 740iL. Will all these kits work together? I want to do the HID's first, then add the DDE's. Is this the way to do it?

Any help would be great!!

Bob
Ps. Where in the East Bay is Umnitza located? I lived in Fremont for 10 years and just moved to Sacramento. Would like to say hello the next time I am in the Bay area.

umnitza

12-14-2003, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by Great Shark
Matt- Can you clarify a few things for me? I have been to the Umnitza site and find it confusing. :dunno

The site only shows (4) items for the 7 series-> E38('95-'01) and HID headlights/foglights are NOT any of them.

we do not "officially" sell HID. We frequently get HID as trade-ins for other products because we actively seek out "used" un-opened HID kits - they are illegal to sell as retailers in the country, but no one is going to stop us from trying to help the consumer privately. It's more of an "open box" deal.

1.) Do you sell HID head/foglight P-n-P kits for a '97 740iL?
not officially

2.) DDE Enhanced does NOT show the E38 as an "application". Does show (E30-E39, E53) Do you sell the "Enhanced" product for an E38 '97 740iL?

Actually it does http://www.umnitza.com/product_info.php?products_id=149 - just not a picture of the E38 - that's coming shortly.

3.) Finally!! :clap: I want to purchase the HID headlights, HID foglights and the DDE Enhanced for my '97 740iL. Will all these kits work together? I want to do the HID's first, then add the DDE's. Is this the way to do it?
yes, everything will work together, they are all H1 (not the DDE). Immaculate/Aaron is doing this with great success - if only he had ground everything to begin with he'd have had no flickering :lol:

Any help would be great!!

Bob
Ps. Where in the East Bay is Umnitza located? I lived in Fremont for 10 years and just moved to Sacramento. Would like to say hello the next time I am in the Bay area.
Danville - though we are looking into a shop in San Ramon

Great Shark

12-14-2003, 06:05 PM

Hey Matt-

Thanks for getting back to me so promptly!!

I really want to do the same thing Aaron has done with his lighting. I have found a HID conversion kit here at Bavarian autosport. I have copied their ad below. In your opinion is this a decent path to go down or could you set me up with a better system?

Thanks again - Bob
Ps. Cool location...Danville/San Ramon, only about 55 minutes from me! :alright

From Bavarian autosport:
This is not a blue bulb look-alike but a true xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) system. It produces light that is four times brighter than stock halogen lighting systems while consuming 1/3 of the power. You'll see everything sooner--sharp curves, debris in the road, pedestrians, joggers, kids on bikes, skateboarding teenagers, animals, cars in the break down lane...everything! This increased visibility is especially important for high-speed driving; the faster you go, the longer it takes you to stop. This kit lighting also gives your BMW the look of the latest high-performance vehicles with their bright xenon lights. Installation is a simple matter of attaching the ballast's with the included hardware or Velcro strips, replacing your low beam bulbs with the xenon bulbs (you'll have to bend a couple of small metal prongs with pliers) and making 3 easy wiring connections. Comes with easy-to-follow instructions.

Part Number Description Price
HID KIT HID ( xenon ) Headlight Conversion Kit - Includes Bulbs, Starters, Ballasts, Wiring and Relay
ON SALE! $599.95
(Reg. $699.95)

umnitza

12-14-2003, 11:37 PM

Email me, I'll walk you through it.
info@umnitza.com

umnitza

12-23-2003, 07:12 PM

minor change to instructions.
The E38 99+ headlight, if you plan on doing the OEM DDE LIghtning Enhanced look will require a minor trim of the Enhanced covers.

Great Shark

12-23-2003, 07:24 PM

Hey Matt,

I have my new headlight lenses being shipped as we speak. I will wait until I do the HID and DDE install before doing the swap.

Let me know when you might be getting some lights in, thanks.

Happy Holidays!!

-Bob

umnitza

12-23-2003, 07:30 PM

we have them in stock.

Great Shark

12-23-2003, 07:35 PM

Yeah!!!! Please set aside a pair for me. I also need the DDE enhanced. I will e-mail you at work for the specifics.

Thanks again!

-Bob

umnitza

12-23-2003, 07:52 PM

I can't keep these in stock even if I do set them aside:(

Email me soon please, I have about 20 of them and should be able to have some by next week, but no promises.

Diver

12-28-2003, 03:13 AM

OK. Straight Questions. I have a 2000 740iL. Based on the previous posts I would need DDE Lightning Enhanced correct? How simple is the installation? I could find no link on your site. Has anyone done this themselves on a 99+ car and can give their impression of fit, look and install?

Umnitza. You list someone named Micah in the Atl area who does installs. What is a typical charge for the install and has he done 7's?

I need clear, simple answers. thx,

umnitza

12-28-2003, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by Diver
OK. Straight Questions. I have a 2000 740iL. Based on the previous posts I would need DDE Lightning Enhanced correct? How simple is the installation? I could find no link on your site. Has anyone done this themselves on a 99+ car and can give their impression of fit, look and install?

Umnitza. You list someone named Micah in the Atl area who does installs. What is a typical charge for the install and has he done 7's?

I need clear, simple answers. thx,
Simple answers to follow:

1) DDE Lightning Enhanced - correct: http://www.umnitza.com/product_info.php?cPath=68&products_id=149

2) 3 Customers have done it so far that I'm aware of on 99+ headlights. There is only 1 modification to the product that needs to take place. The enhanced ring manages to push up too far onto the beauty chrome surround. You simply need to file away 3mm at an angle - the instructions will show how.

3) Install instructions are hidden, but will be on the site later today finally. You get them in email with your tracking number.

4) Micah has NOT done 7s. And I would recommend that a BMW shop do it if you are not confortable. A BMW shop would have no problems at all to install. Their rates will vary. There are at least 4 shops that have called me from that area that have done this, so you have options.