Yet another projector retrofit tutorial: ZKW -> Morimoto Mini D2S 4.0
Hello community. I've had my 2004 sedan for over a year, typical ZKW burnt bowls. After lots of research, last December, I finally decided to tackle this project. I went with Morimoto Mini D2S 4.0 projectors based on a few pictures I saw online. What drew me to this projector was the definition and width of the cutoff.
http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/...psrj1bebn1.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSJQ9XpqaaY
The project is definitely not plug and play but if you have the tools it's another option to consider. I finally got through sorting over 150 pictures and instead of doing the step by step here, I annotated the images. Sorry for the few grammar errors, busy schedule so I was working at night.
I'm making this tutorial newbie friendly so if you've never tinkered with your headlights you'll find useful pictures. However, by the time I was ready to install these things I kind of stopped taking pictures, too excited to see the lights in action. I did take pictures of the final result and a little driving clip included in the end.
Components
Morimoto Mini D2S 4.0 from Lightwerkz
http://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/...rojectors.html
E46-R shrouds also from Lightwerkz
http://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/...r-shrouds.html
Morimoto XB D2S 5500K bulbs
http://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/...d2s-bulbs.html
Tools
- flat blade screwdriver
- pocket size flat blade screwdriver
- phillips screwdriver
- interchangeable bit screwdriver
- 6" magnetic hex bit extension
- T25 driver
- T15 driver
- 8mm socket
- ratchet, 3/8" or 1/4" doesn't matter
- ratchet extension (optional)
- magnetic parts holder (optional)
- locking clamp pliers or needle nose pliers
- Dremel 3000 kit
- drill
- 1/16" drill bit
- 3/32" drill bit
- soldering iron w/ solder
- 18-22 gauge heat shrink wrap
- pick tools, various angles
- Sharpie
- pen
- painters/masking tape
- JB Weld
- Blue Magic polishing cream
- #6 x 1/2" phillips sheet metal screws
- #6 - 32 x 3/4" machine screws with matching nuts
- #6 flat washers
- 1 1/2 flat corner braces
Part 1
Headlight removal
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2843/3...da63e3c9_z.jpgstep001 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3736/3...5591ef6b_z.jpgstep002 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2901/3...91d51854_z.jpgstep003 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3952/3...80a15ed5_z.jpgstep006 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2950/3...538a4c33_z.jpgstep007 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3818/3...02937681_z.jpgstep008 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3945/3...256e6625_z.jpgstep009 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
Now use your ratchet and 8mm socket to loosen the front screws
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2942/3...5ef1f24b_z.jpgstep010 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
For the rear screws you'll use your screwdriver with magnetic extension and T25 driver. (Not pictured.)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3781/3...eedced79_z.jpgstep011 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2818/3...3944db7d_z.jpgstep012 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2930/3...27184c0d_z.jpgstep013 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2833/3...871e8da1_z.jpgstep014 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
Headlight disassembly
Take your headlights inside the house, I recommend working on a table. Here's the Morimoto unit.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3933/3...bcfff8f8_z.jpgstep015 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3790/3...51efb6a6_z.jpgstep017 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
This trim comes off pretty easy.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2828/3...ca4e264d_z.jpgstep018 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2896/3...352f8f03_z.jpgstep019 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3847/3...5206b3a0_z.jpgstep029 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3948/3...c8797bb5_z.jpgstep031 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
I believe this was a Torx 15 driver, sorry for the grammar.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3927/3...45a95ecb_z.jpgstep032 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
While this one Torx 25, but don't quote me on this haha
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2817/3...cd843c25_z.jpgstep033 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3789/3...bc4cae1e_z.jpgstep034 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2848/3...bd293d69_z.jpgstep035 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2837/3...2c107e21_z.jpgstep036 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2922/3...e0690d6d_z.jpgstep039 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
I meant the burnt projector bowl
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2905/3...dc6b75c2_z.jpgstep040 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3835/3...ddd53491_z.jpgstep041 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2905/3...d99a27fe_z.jpgstep044 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
The heat also burned the driver's side shroud. Bummer. I would've reused the OEM shrouds.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2945/3...80b218d8_z.jpgstep045 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
For comparison, the ZKW lens is frosty while the Morimoto is all clear.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3952/3...49d7f827_z.jpgstep047 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
Modifying and retrofitting
Another side by side. Now it's time to measure and test fit before cutting the reflector plastic. The goal is to make the Morimoto projector fit and allow enough clearance between the shroud and top of the reflector.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3955/3...240752ee_z.jpgstep048 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
This side view gives you an idea of how far down the projector should fit.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3754/3...c67d367a_z.jpgstep049 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2874/3...63f0b0a7_z.jpgstep050 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
This diagram is to scale and shows you how the projector fits. Test fit by placing your projector on the reflector holding unit, it won't fit completely flat due to the protrusions on the rear of the bowl but you'll get a good idea of where the screws will go. The downside to this retrofit is that only the bottom portion of the projector can screw directly onto the plastic. Time to get creative.
So looking at the diagram, you want the Morimoto projector to fit under, clear if possible, the top factory mounting holes. Also read my note on the angle of installation. Once you find the right spot, use a sharpie to mark off the area that you'll cut/grid off with the Dremel tool. Do the same for both sides.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3835/3...7ac382b7_z.jpgstep051 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2816/3...6f863ba8_z.jpgstep052 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3950/3...a67dc762_z.jpgstep055 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
Go grab these goodies, you'll be needing them soon.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2844/3...dfc2bb19_z.jpghardware and compounds by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
At this point I had a nice flat mounting surface with enough top clearance. Place your projector on top, now take your pick tool and through the bottom mounting holes on the projector, make a marking on the reflector plastic for your pilot hole. Make a pen marking, verify, and then drill a pilot hole with the 1/16" bit, this gives you more accuracy. Follow up with the 3/32" bit. Test fit and screw the projector onto the plastic using your #6 screw. This allows you to move the projector while it's secure, now mark your second bottom hole and drill the same way.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2883/3...f7d83b66_z.jpgstep056 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
Take your flat corner braces (L bracket) and using the Dremel, shorten one side, cut right between the holes.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2913/3...250dccc7_z.jpgstep057 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
I'm missing a picture here but what you'll do next is attach the L bracket to the top left or top right side of the projector in an inverse direction. The bolt head should be on the back of the projector, use a washer, then on the front use a washer and nut to secure the bracket and projector. The rest of the pictures explain it better!
Find the best angle and now use your pen or pick to mark through the bracket where the last hole will be drilled to attach bracket onto plastic. After many attempts these are the hole locations I ended up using on the passenger's side.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3670/3...cc14b283_z.jpgstep058 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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Passenger's side close up
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2890/3...5f81da52_z.jpgstep068 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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Driver's side close up
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2944/3...41ed9b5e_z.jpgstep071 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3673/3...fc6db4f7_z.jpgstep072 by fatherlemmisty, on Flickr
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