• For this retrofit the standard free software suite is sufficient: ISTA - a free tool used for vehicle diagnostics and clearing fault codes, and the free version of ESys for changing vehicle order (VO - list of options) and performing factory reset of modules. However, a paid tool is required to enable the Anti-Dazzle. ESys Ultra, BimmerUtility or ProTool (both are user friendly tools).
  
  ISTA and ESys installations can be requested here: https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/coding-no-request-latest-software-links.983244/page-312?post_id=14050460#post-14050460
  
  If you know nothing about BMW programming or not confident enough you can do firmware update, think about hiring a remote coder to do it for you.
  
  
  
• buy new/used laser headlights with modules. No other hardware required
  
  Each headlight has 3 modules (highlighted). Often many sellers don't include them, and you'll have to buy a set separately. So try to find a complete unit.
  
  
  
  
  
  Make sure you buy OEM BMW headlights, not a version made in China (ebay has a bunch of them now).
  
  If purchased used headlights individually instead of as a matched set, it is critical to ensure the firmware is the same between both units. If the firmware versions do not match, an update is required using E-Sys with full PSdZData to resolve potential conflicts. Different firmware versions can trigger errors, such as "left/right high beam malfunction," and may prevent the High Beam Assistant from functioning correctly.
  
  
• install new headlights by removing wheel arches, front bumper and LED headlights (post with a link to official instructions: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=32021504&postcount=11)
  
  
• Connect laser headlights, connect battery terminal, check that headlights work (may not be correct, but some sections of the headlights will light up). That means hardware is working and you can go to the coding step
  
  
  
• Coding:
  [optional step if headlights purchased individually] Validate that firmware versions in both FLM (right and left) modules are the same, update when different. A good video on this topic:
  
  
  • vehicle order coding: delete option 552 (LED headlights), add option 5AZ (laser headlights)
    
    
  • To perform a factory reset using the Vehicle Order (VO), you must code the following electronic control units (ECUs): BDC_BODY, DKOMBI, KAFAS, HU_MGU, and both FLM modules.
    
    This procedure can be executed with ESys, BimmerUtility, or ProTool. After you modify the VO, BimmerUtility and ProTool will automatically suggest coding the affected ECUs. However, these tools may not always identify every required module. For instance, I was prompted to code only the BDC_BODY, HU_MGU, and FLM modules, so I did the same with KAFAS and DKOMBI afterward to complete the process.
    
    You will lose custom coding and will have to apply it again after running this step!
    
    
  • [optional step] Apply Anti-Dazzle coding, follow steps from this post: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1852315
    You can combine this step with the previous ones not to do factory code same blocks again.
    
    You will lose custom coding and will have to apply it again after running this step!

Mikubus wrote

Awesome. Thanks!

What VO coding tool did you use? Also, have you heard of any issues with using potentially non-OEM laser lights? I have a used set that worked in another X5 that the previous owner sold, but it looks like these are not fully OEM. All the parts, including the modules, appear to be factory though.