Xenon capsule replacement 2005 X5 (No not upgrade)

[Quicksilver]

I searched but did not find instructions for replacing the Xenon bulbs.
This link http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...questions.html
say's it's in the article section but I must have overlooked it

No I'm not interested in upgrading to Xenons so don't include vendors and
information regarding upgrades. My bulbs are still good but it's
going on 4 year 1/2 years and if one goes out I would like to know
(and maybe others would to) how to replace the pair.

Sorry I forgot to add the year 2005.

[mtX5]

i assume my aftermarket headlights are similar to OEM (i never changed the xenon bulbs on my OEM headlights)..
..so if they are the same you just have to remove the protective cap covering the projector on the back; a screwdriver should do. then disconnect the wire coming up from the ballast, and the bulb should be able to be pulled out easily. Insert new bulb, attach ballast wire, and replace protective cap.

[mtX5]

Here is a picture of what i explained just incase..

and BTW if i remember correctly the D2S bulb didn't just pull out... hmm.. maybe another memeber will know.

[dkl]

Yes...but that would require you to remove the headlight assembly from the frontend, which isn't really that simple on an 04+.

[Quicksilver]

Ok.....

One person say's..."the bulb should be able to be pulled out easily. Insert new bulb, attach ballast wire, and replace protective cap.

Another person says "it requires one to remove the headlight assembly from the frontend, which isn't really that simple on an 04+.

but I'm confused.......

[dkl]

QS, if you look under the hood, you will see that it requires you to use a torx screwdriver to remove the protective cap to get to the bulb. Look closer to only find that there's no room for the screwdriver. In order to get more room to work with, you'll need to undo 4 bolts/screws holding the entire light assembly and slide it forward (you can only slide it approx 1-2 inches). If that's still not enough room for you to get to the protective cap screws, then you may have to drop the bumper cover and remove the light assembly. Unlike the pre-facelift (pre-'04), there is no trim piece under the light assembly to help with removal. The same (headlight removal) process applies if you ever need to replace the turn signal bulbs. This is a very STUPID design considering how much engineerings BMW puts into their cars.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by dkl

QS, if you look under the hood, you will see that it requires you to use a torx screwdriver to remove the protective cap to get to the bulb. Look closer to only find that there's no room for the screwdriver. In order to get more room to work with, you'll need to undo 4 bolts/screws holding the entire light assembly and slide it forward (you can only slide it approx 1-2 inches). If that's still not enough room for you to get to the protective cap screws, then you may have to drop the bumper cover and remove the light assembly. Unlike the pre-facelift (pre-'04), there is no trim piece under the light assembly to help with removal. The same (headlight removal) process applies if you ever need to replace the turn signal bulbs. This is a very STUPID design considering how much engineerings BMW puts into their cars.

Quicksilver,

DKL is correct you can try the sequence listed but by the time you mess around with uncsrewing the power steering and contorting your hand and body and IF you don't drop the screws (which are hard to retrieve if you do - because of the plastic cover below) then you could have done it faster by removing the front bumper. Less frustration - believe me.

It seems like a big deal removing the front bumper but it's really not. The first time it took me 45 minutes. However, once I knew the sequence and the tricks it takes like 15 minutes to remove the front bumper.

It helpd to have another person but not required. I take mine off and place it on my kids plastic wagon with some carpet on it to protect the bumper. That way you don't have to unhook anything. Just lay it down on something but it has to be elevated (like a wagon ).

I'm about to order some replacement Xenon bulbs (going with 6000K) and I'll do a write-up for people, maybe even a video, when I remove my bumper.

Good luck!

[mtX5]

sorry.. he is write i was talking about a pre-facelift. i failed to to notice yours was a 2005.

[Quicksilver]

OK thanks

I can't look right now. My ride is in the shop.
I guess my next question would be if I can get
the Torx screws out is there enough room to
remove the protective cap and remove the capsules?

[X5NTahoe4u]

i have a 04 sport e53 4.4i.. you need to replace the entire headlamp assembly.. it took a month bmw did it on goodwill.. or check out HELLA brand as those were the replacements..