How to replace fog lamp assembly? - 2011 X5 M-Sport w/Adaptive Lighting

[gadgetfreak1998]

Hi. I have scoured the (YouTube) universe for instructional videos or info on how to replace a damaged fog lamp assembly for my 2011 X5 M-Sport with Adaptive Lighting. Yet all I can find are videos for replacement in a non-M-Sport, which has a very different bumper. See the picture.

I believe I found the right part (BMW part number 63177184317), but no instructions anywhere.

Can anyone help? Thanks!

[ard]

Why bothers? Looks like a bunch of damage, no?

[gadgetfreak1998]

Well, for one because I should have functioning fog lights, and for two, because the alert every time I start the car is annoying. I know the whole housing (not just the bulb) needs to be replaced. The unit is about $100, and I'm assuming it's a DIY job, but need some guidance, hence the post.

[CleanIsFast]

Yeah definitely a different bumper from my 35d, but I recently replaced both my fog light assemblies. I had to remove the front bumper entirely, which is not hard to do. Just need a Phillips screwdriver, trim removal tool, torx bit (forgot which number, maybe T15) and I believe 8-10mm ratchet.

From the looks of your bumper, it should be roughly the same?

Have you tried just removing the black mesh grill and seeing if you can get your hand behind the assembly? If so, you are halfway there but you will need to remove at least a couple bolts from the assembly to replace it.

[gadgetfreak1998]

Thanks. I just wanted to find a tutorial, if possible. Always like to know what I’m about to get myself into! And before I drop $100...

I will take a look at the grill-like part tomorrow to give it a shot to see how easily it comes off.

After having done a pretty significant internal project (retrofitting CarPlay), I’m getting a lot more confident about popping panels and units in and out. And I should have all the necessary tools with panel removal parts, T-15 and T-20 bits, 8mm and 10mm wrench bits, etc...

[CleanIsFast]

Mostly everything is just nuts and bolts, you'll be okay. If I can do it, you can too.

UNLESS you can access the assembly from the front bumper grills without removal, this is what I did

Start from the wheel well fenders. Remove (I believe 3) 10mm bolts from each fender liner. You do not need to remove them all.

Remove the 3-5 front bumper bolts

Remove 5-6 bottom front bumper bolts (these might be Phillips)

Start gently pulling and removing the front bumper starting from the sides. Make sure to have something to prop the bumper on. There is not enough slack on the electrical harness behind the bumper (Fog light and I assume park distance control) to reach the ground. I just used my tool box and it was sufficient.

From there it is a breeze, remove the fog light assembly, unplug electrical harness. Replace and put everything back.

I would replace both fog light assemblies at the same time. If you are like me, OCD will kick in, if you see that one fog light glass is brand new and the other is pitted. They are cheap enough to replace both at same time. The Hella one I bought even came with the bulbs included

[gadgetfreak1998]

I'm going to give it a shot... I just ordered the single assembly. I don't think I will care too much about the new vs old thing. And I think I saw that the old is Valeo, which will be the same as new. So hopefully all will be reasonably similar.

But your note did remind me to double check whether I actually got any bulb with the assembly -- which I did not! So I think I will order two matching halogen bulbs, so at least the colors will match.

Wish me luck!

[en2siast]

Originally Posted by gadgetfreak1998

I'm going to give it a shot... I just ordered the single assembly. I don't think I will care too much about the new vs old thing. And I think I saw that the old is Valeo, which will be the same as new. So hopefully all will be reasonably similar.

But your note did remind me to double check whether I actually got any bulb with the assembly -- which I did not! So I think I will order two matching halogen bulbs, so at least the colors will match.

Wish me luck!

Hey, wanted to follow up to see if you ever got this done. I need to change my fog lights and have the same M-Sport bumper and was wondering if you needed to remove the wheelwell trims or just pop out the grill around the fog lights.

Tnx in advance

[gadgetfreak1998]

Originally Posted by en2siast

Hey, wanted to follow up to see if you ever got this done. I need to change my fog lights and have the same M-Sport bumper and was wondering if you needed to remove the wheelwell trims or just pop out the grill around the fog lights.

Tnx in advance

Hi there. I did end up doing it and did have to remove the whole bumper. I just don’t think there is any possible way to remove the screws holding the housing by going through the little plastic grill. Note that in my case the housing was held in by torx screws, which I didn’t realize for a while (since it was hard to see) and thought I had stripped screw heads. Once I realized my mistake it was easy.

The bulbs themselves thankfully are easy to replace just through the mini grill. But if your housing is destroyed or damaged, than the bumper comes off.

[en2siast]

Originally Posted by gadgetfreak1998

Hi there. I did end up doing it and did have to remove the whole bumper. I just don’t think there is any possible way to remove the screws holding the housing by going through the little plastic grill. Note that in my case the housing was held in by torx screws, which I didn’t realize for a while (since it was hard to see) and thought I had stripped screw heads. Once I realized my mistake it was easy.

The bulbs themselves thankfully are easy to replace just through the mini grill. But if your housing is destroyed or damaged, than the bumper comes off.

Thanks, Man. I appreciate the response. I just need to change to bulbs, and before I start taking out the wheelwell trims, I figured I asked if it was simpler to just remove the plastic surround of the fog lights on the bumper.