Removing head lights unit x5 2008?

[lo66x5]

Hi Bozz,

I had the same problem as you before, i actually bought a H8 bulb, and i couldn't find a place to actually insert or remove the bulb under the bonnet!!!i asked the memeber from this forum and they all told me that is just right next to the high beam cover.....but unfortunately there isn't...and later on i found out that in US they all have Xenon option as standard, so thats why i believe that there is difference with the entire headlight between non-xenon and xenon E70...

I went through under the bonnet and i found out that they should use something the same as e90 prefacelift angel eye bulb, as i saw a rectangle cover which is the same as the E90 prefacelift...i've installed something rectangular bulb on my girlfriend's e90...so i am guessing it should be something like that...

there are actually two types of rectanglar angle eye bulb, once suits E60 and once suits E90...after searching on the net, i think the E70 should use the same as E60...

i actually bought the bulb already, and will try and install them when i'm free.....will let u know once i installed...

but it will be great if someone can let us know how to remove the headlight...
Thanks...

[x5mad]

Hi Bozz,

Am able to share your pain here as I have done an aftermarket HID install myself.

That bloody light housing is just ridiculous. It took me over 1 hour, scraped and bleeding hands and arms, and a lot of cursing before I was able to get the HID to fit in the holder.

I do NOT want to go through that again! So here's to hoping my lights dont fail me prematurely.

Other than that how's your Great White doing? Any further modifications? I've been a bit slack recently as been on 1addicts.com discussing my new 135i convertible.

Good luck with the install mate, but I think just let your dealer do it, save you from all the cursing!

[Bozz]

Well guys I have just about given up on upgrading the angel eyes. I was at BMW yesterday and asked them what it would cost to change my bulbs. The answer was " about 4 hundred dollars" plus parts etc.

Holy crap I nearly fainted so I asked whats the big deal with changing some bulbs.

The service tech said that on the newer E70 with the standard halogens the quickest way to change bulbs is to take the front wheel off then remove the wheel arch coverings including the wheel arch flare rivets then the front side panel module mounts, and only then will you be able to lower the light module backwards and down out from under the vehicle.

"WTF" Are BMW Fu**ing crazy, any normal person cant change a set of bulbs without having to dismantle the front end of their car and you will also need the specialist security type screwdriver bits, extended socket sets etc etc.

I also found out that the angel eyes are not H8 globes, I dont know what the hell they are but they dont look anything like a normal bulb fits in them. there are 2 electrical wires clipped on to the back something but it is definitely not a bulb in there.

How do I know, because I tried it and gave up after working on it for 8 f*cking hours last night and found that you definitely cant get at the angel eye fittings without removing the whole light fitting module.

Thanks BMW you pack of wankers for grossly over engineering the front lighting module brackets etc etc.

[lo66x5]

Originally Posted by Bozz

Well guys I have just about given up on upgrading the angel eyes. I was at BMW yesterday and asked them what it would cost to change my bulbs. The answer was " about 4 hundred dollars" plus parts etc.

Holy crap I nearly fainted so I asked whats the big deal with changing some bulbs.

The service tech said that on the newer E70 with the standard halogens the quickest way to change bulbs is to take the front wheel off then remove the wheel arch coverings including the wheel arch flare rivets then the front side panel module mounts, and only then will you be able to lower the light module backwards and down out from under the vehicle.

"WTF" Are BMW Fu**ing crazy, any normal person cant change a set of bulbs without having to dismantle the front end of their car and you will also need the specialist security type screwdriver bits, extended socket sets etc etc.

I also found out that the angel eyes are not H8 globes, I dont know what the hell they are but they dont look anything like a normal bulb fits in them. there are 2 electrical wires clipped on to the back something but it is definitely not a bulb in there.

How do I know, because I tried it and gave up after working on it for 8 f*cking hours last night and found that you definitely cant get at the angel eye fittings without removing the whole light fitting module.

Thanks BMW you pack of wankers for grossly over engineering the front lighting module brackets etc etc.

Hi Bozz,

as i said from previous post, i am guessing they use the bulb which is the same as the E60, i will probably install them next weekend when i have time, i will let u know once i install them on...

[Bozz]

lo66x5,
so are you guessing that they are either D1S or D2S type or are they LED's

[jamesboags]

Here's the info to remove the headlight... does not look like an easy thing to do ....

[rh71]

where are you getting all these wonderful docs? THe tailgate trim removal pdf helped solve my problem btw... thanks!

[Bozz]

Originally Posted by jamesboags

Here's the info to remove the headlight... does not look like an easy thing to do ....

Thanks very much JB, these instructions are a great help but it sure is a big job just to change some bulbs, I realize now why the dealer wants the big bucks to do it.

[jpl]

I am bringing the car to the dealer tonignt
they need 3 hours to replace a left light assembly!!!!
no joke
they have to take many things apart
and dealer dislikes doing that
then they have to reprogram the computer
hopefully it will not create new issues

[jpl]

just came back from the dealer
car will be ready tomorrow
actually about 1 1/2 hour to replace unit

about same time, only to change the bulb
that bulb is 250$ canadian....