This may seem strange, but I was able to tie the screw to the tool tip using thread. I tied a knot around the screw and wound the thread around the screw and the shaft of the t-20 tool to get it started.

The screw where the loop broke off is another issue. I am currently looking for a small flexible (plastic washer that will be able to apply pressure where the loop broke.)

Edit:

OK, bulb is in and works. Now the passenger side. From the look of it, it will be much easier - after the air cleaner is removed.

Odd that you only have three screws - my '05 has four - two on the top edge, one on the lower indie edge (deeper in) and another on the lower outside corner - this last one is the swine to get at.

Here's an image of the cover - this is the left side - view is from the front, looking back.

http://www.autopartsapi.com/eEuropar...5abd0023b2.jpg

The swine screw is the one on the lower right in the above image (lower left side on the car)....

No, I didn't have this screw hole (circled in red) at all. You say this is the left (driver) side? I am not sure why mine is different.

I guess it's just the difference is the models or something. Mine's RHD so the headlights are a little different. :D

Although... I checked on RealOEM and the rear cover part number is the same for both our cars.. :dunno:

Oh the joy of working on the 4.4 E53.....not looking forward to replacing both my xenons. Hands too big and patience too short...
So from what I can tell, the general consensus is to go with the Osram Nighbreakers? About A$225 a pair, unless any other Aussie members can point me in a better direction? Is there a particular part number I should be looking for? TIA.

As I said somewhere else here, I'm not sure that we (Aussie's and Kiwi's) get the full Bi-Xenon lights - just the Xenon low beam, so the NightBreakers may not make such a big difference. Having very bright low beams might be ok but as the cut-off is pretty sharp, you don't get any extra range from the NightBreakers (over the standard Osram/Philips D2S lamps).

YMMV... :p:

Thanks for the tip. Not that I do a great deal of night driving in the E53, I still need reasonable vision due to the many 'roos that are prevalent in my neck of the woods. Hit one (or rather - it hit me) in the Landcruiser the other night.... dented driver's side rear door (not too badly). On-coming vehicle didn't dip his/her headlights until almost upon me and that's when I saw the 'roo bouncing from my right across the road... BANG! Managed to push dent out thankfully. Kangaroo not in good shape sadly. Would have made a mess of the E53 I think.

The nightbreakers (A$204.60 for two) are the same price as the Philips (A$102.29 each). That said, the nightbreakers through powerbulbs.com.au are sold out... Will have to wait until they're back in stock before ordering a pair.

BTW, I might want to pick up a new cover - what part number do you have for this? Even if it is not the same, it might be a good starting point for a search.

Depends on your exact headlight configuration: -

With Xenon OR Adaptive -
Left - 63126927795
Right - 63126927796

With Xenon AND Adaptive -
Left - 63126928211
Right - 63126928212

from here: -

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog