A couple of questions and help please.....
 

I am installing a clear 3rd Brake Light and following these instructions http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/l...ht-bmw-x5.html but one of the #25 Torx heads is stripped :mad: (not sure why, I've never been in there) and I am unsure how to get it out.

Secondly, I purchased new headlight assemblies from my dealer with clear corners (obviously I have a non-sport model) and I needed to know how difficult a swap out this is and especilally how you go about disconnecting and reconnecting the Xenon connections.

Is the problem that the Torx screw is stripped and you can't get any grip on it to remove it?

You can drill it out- using a drill bit about 1/3 the size of the head of the screw, then use progressively bigger drill bits until the screw head comes off, then you use pliers to twist it out. Or you can try a screw extractor bit or tool. Take one of the Torx screws you already removed to a hardware store and ask a pro to set you up with the right bit or tool for the job.

JV

That's correct...it (TORX #25) just spins. Maybe I'll try a larger torx before I drill it out.

How much did you buy the clear 3rd Brake Light for? Where did you get it? Post some pics when you get down. :)

What color is your X?

I would definitely try a bigger Torx or even another type of screwdriver before you resort to drilling.

The headlights are easy to remove and reinstall. Be very careful when you're taking out the screws from the bottom of the headlight. It is very easy to drop them into the abyss that is behind the front bumper. Ask me how I know. * This is assuming you have a pre-facelift X5 otherwise you do have to remove the front bumper to take out your headlights. I see you have an '03 so no bumper removal necessary.

Gently pop off the trim pieces below the headlight. They are held in by tabs. Remove the two screws on top of the headlights and the two below. Slide out the headlights, unplug. Reverse for installation. Simple!

Just a suggestion: Since you're going to have all this mess opened up, you might want to take the opportunity to change the turn signal bulbs. I installed a set of clear bulbs into my clear headlights so that there is less of the egg yolk look. They still blink kind of amber because to the the orange pieces in the side and the yellowish light compared to the xenon light.

What about the Xenon connections?

FYI.....The Torx screws (5) are actually #30 and the inside Torx screws (that hold the light in place) are actually #20......maybe my year is different than others....lights in..... now on to the headlamps