wow, great write up...

So it is workable to remove the headlight without removing the front bumper if the facelift version x5 does not have headlight washer system. Am I right?

I can't remember. I'll have to check again. Thinking about it again (without looking at the car) I think it can slide forward a little bit to get more room to get access to the xenons.

However, I think you're NOT able to remove the headlight completely as if I'm not mistaken (washer or no washer) the bumper is in the way. There's a lip on the bottom of the headlight that will hit the bumper. So, I stand corrected. You CANNOT remove the headlight (on the facelift models, with or without washers) without removing the front bumper. I'm pretty confident of this without going outside and checking.

On the pre-facelift you can, because there's the small trim piece below the headlight that can be removed to allow the headlight to come out. At least, this is my understanding of the pre-facleift models.

Sorry, for stating it incorrectly on the prior post.

Thanks guys for posting this thread, I searched for it because I needed to replace a bulb and it only took me minutes after looking at the pics as apposed to fighting with it prior. I'm a happy camper. These forums are an awesome source of information.

Nice Write Up! I have the parking sensors that need to be disconnected before you can remove the cover. They all converge to one connection point just behind the fog light on the passenger side. I would caution anyone doing this to be careful on the 10mm bolts and the crappy speed "nuts" located in the bumper support used to hold the cover on. I spun two them (the ones near the tow hooks) and it's a royal PIA to get the bolt out. They won't spin in and won't spin out. A real POS way of retaining a bolt. What ever happened to using a real nut...

TwinsPoppa, thanks much for a detailed writeup.:thumbup: I followed the steps yesterday and changed both DS2 bulbs (one was turning purple/pink) and the guide made it an easy and relaxing task. I suspended the bumper with some wire so I didn't have to disconnect the fog lamps or PDC, and that approach worked well.

As to the discussion in the thread of whether the whole bumper needs to be pulled to change bulbs, I think it is a better use of time to just drop the bumper. It takes only a few minutes and it goes back on just as easily. Why waste time working in tight quarters. It is a lot easier to remove the ignitor and replace the bulb when the headlight assembly is sitting in your lap.

Well, I just replaced both my turn signal bulbs.

Remove front bumper = 15-20 minutes, didn't disconnect foglights, disconnected the PDC harness.

Remove PS pump bolts, headlights pushed forward, didn't disconnect anything, R&R turn signal bulbs = 20-25 minutes

Replace bumper = 15-20 minutes.

So, about one hour without rushing. Easily could do it in less time.

I'm not sure why it took me so long to replace the bulbs though. All I know is its pretty crazy to have to remove the bumper and headlights just to replace the turn signal bulbs. :rofl:

ouch, I was afraid of that, one o' my chrome-signals got lost in the Defective AE Driver-side swap.. damn I'ma gittin' tired o' pulling the bumper, :confused:

I'm kicking myself for not ordering new xenon bulbs and doing it all at one time.

They're not turning purple yet but its been 3 years. They're so cheap I wanted to go ahead and replace them with a different brand.

Oh well, looks like I have to do it all over again. :stickpoke

UPDATE - $28 pair of 6000K D2C bulbs
 

Well, the left xenon bulb finally gave out. Looks like time for a new pair.

Just want to say I didn't notice any change in color before it went out. Also, that for $28 shipped and lasting 3 years - these ebay D2C bulbs were a pretty good value.

Dang, time to remove the bumper again!