How to replace the H7 high beam bulbs? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Bimmer325 · 06-19-2006, 09:19 PM

Cant find a DIY thread on this. Anyone knows how to replace the H7 high beam bulbs?
many thank

rikuF10 · 06-19-2006, 09:29 PM

There is a section in the owner's manual about it.....it is very straight forward.

I just follow the instruction and it is easy.

Bimmer325 · 06-23-2006, 05:06 AM

nope, yesterday i notice the H7 bulb location, they are hiding deep inside the headlamp housing and cant even reach with my fingers.
Even if you could reach them, that thing is sitting tight and cant seem to move.
Now who can show me a DIY H7 changing chapter?

rody · 06-23-2006, 05:10 AM

just pull the black thing in front of the h7 bulb

Bimmer325 · 06-23-2006, 06:21 AM

did you mean the flat "black stick" thingy, well i managed to pull out that thing (that's the plug with wires to the bulb), or do you twist the "black piece" rather than pull out straight?

rody · 06-23-2006, 10:34 AM

well i just pull it and the bulb came right out

Bimmer325 · 06-23-2006, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rody

well i just pull it and the bulb came right out

weird thing, i pulled out but only the black piece came off...the bulb still sits there..

rikuF10 · 06-23-2006, 09:37 PM

After you pulled off the black plug, you have to unmount the wire bracket. Just push on one side, and it should fold down easily. Then you can take the bulb out.

bavarian19 · 06-23-2006, 09:43 PM

For the Xenon setups, the high beam bulb is actually only used for 'flashing.' The actual true high beams are still the xenon bulbs that are reflected upwards...

nyc3r · 07-24-2006, 10:07 AM

I'd be interested to see some DIY guide with pictures. Also, mine are always on as they're default day time running lights.

I am looking to replace with some xenon gas H7 bulb.

Also, how many watts is the H7 bulb? 55W or 100W?

SMOKE EM IF U GOT EM!! · 07-25-2006, 09:46 AM

i cant get the fuckin water seal cover off! thing is like melted together from the heat or sumthin. tried my damndest and the f'in thing just wont budge!

ChineseGuy · 07-31-2006, 02:33 PM

i'm stuck too!!~....

anyone post 1 picture of how it's done, then you make us all happy....only 1 picture is enough...

i have no idea wehre that CLIP is to unfold....and for the left light, i can't even stick my hand inside

LarryK1000 · 08-02-2006, 04:04 PM

I had the same problem. Can't seem to locate the High Beam Cover since the Xenon system seems to take up the entire compartment.

The bulbs are 55 Watt. But, when you get PIAA or Sylvania H7's, even tho they are 55 W bulbs, they say the light output is 110W.

So, disregard this reference to 110W, they are still 55W bulbs.

Idiot that I am, I left my H7 bulbs in my E320 I just turned in to get the new 330i. I could have used them.

Incidentally, I researched the bulbs and the ones to get are the PIAA Xtreme White Plus (about $73 for two ) or the Sylvania Silver Star. Both are 4,000K or so.

I want to replace the high beams, because they are also the Daylight Running Lights and are VERY YELLOW. They will look much better during the day if they are WHITE.

So, may have to pay the BMW dealer to put the PIAA's in for me. But, you all know they'll probably charge $50 to do it -- the jerks....

So, if someone can help out with some good pictures of the engine compartment with a step by step picture book, it would be GREAT. Some of us are pretty lame and this will make it a lot easier for us.

Thanks in advance.

Larry in Los Angeles

pokerface · 08-07-2006, 08:32 PM

bump. same for me. I have BIX and cannot access the H7 flasher/high beam compartment.

I tried going in from the wheelwells, but when I opened it up, it's a flat black plastic cover (same housing cover you see if you try to go in from above), but the cover is bigger than the opening via the wheel well and thus you can't do jack from down under anyway.

Dealer suggested removing the bumper o_0

SMOKE EM IF U GOT EM!! · 08-08-2006, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokerface

bump. same for me. I have BIX and cannot access the H7 flasher/high beam compartment.

I tried going in from the wheelwells, but when I opened it up, it's a flat black plastic cover (same housing cover you see if you try to go in from above), but the cover is bigger than the opening via the wheel well and thus you can't do jack from down under anyway.

Dealer suggested removing the bumper o_0

mine too, but i think that s a lil rediculous, just to change a fuckin light bulb

nyc3r · 08-08-2006, 08:12 PM

Well, I tried to replace my H7's to match my xenons today without luck. The manual was totally useless as the picture is for halogen headlights and nothing for xenon.

I finally got the black plastic cover to open but I couldn't get the bulb out. I could push and see the bulb move but I couldn't get it out. Gonna see if someone who's replaced the lights could help us out.

Bimmer325 · 08-10-2006, 09:53 AM

you're almost there, just pulled the black piece/stick out and the bulb should come off together...in case the bulb sits tight within the housing, you gotta use a longer flat-head plier to take out the bulb...just pull it off with slight force. try it, it works for me.

LarryK1000 · 08-10-2006, 09:57 AM

And, very IMPORTANT, DO NOT touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers. You HAVE to wear gloves or don't touch the glass.

If you DO, the bulb will fail prematurely. The oils on your skin reacts with the glass and heat and it fails.

Good luck.

I can't believe that BMW designed this system to be so difficult to replace a simple bulb. In my 528i, it was a totally accessible area and I put the H7's in without any problem at all. The same in my E320. Went in without incident.

Larry

pokerface · 08-10-2006, 10:16 AM

for bix models, do you pull the black plastic cover out of the engine bay when you get it off? is it hinged? i dont want to drop it out from underneath! lol.

Bimmer325 · 08-10-2006, 10:33 AM

nope, its hidden. the only way to access from underneath with front wheel off the car!

Sho · 08-11-2006, 12:14 AM

I changed my flasher to yellow bulbs. It was not easy, and took me nearly an hour. You can access the high bean/flasher from the engine bay. For US driver side, you need to remove the air box.
When you want to pull the light out from the hosing, you want to lift the black piece up a little then pull it out. Now, you will have the light bulb and the piece come out together. To put it back on is very difficult. First, you want to be sure the H7's base is point up (the little piece of matel pointer is up) and put the new bulb on the black piece. Then you want to slide the bulb in angle down a little. When you see the bulb in housing, you want to push the black piece down. And you will hear the matel click locking sound. You are done. It is not easy, and I would not want to do it again.

ChineseGuy · 08-11-2006, 12:19 AM

i'm paying someone to do this

too ridiculous

06-19-2006, 09:19 PM	#1
Bimmer325 Major Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MY Posts: 1,167 iTrader: (1)	How to replace the H7 high beam bulbs? Cant find a DIY thread on this. Anyone knows how to replace the H7 high beam bulbs? many thank __________________ 325i Arctics M-Sport, Gray Leather with Alu Trim, ///M DCT Paddleshift, ///M Gear Knob, BBS LM-R 19", Michelin PS2, KW V2, H&R Anti Roll Bars, BMW Performance Air Intake System, 3D Front Lip, ACS Roof Spoiler, OEM Boot Spoiler, Osram 6000K, Brex White Ring, PIAA 6200K HID Fog, PIAA License Plate LED, BMS Powerbox
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06-23-2006, 05:06 AM	#3
Bimmer325 Major Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MY Posts: 1,167 iTrader: (1)	nope, yesterday i notice the H7 bulb location, they are hiding deep inside the headlamp housing and cant even reach with my fingers. Even if you could reach them, that thing is sitting tight and cant seem to move. Now who can show me a DIY H7 changing chapter? __________________ 325i Arctics M-Sport, Gray Leather with Alu Trim, ///M DCT Paddleshift, ///M Gear Knob, BBS LM-R 19", Michelin PS2, KW V2, H&R Anti Roll Bars, BMW Performance Air Intake System, 3D Front Lip, ACS Roof Spoiler, OEM Boot Spoiler, Osram 6000K, Brex White Ring, PIAA 6200K HID Fog, PIAA License Plate LED, BMS Powerbox

06-23-2006, 05:10 AM	#4
rody Captain Drives: Hamann hm 3.2, E46 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Posts: 614 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 hm 3,2 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	just pull the black thing in front of the h7 bulb __________________ Bmw 330i E90// Monaco blue // dakota beige leather MOD'S: Full hamann package // engine displacement to 3.2 litre // 6000k osram // stinger dsi // black lines // Simota Racing cold air intake // full hamann interrior // Xenon interrior lights// Pmb // 19'' Breyton spirit's // Wilwood BBK// M6 winter set // Black cf // digital tv // ps2 // dvd player On order: Cf Mirror cover // strut brace // oem cf rear spoiler // cf roof Future mod's: --- NEXT CAR: ?

06-23-2006, 06:21 AM	#5
Bimmer325 Major Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MY Posts: 1,167 iTrader: (1)	did you mean the flat "black stick" thingy, well i managed to pull out that thing (that's the plug with wires to the bulb), or do you twist the "black piece" rather than pull out straight? __________________ 325i Arctics M-Sport, Gray Leather with Alu Trim, ///M DCT Paddleshift, ///M Gear Knob, BBS LM-R 19", Michelin PS2, KW V2, H&R Anti Roll Bars, BMW Performance Air Intake System, 3D Front Lip, ACS Roof Spoiler, OEM Boot Spoiler, Osram 6000K, Brex White Ring, PIAA 6200K HID Fog, PIAA License Plate LED, BMS Powerbox

06-23-2006, 10:34 AM	#6
rody Captain Drives: Hamann hm 3.2, E46 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Posts: 614 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 hm 3,2 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	well i just pull it and the bulb came right out __________________ Bmw 330i E90// Monaco blue // dakota beige leather MOD'S: Full hamann package // engine displacement to 3.2 litre // 6000k osram // stinger dsi // black lines // Simota Racing cold air intake // full hamann interrior // Xenon interrior lights// Pmb // 19'' Breyton spirit's // Wilwood BBK// M6 winter set // Black cf // digital tv // ps2 // dvd player On order: Cf Mirror cover // strut brace // oem cf rear spoiler // cf roof Future mod's: --- NEXT CAR: ?

06-19-2006, 09:29 PM	#2
rikuF10 Major Drives: F10 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,370 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 528i [4.25] 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	There is a section in the owner's manual about it.....it is very straight forward. I just follow the instruction and it is easy.

06-23-2006, 09:37 PM	#8
rikuF10 Major Drives: F10 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,370 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 528i [4.25] 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	After you pulled off the black plug, you have to unmount the wire bracket. Just push on one side, and it should fold down easily. Then you can take the bulb out.

06-23-2006, 09:43 PM	#9
bavarian19 General Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA Posts: 18,674 iTrader: (22)	For the Xenon setups, the high beam bulb is actually only used for 'flashing.' The actual true high beams are still the xenon bulbs that are reflected upwards...

07-24-2006, 10:07 AM	#10
nyc3r Colonel Drives: E90 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA Posts: 2,557 iTrader: (22)	I'd be interested to see some DIY guide with pictures. Also, mine are always on as they're default day time running lights. I am looking to replace with some xenon gas H7 bulb. Also, how many watts is the H7 bulb? 55W or 100W? Last edited by nyc3r; 07-25-2006 at 09:11 AM.

07-25-2006, 09:46 AM	#11
SMOKE EM IF U GOT EM!! Major Drives: 06 E90 330, '11 F10 535 xdrive Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NASSAU NY Posts: 1,190 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i SPORT [5.00]	i cant get the fuckin water seal cover off! thing is like melted together from the heat or sumthin. tried my damndest and the f'in thing just wont budge! __________________ LIVE FAST..DRIVE FASTER!!

07-31-2006, 02:33 PM	#12
ChineseGuy QuickShifter Drives: Black E90 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: North Pole Posts: 1,501 iTrader: (2)	i'm stuck too!!~.... anyone post 1 picture of how it's done, then you make us all happy....only 1 picture is enough... i have no idea wehre that CLIP is to unfold....and for the left light, i can't even stick my hand inside

08-02-2006, 04:04 PM	#13
LarryK1000 Larry from Los Angeles Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles (SFV) Posts: 296 iTrader: (0)	I had the same problem. Can't seem to locate the High Beam Cover since the Xenon system seems to take up the entire compartment. The bulbs are 55 Watt. But, when you get PIAA or Sylvania H7's, even tho they are 55 W bulbs, they say the light output is 110W. So, disregard this reference to 110W, they are still 55W bulbs. Idiot that I am, I left my H7 bulbs in my E320 I just turned in to get the new 330i. I could have used them. Incidentally, I researched the bulbs and the ones to get are the PIAA Xtreme White Plus (about $73 for two ) or the Sylvania Silver Star. Both are 4,000K or so. I want to replace the high beams, because they are also the Daylight Running Lights and are VERY YELLOW. They will look much better during the day if they are WHITE. So, may have to pay the BMW dealer to put the PIAA's in for me. But, you all know they'll probably charge $50 to do it -- the jerks.... So, if someone can help out with some good pictures of the engine compartment with a step by step picture book, it would be GREAT. Some of us are pretty lame and this will make it a lot easier for us. Thanks in advance. Larry in Los Angeles

08-07-2006, 08:32 PM	#14
pokerface Major Drives: B8 A4 2.0T Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,433 iTrader: (1)	bump. same for me. I have BIX and cannot access the H7 flasher/high beam compartment. I tried going in from the wheelwells, but when I opened it up, it's a flat black plastic cover (same housing cover you see if you try to go in from above), but the cover is bigger than the opening via the wheel well and thus you can't do jack from down under anyway. Dealer suggested removing the bumper o_0

08-08-2006, 08:12 PM	#16
nyc3r Colonel Drives: E90 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA Posts: 2,557 iTrader: (22)	Well, I tried to replace my H7's to match my xenons today without luck. The manual was totally useless as the picture is for halogen headlights and nothing for xenon. I finally got the black plastic cover to open but I couldn't get the bulb out. I could push and see the bulb move but I couldn't get it out. Gonna see if someone who's replaced the lights could help us out.

08-10-2006, 09:53 AM	#17
Bimmer325 Major Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MY Posts: 1,167 iTrader: (1)	you're almost there, just pulled the black piece/stick out and the bulb should come off together...in case the bulb sits tight within the housing, you gotta use a longer flat-head plier to take out the bulb...just pull it off with slight force. try it, it works for me. __________________ 325i Arctics M-Sport, Gray Leather with Alu Trim, ///M DCT Paddleshift, ///M Gear Knob, BBS LM-R 19", Michelin PS2, KW V2, H&R Anti Roll Bars, BMW Performance Air Intake System, 3D Front Lip, ACS Roof Spoiler, OEM Boot Spoiler, Osram 6000K, Brex White Ring, PIAA 6200K HID Fog, PIAA License Plate LED, BMS Powerbox

08-10-2006, 09:57 AM	#18
LarryK1000 Larry from Los Angeles Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles (SFV) Posts: 296 iTrader: (0)	And, very IMPORTANT, DO NOT touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers. You HAVE to wear gloves or don't touch the glass. If you DO, the bulb will fail prematurely. The oils on your skin reacts with the glass and heat and it fails. Good luck. I can't believe that BMW designed this system to be so difficult to replace a simple bulb. In my 528i, it was a totally accessible area and I put the H7's in without any problem at all. The same in my E320. Went in without incident. Larry

08-10-2006, 10:16 AM	#19
pokerface Major Drives: B8 A4 2.0T Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,433 iTrader: (1)	for bix models, do you pull the black plastic cover out of the engine bay when you get it off? is it hinged? i dont want to drop it out from underneath! lol.

08-10-2006, 10:33 AM	#20
Bimmer325 Major Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MY Posts: 1,167 iTrader: (1)	nope, its hidden. the only way to access from underneath with front wheel off the car! __________________ 325i Arctics M-Sport, Gray Leather with Alu Trim, ///M DCT Paddleshift, ///M Gear Knob, BBS LM-R 19", Michelin PS2, KW V2, H&R Anti Roll Bars, BMW Performance Air Intake System, 3D Front Lip, ACS Roof Spoiler, OEM Boot Spoiler, Osram 6000K, Brex White Ring, PIAA 6200K HID Fog, PIAA License Plate LED, BMS Powerbox

08-11-2006, 12:14 AM	#21
Sho Lieutenant Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA Posts: 574 iTrader: (0)	I changed my flasher to yellow bulbs. It was not easy, and took me nearly an hour. You can access the high bean/flasher from the engine bay. For US driver side, you need to remove the air box. When you want to pull the light out from the hosing, you want to lift the black piece up a little then pull it out. Now, you will have the light bulb and the piece come out together. To put it back on is very difficult. First, you want to be sure the H7's base is point up (the little piece of matel pointer is up) and put the new bulb on the black piece. Then you want to slide the bulb in angle down a little. When you see the bulb in housing, you want to push the black piece down. And you will hear the matel click locking sound. You are done. It is not easy, and I would not want to do it again. __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter

08-11-2006, 12:19 AM	#22
ChineseGuy QuickShifter Drives: Black E90 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: North Pole Posts: 1,501 iTrader: (2)	i'm paying someone to do this too ridiculous

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