DRL bulb swap

Gatchek · 12-29-2010, 07:06 PM

soooo.... I swapped my crappy yellow-ish DRLs with the Bimmian 4K lights. Let me say... HOLY CRAP! The BMW engineers that designed the headlight assembly should go into safe making. Dang near impossible to get those things out... considering that they were light bulbs, not a cam-shaft. That was the most RIDICULOUS bulb swap I've ever done. I even had to crawl through a set of lasers like Catherine Zeta Jones, just to get to the dang bulbs. Not to mention when I finally got the first one out... I snapped the bulb end off inside the headlight (AAHHHHH!!!)... I manage to get it out after some time.... but damn.... not only that.... but you have to take off the wheels and the plastic molding in the wheel well. The rest of the car is designed by geniuses.... its almost as if they had a "bring your kid to work" day and someone let their kid design the headlight assembly.

I tried searching for techniques on getting these out, but I couldn't seem to find any helpful info. Of course, with all projects on the car, one side is usually easier since I'm using my dominant hand, but then on the other side, I'm pretty useless trying to use my left hand. I usually end up upside down trying to use my right hand anyway.

Has anyone else had easier success with these things? I know they changed the headlight assembly a bit throughout the years, so maybe they get easier. Not impossible, but dang.... not fun. thanks for taking the time to read my little rant.

evotwelve · 12-29-2010, 07:08 PM

you have any before and after pics? i am looking to do this too.

Gatchek · 12-29-2010, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evotwelve

you have any before and after pics? i am looking to do this too.

I took some, but honestly, the camera couldn't detect the difference, but I can promise you there is a difference. They match the HIDs much better, as well as my LED angel eyes. They aren't blueish like you see on some ricers, they are simply bright white. They produce a very classy pure white light. I just have the fog lights left, and all the lights will be on the same page.

I don't mean to discourage any future attempts to swap yours... Just take your time, and realize that its not a 5 min job.

evotwelve · 12-29-2010, 07:26 PM

thanks. i already have the hid xenon and the led angel eyes, just wanted to see if the DRL was worth it before i did it. I just hate the yellow light when i am driving around.

evotwelve · 12-29-2010, 07:33 PM

where did you buy them from?

Gatchek · 12-29-2010, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evotwelve

where did you buy them from?

http://www.bimmian.com/90/XEN/

Good price. Might as well buy something else and get your money's worth for shipping though. You might be able to find some coupons online for them.

Gatchek · 12-29-2010, 07:42 PM

Try this for a picture of the new bulb. Stupid iPad won't let me upload photos to webshots. Ohh well.

http://gallery.me.com/gatchek/100190/4k%20bulb

c_rob85 · 12-30-2010, 03:35 PM

I feel your pain, and I'm not done working on them yet. I replaced my fogs, angel eyes, and DRL's...was on the last bulb, driver side DRL and can't get the new bulb back in, I fear I have buggered up the three tabs that hold the H7 in place. My next step is to take off the bumper take out the light housing and see if I can fix it while its on a bench... ya if you want the whole light assembly out you need to remove the bumper, go figure. What a PITA, should have left them alone, but I really couldn't stand the site of the DRL's and in Canada we can't turn them off!!

fdriller9 · 12-30-2010, 04:19 PM

Yea replacing certain bulbs can be a pain. I recently replaced the H7 bulb on my father's 745i and I had the hardest time getting the cover off, twisting the bulb out, twisting the new bulb back in and twisting the cover back on. Every step was a pain.

You're suppose to take the bumper off and then take out the headlight assembly. But to replace one measly $22 bulb?

I took my chances just loosening the headlight assembly. I barely had enough room to work with. I did end up saving my father tons of money though.

Stealership wanted $400+!!!!! For ONE BULB!!!!

Gatchek · 12-30-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *********

Yea replacing certain bulbs can be a pain. I recently replaced the H7 bulb on my father's 745i and I had the hardest time getting the cover off, twisting the bulb out, twisting the new bulb back in and twisting the cover back on. Every step was a pain.

You're suppose to take the bumper off and then take out the headlight assembly. But to replace one measly $22 bulb?

I took my chances just loosening the headlight assembly. I barely had enough room to work with. I did end up saving my father tons of money though.

Stealership wanted $400+!!!!! For ONE BULB!!!!

You're kidding me... $400? Then again, if anyone asks me to change their bulbs, I just might strike a deal with them and do it for $200. Hahahaha

Gatchek · 12-30-2010, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_rob85

I feel your pain, and I'm not done working on them yet. I replaced my fogs, angel eyes, and DRL's...was on the last bulb, driver side DRL and can't get the new bulb back in, I fear I have buggered up the three tabs that hold the H7 in place. My next step is to take off the bumper take out the light housing and see if I can fix it while its on a bench... ya if you want the whole light assembly out you need to remove the bumper, go figure. What a PITA, should have left them alone, but I really couldn't stand the site of the DRL's and in Canada we can't turn them off!!

I think you may be interested in this. Although, it would negate all the work you did, just like me...but its a lot easier than bulb replacement.

http://www.jlevistreetwerks.com/3-Se...duct_info.html

Spydeputy · 12-30-2010, 05:54 PM

took off the bumper cover, then pulled the light assemble out and replaced.
this was one of the worst mods i did. with the low voltage on the DRL the 6k ones still look yellowish.
but pull the stalk to flash and you get a bluish white light. which is how i want them to look all the time. ;^(

Gatchek · 12-30-2010, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spydeputy

took off the bumper cover, then pulled the light assemble out and replaced.
this was one of the worst mods i did. with the low voltage on the DRL the 6k ones still look yellowish.
but pull the stalk to flash and you get a bluish white light. which is how i want them to look all the time. ;^(

That would make more sense to have them on high power since they would be on during the day time and it's not like you're going to blind anyone during the day time. Something to think about. They would still work as "flash to pass" with the HIDs on at night. I'm sure someone could make a mod like that. Someone much smarter than me.

fdriller9 · 12-30-2010, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatchek

That would make more sense to have them on high power since they would be on during the day time and it's not like you're going to blind anyone during the day time. Something to think about. They would still work as "flash to pass" with the HIDs on at night. I'm sure someone could make a mod like that. Someone much smarter than me.

You would just need to wire them to a switched 12v source like your cigg lighter.....it would be too bright though. Cops would pull you over because they aren't aimed down like low beams.

Gatchek · 12-30-2010, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *********

You would just need to wire them to a switched 12v source like your cigg lighter.....it would be too bright though. Cops would pull you over because they aren't aimed down like low beams.

Yeah...good point.

c_rob85 · 01-01-2011, 04:00 PM

Well I come back here with success!! I took a couple hours, removed the wheel and was able to get a better look at the metal clips, and compared them to some images I found online. What had happened was the middle of all three clips had been bent too far out and was preventing the bulb to pass and "clip" into place, so a bit of grunt work bending the tabs back down and voila it slid back into place.

I replaced the DRL'S with Hoen Xenon Match bulbs, which definitely look better and look really good when you have the high beam flash on, (as someone else mentioned earlier) but what a total PITA for 2 friggin bulbs.

Next up are the turn signals, anyone replace the yellow bulbs with some white/mirror finish ones?(I know...use the search, lol)

Chris

Gatchek · 01-01-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_rob85

Well I come back here with success!! I took a couple hours, removed the wheel and was able to get a better look at the metal clips, and compared them to some images I found online. What had happened was the middle of all three clips had been bent too far out and was preventing the bulb to pass and "clip" into place, so a bit of grunt work bending the tabs back down and voila it slid back into place.

I replaced the DRL'S with Hoen Xenon Match bulbs, which definitely look better and look really good when you have the high beam flash on, (as someone else mentioned earlier) but what a total PITA for 2 friggin bulbs.

Next up are the turn signals, anyone replace the yellow bulbs with some white/mirror finish ones?(I know...use the search, lol)

Chris

CONGRATS!!

I think that now qualifies you to be a BMW engineer. Hehehe. Nice job on fixing the clips and pushing through!! I know a couple vendors sell LED turn signals, and they seem 1000 times easier, as you don't even have to take off the wheel well plastic cover.

Spydeputy · 01-02-2011, 08:45 AM

Quote: Next up are the turn signals, anyone replace the yellow bulbs with some white/mirror finish ones?(I know...use the search, lol)
Chris

Reply: I took out my orange turn signal bulbs and put in white silver star 1157's. The OEM orange have staggered posts to lock them in place. With the new white 1157 i just filed off 1 tip, the 1 remaining tip holds it in place just fine w/ no errors. So I have white driving lights on when the lights come on and they flash (turn signal) white too. The E90 access panels are in the wheel well, just turn the wheel and the tire is out of the way. Took 5 minutes a side, and no more orange except for the reflectors on the outside of the turn lens housing. GL

c_rob85 · 01-02-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatchek

CONGRATS!!

I think that now qualifies you to be a BMW engineer. Hehehe. Nice job on fixing the clips and pushing through!! I know a couple vendors sell LED turn signals, and they seem 1000 times easier, as you don't even have to take off the wheel well plastic cover.

Lol well I am an engineer, maybe BMW will let me come work for them!!

Ya I found some of the LED bulbs, pricey stuff at $130ish a set... but I suppose you probably won't burn them out.

Spydeputy, thanks for the info on your Silver Star 1157's I will look into it for sure, not a fan of the orange.(Not sure of my local laws but I'll take my chances, haha)

Gatchek · 01-02-2011, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_rob85

Lol well I am an engineer, maybe BMW will let me come work for them!!

Ya I found some of the LED bulbs, pricey stuff at $130ish a set... but I suppose you probably won't burn them out.

Spydeputy, thanks for the info on your Silver Star 1157's I will look into it for sure, not a fan of the orange.(Not sure of my local laws but I'll take my chances, haha)

Hahaha.. There you go... You can get a job at BMW by being their common sense engineer. If it takes you more than 45 minutes to swap a bulb or replace an air filter or change the battery, then you can suggest that they change it.

Yeah... I was going to get the LED turn signals too until I saw that they wanted more for those than my high performance AFE air filter.

I am pretty smart with computers, so I am going to re-code my car to eliminate the corner light while driving... They will still come on when turning. All you need is a $100 cable and able to follow directions. Check it out here. They have been able to figure out some cool things so far. They can always use another engineers help.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451145

12-29-2010, 07:06 PM	#1
Gatchek Private 8 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 2014 535Xi Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	DRL bulb swap soooo.... I swapped my crappy yellow-ish DRLs with the Bimmian 4K lights. Let me say... HOLY CRAP! The BMW engineers that designed the headlight assembly should go into safe making. Dang near impossible to get those things out... considering that they were light bulbs, not a cam-shaft. That was the most RIDICULOUS bulb swap I've ever done. I even had to crawl through a set of lasers like Catherine Zeta Jones, just to get to the dang bulbs. Not to mention when I finally got the first one out... I snapped the bulb end off inside the headlight (AAHHHHH!!!)... I manage to get it out after some time.... but damn.... not only that.... but you have to take off the wheels and the plastic molding in the wheel well. The rest of the car is designed by geniuses.... its almost as if they had a "bring your kid to work" day and someone let their kid design the headlight assembly. I tried searching for techniques on getting these out, but I couldn't seem to find any helpful info. Of course, with all projects on the car, one side is usually easier since I'm using my dominant hand, but then on the other side, I'm pretty useless trying to use my left hand. I usually end up upside down trying to use my right hand anyway. Has anyone else had easier success with these things? I know they changed the headlight assembly a bit throughout the years, so maybe they get easier. Not impossible, but dang.... not fun. thanks for taking the time to read my little rant.
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12-29-2010, 07:42 PM	#7
Gatchek Private 8 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 2014 535Xi Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	Try this for a picture of the new bulb. Stupid iPad won't let me upload photos to webshots. Ohh well. http://gallery.me.com/gatchek/100190/4k%20bulb
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12-30-2010, 03:35 PM	#8
c_rob85 Enlisted Member 1 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 07' 328I Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I feel your pain, and I'm not done working on them yet. I replaced my fogs, angel eyes, and DRL's...was on the last bulb, driver side DRL and can't get the new bulb back in, I fear I have buggered up the three tabs that hold the H7 in place. My next step is to take off the bumper take out the light housing and see if I can fix it while its on a bench... ya if you want the whole light assembly out you need to remove the bumper, go figure. What a PITA, should have left them alone, but I really couldn't stand the site of the DRL's and in Canada we can't turn them off!!
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12-30-2010, 04:19 PM	#9
fdriller9 Banned 261 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	Yea replacing certain bulbs can be a pain. I recently replaced the H7 bulb on my father's 745i and I had the hardest time getting the cover off, twisting the bulb out, twisting the new bulb back in and twisting the cover back on. Every step was a pain. You're suppose to take the bumper off and then take out the headlight assembly. But to replace one measly $22 bulb? I took my chances just loosening the headlight assembly. I barely had enough room to work with. I did end up saving my father tons of money though. Stealership wanted $400+!!!!! For ONE BULB!!!!
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12-30-2010, 05:54 PM	#12
Spydeputy Brigadier General 211 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: 2015 F23 M235i/2008,E90,335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The County, Maryland iTrader: (19) Garage List 2017 X5 M Sport Pac ... [0.00] 2015 M235i, F23 [0.00]	took off the bumper cover, then pulled the light assemble out and replaced. this was one of the worst mods i did. with the low voltage on the DRL the 6k ones still look yellowish. but pull the stalk to flash and you get a bluish white light. which is how i want them to look all the time. ;^(
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01-01-2011, 04:00 PM	#16
c_rob85 Enlisted Member 1 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 07' 328I Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Well I come back here with success!! I took a couple hours, removed the wheel and was able to get a better look at the metal clips, and compared them to some images I found online. What had happened was the middle of all three clips had been bent too far out and was preventing the bulb to pass and "clip" into place, so a bit of grunt work bending the tabs back down and voila it slid back into place. I replaced the DRL'S with Hoen Xenon Match bulbs, which definitely look better and look really good when you have the high beam flash on, (as someone else mentioned earlier) but what a total PITA for 2 friggin bulbs. Next up are the turn signals, anyone replace the yellow bulbs with some white/mirror finish ones?(I know...use the search, lol) Chris
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01-02-2011, 08:45 AM	#18
Spydeputy Brigadier General 211 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: 2015 F23 M235i/2008,E90,335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The County, Maryland iTrader: (19) Garage List 2017 X5 M Sport Pac ... [0.00] 2015 M235i, F23 [0.00]	White turn signals Quote: Next up are the turn signals, anyone replace the yellow bulbs with some white/mirror finish ones?(I know...use the search, lol) Chris Reply: I took out my orange turn signal bulbs and put in white silver star 1157's. The OEM orange have staggered posts to lock them in place. With the new white 1157 i just filed off 1 tip, the 1 remaining tip holds it in place just fine w/ no errors. So I have white driving lights on when the lights come on and they flash (turn signal) white too. The E90 access panels are in the wheel well, just turn the wheel and the tire is out of the way. Took 5 minutes a side, and no more orange except for the reflectors on the outside of the turn lens housing. GL Last edited by Spydeputy; 01-02-2011 at 09:26 AM..
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