Replace bad headlight bulb or both?

Hey all. My passenger headlight is out(zenon bulbs). I was told by bmw dealer that they should last a long time and that only the bad bulb should be replaced. However another bmw dealer told me I should replace both cuz the other one might go bad. What do you think? Price quote on replace 1 or both is $500-900. I know its a big price difference but is that price about right? They charge a lot for labor its stupid. Thanks!

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That Labor charge is insane. This is an easy DYI with instructions here. This is a thread with instructions and pictures that shows you how to do it. There is an access panel in both front wheel wells that open to give you access to the housing where the lamps are. At most a 30 minute job.

I would replace both just as a confidence issue, so you know it's done. Besides with what you save doing it yourself, you can well afford the bulbs.

Originally Posted by CJ645Bern

Hey all. My passenger headlight is out(zenon bulbs). I was told by bmw dealer that they should last a long time and that only the bad bulb should be replaced. However another bmw dealer told me I should replace both cuz the other one might go bad. What do you think? Price quote on replace 1 or both is $500-900. I know its a big price difference but is that price about right? They charge a lot for labor its stupid. Thanks!

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I dn't know what the bulb costs but the labor charge is robbery. The following is from the owner's manual.


High beams, parking lamps
High beams
Bulb 55 watts, H 7
1. Remove the cover cap 1 by pressing
the tab and removing the cover cap
upward
2. Press the bulb holder from above to
release it
3. Remove the bulb holder
4. Remove and replace the bulb.

Originally Posted by daytona745

I dn't know what the bulb costs but the labor charge is robbery. The following is from the owner's manual.


High beams, parking lamps
High beams
Bulb 55 watts, H 7
1. Remove the cover cap 1 by pressing
the tab and removing the cover cap
upward
2. Press the bulb holder from above to
release it
3. Remove the bulb holder
4. Remove and replace the bulb.

thanks!

Originally Posted by roseng

That Labor charge is insane. This is an easy DYI with instructions here. This is a thread with instructions and pictures that shows you how to do it. There is an access panel in both front wheel wells that open to give you access to the housing where the lamps are. At most a 30 minute job.

I would replace both just as a confidence issue, so you know it's done. Besides with what you save doing it yourself, you can well afford the bulbs.

thanks!

Phillips D1S can be found for $100 a pair. So get some and DIY. I change both at the same time because of color shift.

Originally Posted by rdorman

Phillips D1S can be found for $100 a pair. So get some and DIY. I change both at the same time because of color shift.

I have an 05. Doesnt the bumper need to be removed?

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Originally Posted by CJ645Bern

I have an 05. Doesnt the bumper need to be removed?

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I am seeing conflicting information on that. TIS says to remove the trim cover yet I see plenty of info that says you can do it through the access panel. Take a peak and see if you have the access panel as pictured in the link above.

Originally Posted by rdorman

I am seeing conflicting information on that. TIS says to remove the trim cover yet I see plenty of info that says you can do it through the access panel. Take a peak and see if you have the access panel as pictured in the link above.

I don't tho so I'm assuming I have to remove the bumper

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Originally Posted by CJ645Bern

I don't tho so I'm assuming I have to remove the bumper

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That stinks. Doesn't look like a hard job though:
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/09/22/52
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/09/23/31

All the more reason to replace both though. Could always use and Indy or even a body shop if you have a connection.

Per my notes you're going to have D2S bulbs in your Low beams and H7s in your High beams, I have a variety of bulb options for your car available HERE. Typically for sake of color matching we suggest replacing them in pairs, but if you'd like you can just replace one.

My buddy's 05 SLK bulb went out on one side. He bought a replacement and the shade was slightly off. Not really noticeable...but I'm guessing these HID bulbs change color ever so slightly over the years.

Can anyone give me an ebay link or something for the bulbs? Maybe the philips ones your talkin about. Thanks

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Originally Posted by CJ645Bern

Can anyone give me an ebay link or something for the bulbs? Maybe the philips ones your talkin about. Thanks

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Here are the Philips for $60 a PAIR at a popular BMW parts site.

Originally Posted by euhysh

My buddy's 05 SLK bulb went out on one side. He bought a replacement and the shade was slightly off. Not really noticeable...but I'm guessing these HID bulbs change color ever so slightly over the years.

They do shift in color. One of the reasons I just replace both.

It's possible the headlight unit it bad, in which case the charges would make sense and you'd only want to replace the bad one. If it's just the bulb, buy a pair and replace them yourself.

we are fully stocked with your MTEC D2S 6 bulbs, its error free or you can keep the product for free.

If you don't have the access hatch, then here are links for the front bumper removal. I removed my front bumper to replace a foglight and I'm not much for DIY - fairly easy and took < 30 minutes.

link to DIY front bumper removal:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=bumper+remove

Link to TIS instructions for front bumper removal:

http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/09/22/52

Look in the wheel well. Turn your wheel all the way to the right and use a flashlight. On your left facing the front of the car you should see a small door with one screw holding it on. Remove the screw and that should get you access to the back of the bulb housing area.

You need to remove the bumper to remove the headlight assembly, not to replace the bulb.

Originally Posted by CJ645Bern

I don't tho so I'm assuming I have to remove the bumper

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I just noticed there is a panel in the wheelwell. Can I access the angel eye bulb as well?

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Maybe, but you should be able to reach it from above with just the hood open. Maybe find someone with small hands if it is tough.

Originally Posted by Yorgi

Here are the Philips for $60 a PAIR at a popular BMW parts site.

sweet just bought em! thanks! but do u know if theyre error free?

thanks for all the replies guys! i really appreciate it!

Originally Posted by CJ645Bern

sweet just bought em! thanks! but do u know if theyre error free?

Philips are one of the best quality bulbs available, so yes, error free for sure. OSRAM and Philips are two of the larger OEM suppliers.

$60 is just a tad better than $900 that the dealer wants.

We offer D2S bulbs from $39.99 for a pair and up, that's all you need along with a DIY