How to remove headlights on BMW E60/E61

Do you need to replace your headlight's bulb or light control unit (ballast)?
Whatever your reason for removing a headlight on BMW E60/E61 is, I hope this video will be helpful.
Music:
Awakening by Silent Partner (KZbin audio library)
Keys To The Kingdom by The 126ers (KZbin audio library)
#bmw #bmwdiy #bmwheadlights

[@SantaHul]

The removal of the bumper screws was a game changer. Last time I did this it took about an hour to get the headlight off. This time round, after watching this video, it took a few minutes.

[@flerflep]

Love these kind of videos. No BS just straight to the point. Very helpful!

[@DjDestinyChicago]

Much easier than I would’ve thought. Thanks for the upload!

[@wirraldetailing4598]

Just changed the parking sensor on my E60 530i LCI thanks to your video 🙂cheers buddy 👌

[@jimmorris6899]

Excellent video, thank you

[@firstlast4874]

I finally got around to changing my headlights today. I swapped them with new OEM Hellas, which ship with headlight bulbs and turn signal bulbs installed. The install was very straight forward, but now, for some reason, I have no high beams! I haven't swapped the bulbs out yet, but rather odd that neither side would have highs, whereas they were working fine before (existing control modules were removed from old lamps and installed on new)

[@EliteBimmers]

Thanks for your comment! Yes, it is very strange... good luck!

[@usurper762]

Thanks for the video. This is a big help!! Subscribed!!

[@EliteBimmers]

Thank you

[@fredaydaybae8450]

Your accent....is PERFECT omfg ❤️❤️❤️

[@EliteBimmers]

Haha thanks :) too lazy to work on my English.

[@fredaydaybae8450]

Your accent needs no work! I removed my headlights today and with your beautiful voice hahah. Thanks!!

[@jeffsloane8628]

Nice video. Thank you sir. Thumbs up.

[@EliteBimmers]

Thank you for your comment!

[@KavRL]

Best vid to remove lights 👍

[@fredaydaybae8450]

Thank you!!

[@b577960]

Thanks for video it’s a great help. I’m pulling mine out because the wiring insulation in the headlights is breaking down and the wires are becoming bare. This is a known problem with this car because they use some soy based material for the wire insulation. I recommend everybody to check this out. The globe heat causes the insulation to break down. This is typical of Mercs and other German cars now because of some greeny environmental compliance. This problem can cause your headlights to fail. I am going to cut all my wiring and replace it with real wire and use heat shrink to cover solder joints

[@EliteBimmers]

Yes, on my E60 I had exactly the same problem.

[@wilroza]

Thx man 👍

[@siallan2424]

Thank you for this Video, I followed it exactly and had no problems at all, the masking tape tip is well worth the effort to avoid scratching paintwork. Dont look any further than this Video if you want to change bulbs etc, one thing I would add, when I did my E60 LCI lights the Torx screws under the rubber/plastic trim that secure top of bumper/fender are thread glued in at the factory, you will need a ratchet drive or Torx driver with slot or fitment for lever or spanner if they have never been removed before, they are very tight to shift

[@menocares7504]

Thank you Sir, Such a detailed video. I enjoyed it a lot!

[@EliteBimmers]

You are welcome

[@johnnytubbs6052]

@@EliteBimmers Why do some of the 525i headlights have 2 plug-ins? What's the purpose of the 2?

[@EliteBimmers]

@@johnnytubbs6052 2 plugs headlights is pre-LCI models. Technically 2004-2007 model year cars.

[@johnnytubbs6052]

@@EliteBimmers I recently purchased a set of used headlights for my 2005 525i. They have the 2 plugs. The vehicle currently has 1 plug-in. Did I waste my money?

[@EliteBimmers]

@@johnnytubbs6052 Unfortunately yes :(

[@theaccompanist1220]

Top class!

[@gang-gang8325]

My garage did my light today when I came home I noticed a big gap between my headlight and the bonnet I will have to go back tomorrow

[@DFWAuto_Hack]

AWESOME VIDEO AND MUSIC. What camera do you use toshoot while you work buddy?

[@EliteBimmers]

Thank you! In that video I used Canon 5D Mark IV, because of low light. But usually I stick to my phone camera and GoPro.

[@firstlast4874]

Great video! Well shot and straightforward. I’m swapping out lamps on an 08 E61. Any additional parts I should have on hand, eg, seals, etc? Thanks again Elite

[@EliteBimmers]

Thank you! No special or additional parts needed.

[@firstlast4874]

@@EliteBimmers I believe the headlight washer reservoir (under the left headlamp) is leaking, and will probably remove/replace it at the same time. Do you happen to know if that would be better done with the headlamp removed OR must be replaced from underneath, pulling the belly pan first? Thanks again

[@EliteBimmers]

It was a long time ago I worked on issue similar to yours. But, I would assume, that the easiest way to get to headlight washer would be removing the bumper. Removing the lower covers such as belly pan covers would not get you to washers - it's too far. Try getting to it with headlight off, if doesn't help I would remove the bumper. Good luck!

[@firstlast4874]

@@EliteBimmers OK, great. Thanks, your new subscriber

[@EliteBimmers]

Thank you! I’m working on more E61 content, had really busy summer :)

[@timbollinger]

Great video, my 2006 e61 has two connectors but the replacement assembly only has one. Will this be a problem? What is the small connector for?

[@EliteBimmers]

Hello! Thank you for your comment. Not sure why replacement has different wiring. Should be identical to your vehicle cables, otherwise it won’t work.

[@Chillsands]

What type of driver did you use to get the screw in the back of the headlight out ? (The deep ones ) ive been trying a torx 30 and it just doesnt seem to fit

[@EliteBimmers]

You need to use a socket , I think it is 8mm or 10mm socket don’t remember which one.

[@abdurahmanxx]

hello sir, is it the same for 523i E60 2007? thank you very much for the tutorial

[@EliteBimmers]

Yes, same steps. Your headlights may have more wire connections, but the same amount of bolts holding them.

[@HConthekeys]

Do you guys disconnect the battery before doing this to avoid shorting anything, or that’s not necessary ?

[@EliteBimmers]

You don’t have to disconnect the battery. But if you have cut or damaged wiring in your headlight's wiring loom it is a good idea to disconnect the battery.

[@edmundlau3005]

Hi sir, Is your headlight come with adaptive headlight?

[@EliteBimmers]

Hello, yes, they are adaptive.

[@MrTbmnbo009]

I have the LCI model with bi xenon headlights as well, lately my headlights are acting weird. Initial start is bright but after about 10 mins, it gets dimmer and light output is quite bad. Could it be the issue with the ballast? From what I know tho, ballast either work or dont work at all (CMIIW).

[@EliteBimmers]

I cannot say what it is. Don't have a lot of experience with headlights. I believe ballasts should throw errors, do any scanners show headlights errors?

[@MrTbmnbo009]

@@EliteBimmers I did and it's not throwing any codes. I hate issues like this, not throwing codes but just problematic enough to cause annoyance. I'd rather have it throwing codes you know hahaha. Btw, thanks for the help! Cheers.

[@DesignByAntonioForteza]

It is really not the right way to do it and I'm sorry to say it like that. But you actually has to take of the bombers to put them back in again without damaging the support brackets in the bottom. By the way it is extremely difficult to put them back in to the brackets and that's why nobody shows the fight it is when you only do half the work needed

[@kelvinoh277]

I just hate changing bulbs on BMW, it's like doing brain surgery. My old Toyota Highlander, it was such a breeze, since there was so much room. I can stick my hand and just wiggle the bulb out easily.

[@EliteBimmers]

Yes, you're absolutely right! I used to have Highlander, it was very easy to work on :) I think BMW engineers have the smallest hands out of all automotive industry :))

[@Wooster_]

The hardest part is putting them back on

[@EliteBimmers]

Yep, agree!