Your vehicle needs to be jacked up first. Behind the front wheel, feel under the automobile. The jack point will be underneath the automobile, beneath the leading edge of the door. Underneath this point, slide the jack.
Use a 17mm socket to break the wheel bolts loose before lifting the car. The wheels and nuts can then be removed by lifting the car. There is a detachable panel in the fender well in front of the wheel. Press the panel’s two tabs downward to release it.
The headlight access cover is located behind the panel. Rotate the housing cover counterclockwise while holding it to take it off. By pressing down on the tab above the bulb’s plug with a flathead screwdriver, you can remove the bulb while the headlight harness is still attached.
Remove the bulb and harness from the housing of the headlight. After that, remove the bulb’s plug and discard the old one. Plug the fresh bulb into the headlight harness after removing it from its packing. As installing the bulb, avoid touching the glass because your hand’s oils could cause the bulb to crack when it heats up.
Reinstall the housing cover and the fender well cover after installing the new bulb in the headlight. Refit the wheel to the vehicle next. To tighten and torque the nuts to 140Nm, or 103 ft-lbs, use a 17mm wheel socket.
Authored by:
owner of a 1973 Porsche 914 and a 1998 Impreza 2.5RS with a flat-six engine swap. only when opposing perspectives are horizontal.
In This Article...
How much does it cost to replace a lightbulb in a BMW?
Replacement headlight bulbs for a BMW 328i typically cost between $193 and $329. While parts are priced between $136 and $258, labor is predicted to cost between $57 and $72. Taxes and levies are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or special location taken into account.
What equipment do I require to replace a headlight bulb?
Analyze the best way to remove the old bulb. On some cars, the bulb is positioned directed into the headlight assembly, while on others, the bulb is fixed in the headlight assembly by a wire arrangement. You can take out the bulb once you understand how it is held in the housing.
You’ll also be able to decide at this time whatever tools you’ll need to finish the project. Some headlight bulbs do require the use of a flathead or Phillips screwdriver, but the majority can be removed without them.
Remove any power wires that are attached to the back of the light bulb. The back of the headlamp may also have a dust cover that needs to be taken off. The bulb may alternatively be secured in place by a clip or clips.
How much does a BMW headlight repair cost?
It can cost up to $985 for a BMW headlamp assembly without a bulb, not counting accessories. LED bulbs, which you may find on a top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz or a Honda Civic, are said to last longer but also cost more money. The cost of LED replacements can range from $100 for headlights to $350 for brake lights.
Can I change the headlight bulb on my own?
Without touching the bulb’s glass, carefully screw in the new bulb. If you do, the oil and grime on your hands could cause the bulb to burst once it heats up. Your car’s hood should be closed. Your headlights ought to work perfectly again after installing the new bulb, allowing you to enjoy driving your automobile day or night.
Most of the time, changing a headlight is simple and doesn’t need sending your car to the shop. See what other do-it-yourself auto maintenance tasks are available.
Is it challenging to replace a headlight?
Even if you have the most expensive wheels, if your headlights aren’t working, it won’t mean much (and as we know from numerous movies and cop shows, a burned-out light will lead to an unwelcome stop by a highway patrol car). Thankfully, changing a headlight bulb is a rather simple procedure.
Tools required:
- brand-new light bulb(s) Make sure you purchase the appropriate bulb type for your car (your local auto parts store should be able to match a bulb with your make and model)
- alcohol-based tissues and wipes (to clean and hold the new bulb)
- tool for Phillips screws
Instead of from the front of the automobile, you’ll access your headlight bulb via the engine compartment. Locate the headlight close to the front of the car by opening the hood. It will be housed in a bulb holder and connected to the bulb by a power connector, which typically has three wires.
Depending on your vehicle, the power cables are connected to a plug at the base of the headlamp and secured by a plastic catch, a metal clip, or a screw cap. Push down on the little lever at the top of the plastic catch as you take the plug out. Hold onto the metal clip as you draw it up and away if you’re dealing with one. When working with a screw cap, turn it counter-clockwise to unscrew it.
Holding onto the base of the old bulb, you should be able to remove the back of the headlight holder after the wires have been severed. In some circumstances, you might need to slightly spin the bulb to release it.
Use tissues or gloves to handle the replacement bulb; you don’t want your skin’s oils to get on it. Before you install it, you should give it a thorough cleaning with an alcohol wipe. When the bulb is prepared, insert it into the plug’s base. No rubber gasket will be seen if it has been placed properly. The headlight holder and power wires can be plugged back in when the bulb has been installed. Make sure to switch on your headlights to test the bulb.
Working with your headlights differs slightly from changing your rear tail lights, which include your brake lights. On some models, you may unscrew the housing that houses the bulb from the outside, while on other models, you have to do so from inside the trunk. To access the bulb after unscrewing the housing, you might need to work with tabs, screws, or tiny knobs on the tail light cover (make sure not to lose the screws if you need to remove them). The electrical wiring won’t need to be taken out, but be careful not to pull the housing out too much lest you rip the wires.
The bulb should be easy to remove by either pulling it out straight (as in most contemporary cars) or by pushing it in while simultaneously unscrewing. Replace the housing and reattach it when the replacement bulb has been installed (screws, tabs, knobs, etc.). Once more, be careful to test the bulb by turning the ignition on and using the brakes.
What is the cost to replace a headlight bulb?
The majority of fatal auto accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), take place after dark. It’s crucial to have functioning headlights if you want to keep your family and yourself safe when driving.
Fortunately, repairing your headlights is among the least expensive car repairs you’ll need to make.
A mechanic’s headlight bulb replacement typically costs between $100 and $130. The cost of doing the work yourself will be significantly influenced by the brand, model, and kind of bulb used in your car.
How is a low beam light bulb changed?
- Get some gloves to wear. One of the main reasons for early burn out is oil staining. Your light bulb could burn out very rapidly if there is even one fingerprint on the glass. Wearing latex or vinyl gloves while changing your bulb will help you avoid this.
- Choose the appropriate headlight bulb. You may find out what kind of bulb your car needs by consulting the owner’s manual. You can use it to help you replace the bulb for your particular car.
- Shut off your car. It is for your protection.
- Locate the headlamp holder by opening the hood. It’ll be close to the front of your vehicle.
- Remove the power cables. Three of them will typically need to be disconnected. These are frequently secured by a screw cap, metal clip, or plastic catch.
- Remove the old lightbulb. In many cars, the headlight holder’s back may be taken off to reveal the bulb. To remove the bulb from its socket, you might need to spin it.
- substitute a fresh bulb. Wear your gloves before touching the new bulb, don’t forget. Additionally, using an alcohol wipe to clean it prior to installation is a smart idea. Put the headlight holder back in its original location after inserting the bulb into the base. Reconnect the wires that you previously disconnected.
- Examine the bulb. In order to check that your new bulb is operating properly, turn on your headlights. Check your work again to make sure you used the right bulb if it doesn’t work. If everything appears to be in order, you can also have a wiring or fuse problem. Consult a local mechanic for assistance if you need assistance figuring out what is wrong.
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O’Reilly does it change the headlight bulbs?
While you wait, at no additional cost to you, our parts specialists can swiftly and easily change wiper blades because they are experts at changing headlamp and taillight bulbs.
How can I remove a headlight assembly? What tools do I need?
- Tools required include flat and socket wrenches, screwdrivers, Torx head bits (if necessary), rivet guns (for use on some automotive applications), and electric drills (if applicable)
- Tools required: screwdriver and socket wrench (s)
Should I unplug the car’s battery before changing the headlights?
When replacing a blown headlight bulb, always unplug the battery. The electrical system of your car is connected to the headlight bulbs. While the alternator recharges the battery, they will draw power from it. You should always disconnect the battery when working on your car’s electrical system to be safe. The battery doesn’t have to be taken out. Instead, all you have to do is unplug the ground cable (the black cable) until the blown headlight bulb has been replaced.
Can my automobile be operated with only one headlight?
It’s likely that an officer will stop you if you’re driving about in a car with only one functional headlight. This holds true even if you are driving your automobile while the road is illuminated by two functional parking lights. A citation may be issued to you if you break the law.
If it’s raining and your windshield wipers are on, the only time an officer couldn’t pull you stop for a headlight violation is if it’s not safe to do so. This constitutes a secondary crime. Only if you are pulled over for another traffic infraction, such failing to stop when a traffic light is red, may you receive a ticket for this one.
It’s a minor infraction to drive without both of your headlights functioning. For this category of violation, there is no jail time; however, you could be subject to a $150 fine.