F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior & interior) > F30 HID Xenon Bulb Replacement DIY
Extreme Powerhouse
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-15-2016, 05:03 PM   #1
zcspec
Lieutenant
zcspec's Avatar
211
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 911/Boxster/Model Y
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Orange County

iTrader: (0)

F30 HID Xenon Bulb Replacement DIY

This is a short DIY I put together for the replacement of the HID Xenon bulbs. I found a few DIYs for the halogen setup, but not one specifically for the Xenon's.

Here you go!

F30 D1S HID Bulb Replacement DIY

REMOVAL

1- Jack up the front wheel and remove it. (Although this step is optional, removing the wheel offers more space to work. Depending on your bulb preference, you want all the available space when dealing with $150+ bulbs.

2- With a flat head screw driver, place it into the top of the two plastic guide brackets and dislodge the splash guard. This will reveal the back of the headlight assembly.





3- Remove the round circle covering the HID bulb assembly. Be cautious as there are small “teeth” which act as resistance. More or less, you’ll end up snapping those teeth in half. You should now have full access to the HID bulb assembly.



4- The assemble is held in place by brackets. These brackets lock the bulbs and electrical connections in place. The way to unlock the bracket is to push the top of the bracket DOWN and to the LEFT. The following photo gives you an idea of how it’s held in and what you need to do to unlock it.



For reference, the bulbs were removed so that you could see the locking points.

LOCKED


UNLOCKED


5- Once the bracket is unlocked, disconnect the electrical plug from the bulb. Unless you have incredible finger strength, you’ll have to use a flathead screw driver to loosen the connection. It will then pull right off.







6- With the connection removed, you can now safely remove the bulb. I highly recommend using plastic/latex gloves when working with bulbs. You do not want any oily residual on the bulbs.

INSTALLATION

7- Installation is performed in reverse order. Insert the new HID bulb and plug the electrical connection on. Once it’s seated correctly, pull the bracket housing up and lock it back in place. Make sure it’s also securing the electrical connection.

8- Double check your work, button up all items removed, turn on the headlight to make sure the bulb works.

Last edited by zcspec; 06-29-2017 at 12:51 AM..
Appreciate 12
      11-16-2016, 04:20 PM   #2
JOE YOUNG
SEAL TEAM SIX
JOE YOUNG's Avatar
United Kingdom
123
Rep
498
Posts

Drives: E46 E90 E84 F30 X3G01 LCI
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Great Western

iTrader: (0)

You're a God sent.

I was just contemplating last night on how to do this.
Very very helpful post.

Thanks
__________________
DON'T MAKE ME ANGRY!
GO1 LCI PHEV 30e. M Sport plus Pack, Tech Plus Pack, Comfort Pack, Pano sun Roof, Sensatec dash with Blue stitching, HUD, Galvanic controls.
Appreciate 0
      11-17-2016, 03:35 PM   #3
lo_xyooj
Second Lieutenant
lo_xyooj's Avatar
57
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: Alpine 335i
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: MKE

iTrader: (0)

Good write up!!!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2016, 07:05 PM   #4
mattpete13
First Lieutenant
122
Rep
367
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91 6mt
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SE MA

iTrader: (2)

thank you! now to find better bulbs...
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2016, 11:01 PM   #5
zcspec
Lieutenant
zcspec's Avatar
211
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 911/Boxster/Model Y
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Orange County

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattpete13 View Post
thank you! now to find better bulbs...
I'll save you the time AND money, don't even bother.

One of the reasons why I created this DIY was that I upgraded my stock bulbs to PHILIPS X-treme Vision 4800K bulbs. In my opinion, they were a waste of my money. If there is any difference in light output, it's very difficult to tell. Sure, they are whiter than OEM, but the goal to achieve noticeably more light output. was a disappointment.
Appreciate 1
      12-02-2016, 11:02 PM   #6
AGONXF30
Captain
AGONXF30's Avatar
United_States
263
Rep
728
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i S-Line/Melbourne Red
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Upstate

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zcspec View Post
I'll save you the time AND money, don't even bother.

One of the reasons why I created this DIY was that I upgraded my stock bulbs to PHILIPS X-treme Vision 4800K bulbs. In my opinion, they were a waste of my money. If there is any difference in light output, it's very difficult to tell. Sure, they are whiter than OEM, but the goal to achieve noticeably more light output. was a disappointment.
I hear that Osram Nightbreakers is where is at! Someone should try those.

I need new bulbs in the GLI, after 150K miles and 10+years, they are getting old and tired and obviously much dimmer.
Appreciate 0
      12-03-2016, 08:27 AM   #7
mattpete13
First Lieutenant
122
Rep
367
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91 6mt
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SE MA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zcspec View Post
I'll save you the time AND money, don't even bother.

One of the reasons why I created this DIY was that I upgraded my stock bulbs to PHILIPS X-treme Vision 4800K bulbs. In my opinion, they were a waste of my money. If there is any difference in light output, it's very difficult to tell. Sure, they are whiter than OEM, but the goal to achieve noticeably more light output. was a disappointment.
interesting - I recently came from Acura TL's where there are many ways to upgrade the HID system, seems not so much in BMW, at least from what I've come across on the inter webs

I would love to see my 335 with a crisper cutoff and a more saturated light spread, it's just not as good as those TL bi-xenons, I know the info is out there though I just need to find it

Quote:
Originally Posted by AGONXF30 View Post
I hear that Osram Nightbreakers is where is at! Someone should try those.

I need new bulbs in the GLI, after 150K miles and 10+years, they are getting old and tired and obviously much dimmer.
I will be doing this - had these exact bulbs in my TL but they were called CBI, best bulb I've ever used. I will post an update once installed, although will most likely be in spring, I hate doing light work in the winter!
Appreciate 0
      12-04-2016, 02:41 PM   #8
zcspec
Lieutenant
zcspec's Avatar
211
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 911/Boxster/Model Y
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Orange County

iTrader: (0)

You can upgrade our projector lenses to a higher quality glass but that requires removing the headlight housing, baking them, and swapping out the projector glass after you've ripped them open. As much as I would love to attempt this, it's beyond my scope of expertise. I'll just stick to installing DPs, CPs, FMIC, Exhaust, etc... LOL.
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2016, 08:58 AM   #9
TypeOne
Enthuisiast
TypeOne's Avatar
93
Rep
423
Posts

Drives: G05 X5
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Baton Rouge

iTrader: (0)

What is the OE part number for this bulb?

Has anyone replaced the OE bulb with a different brand and had better results?

Seems to me changing just the bulb wouldn't do much except change the color of the light. If you want something crisper you'd have to get deeper into the lights and change the glass lense itself.
__________________
AW F80 M3 / RAYS / TOYO TIRES / BMS
IG: @hybrid_david
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2016, 06:42 PM   #10
kevinjt
First Lieutenant
kevinjt's Avatar
152
Rep
352
Posts

Drives: 335i M-Sport 14'
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Puerto Rico

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for this!!!

Im waiting for some Phillips 6200k to arrive. I'll let you know!
Appreciate 0
      12-06-2016, 08:53 AM   #11
odus
Call me daddy
odus's Avatar
35
Rep
161
Posts

Drives: dont worry
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: no where

iTrader: (0)

nice write-up I'm with you on the quality these are definitely not the worst xenon setup but far from perfect. I had a retrofit on my last car and it spoiled me a little bit.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2016, 10:48 AM   #12
thatg20guy
Private First Class
thatg20guy's Avatar
United_States
70
Rep
173
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I have Osram CBIs and think they're a lot better than stock. Much whiter light output as well as being quite a bit brighter. Highly recommended!
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2016, 05:23 PM   #13
AGONXF30
Captain
AGONXF30's Avatar
United_States
263
Rep
728
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i S-Line/Melbourne Red
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Upstate

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by thatf30guy View Post
I have Osram CBIs and think they're a lot better than stock. Much whiter light output as well as being quite a bit brighter. Highly recommended!
Where did you get them?
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2016, 08:31 PM   #14
mattpete13
First Lieutenant
122
Rep
367
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91 6mt
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SE MA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AGONXF30 View Post
Where did you get them?
amazon has em
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2016, 10:30 PM   #15
zcspec
Lieutenant
zcspec's Avatar
211
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 911/Boxster/Model Y
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Orange County

iTrader: (0)

Be very careful from where the CBIs are coming from. There are many vendors who are selling fake CBIs for very cheap prices.
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2016, 08:36 AM   #16
thatg20guy
Private First Class
thatg20guy's Avatar
United_States
70
Rep
173
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattpete13 View Post
amazon has em
Yep that's where I got mine
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2016, 08:11 PM   #17
mattpete13
First Lieutenant
122
Rep
367
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91 6mt
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SE MA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zcspec View Post
Be very careful from where the CBIs are coming from. There are many vendors who are selling fake CBIs for very cheap prices.
I was actually just reading about this. I've used the retrofit source before, a very reputable projector and xenon source, and decided to read what they had to say about the nightbreakers where they mention that 80% of bulbs on Amazon and eBay are fakes.

If you compare prices on Amazon they're 25-35% cheaper than the retrofit source, hmm strange.

My last set of CBI's were from them along with some clear lenses and they are completely legit - they're in my wife's car now... I would highly recommend them and will be purchasing my own bulbs from them instead of Amazon.

theretrofitsource.com
Appreciate 1
x-m4n148.00
      12-14-2016, 01:11 AM   #18
Arcades
In The Rain
Arcades's Avatar
8137
Rep
6,239
Posts

Drives: '24 GT4RS, '24 Macan GTS
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Hm, quick question. How many bulbs would you need to replace the standard Xenon lights on a 3er?

Does that include the high beams as well or?

Also which OSRAM Nightbreakers should I be looking for, plug wise.

Any help would be great, thanks
__________________
'24 Porsche Cayman GT4RS Arctic Grey "Alice"
'24 Porsche Macan GTS Dolomite Silver "Gina"

Last edited by Arcades; 12-14-2016 at 01:45 AM..
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2016, 10:39 AM   #19
mattpete13
First Lieutenant
122
Rep
367
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91 6mt
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SE MA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arcades View Post
Hm, quick question. How many bulbs would you need to replace the standard Xenon lights on a 3er?

Does that include the high beams as well or?

Also which OSRAM Nightbreakers should I be looking for, plug wise.

Any help would be great, thanks
I believe all 3 series with HID are bi-xenon so it's one bulb per side for high and low beam.

D1S is the bulb you need for night breakers, cbi, etc. - you would need a pair
Appreciate 1
x-m4n148.00
      12-14-2016, 10:58 AM   #20
dnjc
Private First Class
6
Rep
104
Posts

Drives: Diesel :)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by thatf30guy View Post
I have Osram CBIs and think they're a lot better than stock. Much whiter light output as well as being quite a bit brighter. Highly recommended!
what color temperature did you get?

I'm debating between 5000K and 6000K right now...
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2016, 12:37 PM   #21
Arcades
In The Rain
Arcades's Avatar
8137
Rep
6,239
Posts

Drives: '24 GT4RS, '24 Macan GTS
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattpete13 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arcades View Post
Hm, quick question. How many bulbs would you need to replace the standard Xenon lights on a 3er?

Does that include the high beams as well or?

Also which OSRAM Nightbreakers should I be looking for, plug wise.

Any help would be great, thanks
I believe all 3 series with HID are bi-xenon so it's one bulb per side for high and low beam.

D1S is the bulb you need for night breakers, cbi, etc. - you would need a pair
Ahh okay so it's 2 for HID (high beams) two for low.

Cool thank you. Need to do some more research.
__________________
'24 Porsche Cayman GT4RS Arctic Grey "Alice"
'24 Porsche Macan GTS Dolomite Silver "Gina"
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2016, 12:58 PM   #22
thatg20guy
Private First Class
thatg20guy's Avatar
United_States
70
Rep
173
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arcades View Post
Ahh okay so it's 2 for HID (high beams) two for low.

Cool thank you. Need to do some more research.
It's actually just 2 bulbs period! HID stands for high-intensity-discharge which means that in each bulb tube there's an inert gas (in our case Xenon) that facilitates an electric arc being created between two tungsten electrodes. I believe there are some salts inside the tube that evaporate because of the electric arc and create plasma to increase light intensity and output. The way bi-xenon's work, there's a shutter in the projector housing that covers half of the projector. If you ever notice a slight clunking sound when you flash your high beams, that's the shutter opening up to allow the entire projector to shine the light through.

Also a correction, I dug back through my email order confirmations and realized I actually ordered mine through PowerBulbs: https://www.powerbulbs.com/us/store/...1r/fitting/d1s
Appreciate 1
x-m4n148.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:37 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST