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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > Can I replace my Xenon headlight bulbs without taking the wheels off?



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      12-06-2009, 01:17 PM   #1
34dean
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Can I replace my Xenon headlight bulbs without taking the wheels off?

I would like to change my bulbs myself without bringing my car to my dealer and paying the $200+ he wants to do the work.

I have read that you can take the wheels off and access the panels to get to the headlights but have also read that I may be able to simply turn the wheels all the way and access the area as well? Has anyone done this?


Thanks in advance!
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      12-06-2009, 01:56 PM   #2
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You should be able to do it while keeping the wheels on, but you'll still need to jack it up to unload the suspension and give you room for your hands. Turn the wheel to the left for driver's side, right for passenger side.
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      12-06-2009, 02:43 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jopa489 View Post
You should be able to do it while keeping the wheels on, but you'll still need to jack it up to unload the suspension and give you room for your hands. Turn the wheel to the left for driver's side, right for passenger side.
Thank you jopa.

Where are you in NE> I am in CT. Do you detail cars for a living or on the side?
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      12-06-2009, 04:16 PM   #4
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I'm in MA. Just a detailing enthusiast, I don't do it for a living. Only my own cars and occasionally friends/family.
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      12-06-2009, 05:33 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jopa489 View Post
I'm in MA. Just a detailing enthusiast, I don't do it for a living. Only my own cars and occasionally friends/family.
Got it.

I'm a newbie. Do you have any products you can recommend I use while washing/waxing my car? I do not use a buffer etc. Thanks!
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      12-07-2009, 11:02 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 34dean View Post
Got it.

I'm a newbie. Do you have any products you can recommend I use while washing/waxing my car? I do not use a buffer etc. Thanks!
Depends how much you want to get into it.

Come check out the detailing forum here. There's a bunch of really smart people who can offer you advice, depending on what you're looking to do.
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      12-08-2009, 12:33 AM   #7
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You do not have to remove the wheel or jack up the car. Ive have done the install on the low beams and HID fogs multiple times and never once removed the wheels or jacked up the car. The inner fender liner has to be removed. All you have to do is turn the wheels to the opposite side.
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      12-08-2009, 09:19 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dvpouldar26 View Post
You do not have to remove the wheel or jack up the car. Ive have done the install on the low beams and HID fogs multiple times and never once removed the wheels or jacked up the car. The inner fender liner has to be removed. All you have to do is turn the wheels to the opposite side.
+1 for my car when I'm running my winter setup. On my 19"s though it's worth jacking up to get the fender liner removed, as it's a pain to get to some screws otherwise.
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      12-08-2009, 11:11 AM   #9
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I'm down in North Haven if you need a hand doing this.
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      12-08-2009, 11:18 AM   #10
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15 seconds to jack up the car is worth the ease of this job. Thats about all that is necessary. (along with turning the wheel).



See the DIY threads, its in their.
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      12-08-2009, 11:56 AM   #11
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you can change your D1S xenons bulbs with your wheels intact
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      12-08-2009, 01:25 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E92-Lighting View Post
you can change your D1S xenons bulbs with your wheels intact
+1. If you have small hands, you don't even need to jack the car up.

I did a complete swap from halogens to xenons without lifting the car or removing the wheels.
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      02-27-2010, 06:48 PM   #13
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is there a thread on DIY changing bulbs on a e90??
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      03-02-2010, 04:08 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ginxer86 View Post
is there a thread on DIY changing bulbs on a e90??
Halogen or xenon? If it is halogen, then !
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