Self leveling bi xenon headlights

The car can have Bi-Xenons or halogens lamps, the bulb would be different. The user manual shows which bulb type to use.
Changing the halogen bulb would be quite easy. On the contrary changing Xenon HID's involves some knowhow and should be done by a dealer, they also need to be replaced in pairs.

On the back of the headlight where the wires enter, you should be able to twist and remove the lamp holder. Be careful with the new bulb if it is halogen, do not touch the bulb!!

Re: Replace headlight bulb

1. INSTALLATION GUIDE:
2. BMW E38 99-01 HID TYPE 7 Series 1PC Halo Amber Projector Headlights
3. Parts Identification:
4. Projector Headlight
5. Halo & L.E.D.
6. Bottom of the Headlight:
7. Ballast Bracket, Halo Wires(red/black)
8. Turn Signal Adaptor
9. TOOLS REQUIRE
10. 10mm - 8mm socket
11. Philip Screwdriver
12. Crimper/Pliers
13. For more information about how to install your vehicle, come visit our youtube page on
14. http://www.youtube.com/spyderauto
15. Remove the facotry headlight from the BMW. First remove the front panel cover below the headlight to access the bottom screw of the headlight housing. There is also two screws on the top of the housing.
16. Once you have remove the headlight, turn the headlight around and remove the bracket that holds the Ballast. Then remove the ballast using a philip screwdriver.
17. Unplug the wire from the ballast, and then remove the Xenon Plug from the housing. Put the Ballast aside.
18. Carefully remove the D2S Xenon Bulb from the factory housing. Once you have remove the bulb, transfer the bulb to the Spyder headlights.
19. Remove the bracket from the Spyder Headlight, and then install the ballast on the housing like the original. Once you have put the ballast on, put the bracket back on.
20. Remove the Panel Cover bracket from the original headlight to the new Spyder Headlights as shown here.
21. STEP:
22. Install the Spyder turn signal socket if the orignal does not fit, unplug the factory plug from the harness and plug the new one on.
23. Install the Spyder Headlight back on to the vehicle. Plug the Harness back on, the halo/L.E.D. Wires is connect to the Parking lights. These wires are optional to your vehicle, you do not have to wire them together.
24. Factory Xenon Headlight
25. Spyder Projector Headlight using Factory Xenon Lights
26. STEP:

BMW e46 HID Headlight Replace

This guys don't know what they are talking about. If you have self leveling head lights and they are way out of alignment, yes there is adjustment screws but those mess with a different light bulb (daytime running light) instead of the main bulb alignment.

So what is a man to do? go to the dealer and have them adjust them for you. Believe it or not everytime you get an aliment done you have to recalibrate your headlights because they change the way the vehicle sits. Do it enough times and the headlight will go out of wack (because of the self leveling function)


In other words, they headlights are adjusted by means of a Computer. You could do it your self but you have to buy the DICE VIDA adjustment tool and the proper software from Volvo. Not cheap, just go to the dealership.

I assume it didn't work before you changed the bulb either. You'll have to check for voltage at the bulb socket when the low beam headlights are turned on. If there is none you'll have to trace the wire back to where it splits from the right low beam headlight. If there is voltage there you have a problem with the new bulb.

The car is also equiped with a high beam fuse which is a round one........Check mannual or on the back of fuse cover for location.....Hope this helps.

Did you swap in HID bulbs into a halogen headlight assembly? If so, this is precisely why it's *******--they actually cast LESS light on the road. See this post on HID.
Headlight replacement cost Ricks Free Auto Repair Advice

Don't change to HID Xenon or Bi-Xenon unless you change the entire headlight unit, as your standard headlamp units are not designed for this. You will only end up blinding oncoming traffic, and your beam scatter will be all over the place.

Take your car to a servicing garage or dealer and ask them to check the headlight alignment. If you are still unhappy with the headlight performance, there are plenty of quality halogen bulbs out there - just look at the Philips or Osram automotive range.

Do you know if the 08 bumper even fits?
Thanks,
Lee