How do I replace my H7 halogen headlight bulb?

cool, spent a good 30 minutes trying to get the headlamp out after reading in the handbook to 'just' turn it to the left. I felt the tags, but didn't realise they were separate to the main assy, so thanks for the info


...also saved me posting a 'noob' thread asking how to take them out LOL

edit - 30 seconds and both out, although space is tight, so will wait until daylight to fit the new bulbs

I was getting some parts at my local dealer parts department, and saw a guy come in, buy a bulb, and then I passed him in the parking lot of the dealer, trying to figure out to put the bulb in his car. He was struggling and looked totally confused. I figured he'd get offended if I offered help since he was having so much difficulty and I'm like half his age, so I just drove off chuckling.

Just posted in the intro forum, but thanks very much for this guide drealbmw. Not too hot at these sorts of little diy jobs and thanks to your info I had the bulb changed and the unit back in place in under 5 mins!

On the bulb socket on a 2002, the H7 bulb can be inserted either direction; indeed, the socket is shaped almost to tempt you to put it in wrong. And it works. The light comes on, no problems.

Except, it won't go all the way back into the reflector. You'll think it's jammed, or the gasket is hanging up. You need to install the bulb with the metal tab on the bulb between the wider set of "goalposts", not the narrow ones.

I just spent the last 20 minutes scratching my head over this.

So if you put it together and the tabs won't turn, you've put the bulb in wrong.

Thanks very much for this guide. I did not find the manual too helpful on how to extract the bugger so was grateful for this thread!

I'm almost a bit concerned at how easy it was to pop it back in and click back in place. Hopefully I've not missed something... Seems safe and secure though... (and helpfully it works too).

Anyway, thanks so much again (from a long time lurker, first time poster).

Cheers,

Tim

I found this thread because I couldn't get the bulb to reattach to the car. No markings on the bulb to let me know that I had the bulb in upside down...and it worked upside down when i tested it ....
Thanks OP. The more infomation on these cars the better, no matter how seemingly simple!

Jonathan.

thanks for the DIY OP

thank you, did my bulb change today. I might have figured it out myself, but you did save me the figuring!

figured out how to do it during Angel Eye install....nice to see this after i did it

After reading this post it took me less than a minute to change both low beam bulbs. It is funny how the simplest things can become hard and complicated without someone to point you to the right direction

By the way, I chose to replace my stock bulbs with the Philips X-treme Power. When I replaced the first one I just looked at it in comparison to the stock one and it already seems to be significantly brighter even under the sunlight. As soon as it gets dark I will check them and give you guys my impressions. By the way I paid almost $35 for a pair shipped from UK (from www.powerbulbs.com)

had a bulb blow on me--just used this for reference--only thing i can mention is to make sure you reference which way the bulb goes in the holder -- it does make a difference--spent a half hour trying to get the first one in -- after I figured it out,(tab on the bulb goes between the 2 widest pegs) had them both done in under 4 minutes

nice write up, very helpful for newbies wanting to upgrade lights

Correct-just finished replacing both bulbs on my 1999 328i sedan.No need to remove any trim/screws/etc.-just turn the tabs and pull back carefully.I was v.v. careful because it is v.v. cold outside (-20 F) and I didn't want to break anything.Question-I used the $18 Sylvania bulb from Wal-Mart,how long will they last and are there better H7 bulbs out there?

Thanks for this write up! I thought this was a no brainer until i looked under my hood. Thanks a million.

Basic, but awesome! Glad to have found this. After reading this it took me all of a minute to take out the sockets and change the bulbs. The hardest part is aligning the sockets back in place so the tabs will twist in. Being over cautious about working on anything with my car, especially plastic parts, it took about all of another minute to get it back in place. Now I can drive at night again! Thanks for the great writeup and clear pictures!

how can i stop my driver's side head light from misting up

Originally Posted by robbrown64

how can i stop my driver's side head light from misting up

You might need a new headlight seal trim piece.


And im about to get new bulbs as well, looks pretty straight forward but if I have a question ill revert back to here!

just did mine, yay, although I have noticed a lot of the weatherstripping on the car is falling apart....UGHHHH

i PUT IN 7500K bulbs, definitely brighter, not sure if they look better, need to get better pics!

is this a joke?