Is there an easy way of changing the dipped headlight bulbs on my X5 as opposed to the recommended method in the handbook. I can remove the cover but there's no way I can see to release the retaining clips it's too far in there must surely be an easier way.

If it was meant to be easy it wouldn't be an X5 ???

Still could be worse it could be a Toyota or a french poo I have read you have to take big bits off to remove the headlamp on those

Thanks for that Greydog nothing seems easy with BMW's not sure it was the right move from LR to BMW

With the X5 E53 it isn't a horrendous job, un-clip the trim under the headlamp undo 4 screws (use a magnetic socket) and slide the headlamp forwards. The first time I thought what a faff but it saves the skin on your hands and is a five minute job.

Paul do you have xenons or halogen bulbs?

2 hours ago, E46King said:

Paul do you have xenons or halogen bulbs?

They're halogen H7s

What's the recommended method in the hand book? I'm sure I've seen people in the past having to take the front wheel off and go through the wheel arch liner.

The recommended method is to remove the cover cap, detach the electrical connector, pinch the retaining spring to release the bulb, withdraw it and reverse the procedure, basically the same method used for years. The problem comes in that the dipped headlights are effectively mounted in the wings there are cross-members running across the back of the headlight housing. I can manage to get the cover cap off and see the connector but I can't see any further in and can't easily reach the retaining spring, unless I lay across the wings, but I can't see what I'm doing or reach in sufficiently to change the bulbs, I finally gave up and took it to a local garage, how ridiculous is that taking it to a garage to change the bulb because of stupid design.

It is crazy that manufacturers make it so difficult these days - it makes you wonder if it's a ploy to get you back into the dealer!!

How did the garage manage it in the end?

Hi Paul, also a 2009 E70 owner and had similar probs. Perhaps this pic may help which I managed to take with my phone. It takes a little studying to sort out the various bits but you can see the clip to remove the bulb, mine was a little stiff but got success eventually. Hope this helps.