How do i replace the bulbs? it looks totally inaccessible and something the dealer will have to charge big bucks to do what should be a simple bulb replacement because it looks like they have to remove the front of car?!
The last post is correct, but I also have a few tips and pictures.
1. Open hood.
2. Use a small flat screwdriver to CAREFULLY pry open cap leading to the headlight. Start directly underneath the tab that says "V2." Be careful not to break the tabs! -- to do this simply push the small screwdriver under the, as you push it in, you will hear the clip release. The cap will pop and remove very easily after that.
3. Pull out wires, unplug burned out bulb - this clips in with what I can see is a spring clip. I reccomend using a cloth when removing and replacing the bulb. This will protect your hand if the bulb breaks by accident. Also some halogen bulbs will pop/break if your hands leave oily residue on the bulb. When the bulb heats, the oil heats too and can break the bulb.
1. Open hood.
2. Use screwdriver to CAREFULLY pry open cap leading to the headlight. Start directly underneath the tab that says "V2." Be careful not to break the tabs!
3. Pull out wires, unplug burned out bulb.
4. Buy new bulb @ any auto supply store. This is a very common bulb.
5. Replace bulb, recap, and go!
Good luck!
The solution above is correct. The problem of the window washer on the passenger side is also easy to resolve. Removing the one screw on the top of the window washer allows it to swing out of the way.
For 2005 X3, to pull out the bulb, it's easier with the wire connector on the bulb, push the end downwards before pulling. Otherwise you'll spend many frustrating minutes wondering how in the world this thing was designed. To push the bulb back, reverse the order, place the edge against the entry at the bottom side, push downward first then forward to plug it in.
This comment was helpful - I went and reread the manual on my 2004 X3 and it really is a lot easier then it would seem! Last time I did this on the passenger side, I popped the spring/clip off, to get the bulb assembly out - getting that 'spring/clip' back on was really fun!!!
This ended up being a 10 minute job - popping the access cover off is a bit strange - was very careful not to break off the clip - could see how that could happen! So you really just push down on the top side of the clip and tilt down and the same to snap it back in place! I was pretty pleased to knock this one out. I'm still not sure I got the spring/clip (last time) - back in correctly - really made the job much tougher then it should be!!! Thanks for the tip!
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All good stuff. I broke the tabs using a screwdriver. Did the other side by sliding a 1/2 inch hacksaw blade (very thin) instead. Came off like a charm.
Just done drivers side ( UK right hand drive) 5 minutes and £73 better off from BMW price. Remove bolt on screen wash to allow you to lift container out the way. Unclip headlight cove as shown in photos on earlier post. Secret to removing bulb is indeed to keep wiring connected and push bulb down then pull out. Replace bulb and restore to headlamp in as before push down ,insert then clip in by pulling up. Job done five minutes one small spanner for screen wash and small screwdriver to unclip cover on headlamp.Simples.
I broke the tabs with the screwdriver, I plan to leave out the low beam covers. Any adverse effect to the headlights if I leaave out the covers?
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Sorry, to be more specific. 2004 bmw x3, the right headlight assembly is a 1/4 inch higher than the left. How an I adjust that?
WARNING: The halogen bulb contains gas under pressure. The bulb may shatter if the glass envelope is scratched or if the bulb is dropped. Handle the bulb only by its base. Grasp the bulb only by its base. Avoid touching the glass envelope. 
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Same for me. Driver side, low beam. Looks like a full assembly that has to be taken apart. I bought the $15 bulb, but will probably have to pay BMW to replace it. Not much posted on the web about this. It is clear that if it was the passenger side, I would have to dis-assemble the washer fluid container to even have access. If I wanted a car I could maintain myself I would have bought a Chevy.
how to changed the headlight bulb
I have the same problem...the manual has a very dim picture ans says "apply the screwdriver" to remove the back cover. But this is not evident...and I am a handy person usually.
I'm seeing the same for the driver's side, 2005 X3. Passenger side matches owner's book instructions but driver's side is different. Where access to high beam light should be there is an air duct between the light housing and air filter box. Does this air duct need to be removed to access the light?
does this pic help on what needs to be removed to gain access to the low beam (halogen) bulb?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...
i wonder if #7 has to be removed to gain access.
also, some have a self leveling system which adds to the complexity of removing the bulb.
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