Replace parking light on e60 520d. Wft?

sk8board

As the subject says, I can't replace the parking light (angel eye?) bulb on my '08 LCI 520d

1. Is it the bulb underneath the headlight bulb? I any get at that without removing the unit

2. The manual says it's a H8 bulb, one of these:
http://www.halfords.ie/motoring-travel/bulbs-wiper-blades-batteries/bulbs/halfords-hbu708-h8-car-headlight-bulb-x-1

However I can't find that shape bulb anywhere it's supposed to be. The one underneath the headlight seems to be a different shape

Am I going mad? Have never had this trouble replacing a bulb before. Loathe to go to a garage to replace a bulb

Thanks lads

challengemaster

Yeah, easiest way is to remove the whole unit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yseknfLsfa8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15ght75I-mo

If you want the bulb you have to go to a main dealer - they're about €30. Part number 63 12 7 187 952

Gumbo

Don't think its a H8 is it?
The bulbs that power the angel eyes on the pre lci is a BMW specific unit, I assumed the LCI was the same.

R.O.R

kceire wrote: »

Don't think its a H8 is it?
The bulbs that power the angel eyes on the pre lci is a BMW specific unit, I assumed the LCI was the same.

Mechanic who's changed mine a couple of times tells me it's a standard bulb in a special holder.

Full thing is about 30 from BMW, or snap the dead bulb out of the holder, and stick a 2 quid bulb in.

George Dalton

It's not really a standard bulb. You can make a H6W bulb fit the holder but in my experience they don't last and keep blowing. At least the €30 bulb from BMW tends to last!

galvo_clare

I got a standard bulb from a motor factors - can't remember the exact code but it was only around €6.
Two years later, it's still working away. Fitting wasn't a problem. It's a little L shaped bulb and you just pull it out of the light unit and then you can disconnect it.

George Dalton wrote: »

It's not really a standard bulb. You can make a H6W bulb fit the holder but in my experience they don't last and keep blowing. At least the €30 bulb from BMW tends to last!

George Dalton

The sample size I am basing my comment on is greater than one

sk8board

Thanks lads, sounds like it's not just me having the same problem.
The 'replace parts' chapter of the manual says it's a H8, so I got one at the motor factors without checking the unit.
It definitely sounds like I have a pre-LCI type unusual bulb holder, but it's an LCI model.
Will give it another go

Gumbo

Our LCI E60 had one angel eye dimmer than the other, and on investigation, it turned out the previous owner replaced the bulb instead of the whole unit. Half the light output disappeared into the holder. I'd buy the BMW unit or even better, a set of LED bulbs,to freshen up the front.

Foxhole Norman

I'd recommend going with LED bulbs too, here's a before and after on my E39:

Gumbo

I done the same in my E39 Norman, but it's worth noting the E39 AE bulbs can be done I seconds, the E60, particularly the LCI, takes bloody ages and mostly requires the headlight to be removed unless you have good experience withy fitting them.

We have fitted many sets to them and it's actuakky easier for us to remove the headlight (3 bolts) and comfortably fit the bulbs.

Deffo recommended though.

Foxhole Norman

I've noticed that trend on a lot of modern cars recently, my mom's Fluence and dad's Mondeo are both easier to change bulbs by taking out the entire unit, bit silly really but probably all in the name of safety!

sk8board

Yep it's definitely that dome-shaped unit, and nothing like the H8 bulb the manual suggests, and the unit will need to come out, unless you're a contortionist or a small child.
I work next to murphy&Gunn so I'll see what they want to charge to change a light bulb tomorrow, much as it galls me.

sk8board

Only got around to this today - murphy & gunn milltown did it in 30min for €42 all in.