BMW E90 Angel Eye Bulb Replacement – Parking/Daylight Running

As discussed at the beginning of this article, the BMW E90 angel eye bulbs are notoriously difficult to replace because of the limited space behind the headlight assembly. Option 1 is to quickly disconnect the power steering and coolant reservoirs and gently push them to the side...this will give you plenty of room to easily remove and install the bulbs from the engine compartment. You can also get great access from the fender well if you prefer that method (see Section 2 below). Either method is acceptable and is based on your personal preference.

1. Note the location of the angel eye bulbs. They are accessed from the rear of the headlight assembly.
2. To avoid scraped hands and screaming expletives, we highly recommend loosening the power steering reservoir and/or coolant expansion tank before attempting to remove the bulbs. It only takes a couple of minutes...they are both simply held in place with two 10mm bolts (or nuts on some models).
3. You can now easily access the BMW E90 angel eye bulbs in the rear of the headlight. Remove the bulb's covering cap by turning it counter-clockwise.
4. The angel eye H8 halogen bulb is now visible.
5. Use a pair of long nose pliers (they are easier than your fingers) to turn the bulb counter-clockwise until it releases. Pull the bulb from the headlight assembly. H8 bulb from the headlight" width="1000" height="750" />
6. Remove the bulb from the socket.
7. Install a new H8 bulb following the above instructions in reverse. DO NOT touch the new bulb with your bare hands...the oil from your skin can cause the bulb to overheat and severely limit its lifespan.

If you do not want to remove the angel eye bulbs from the engine compartment, or if you are replacing other headlight bulbs like the xenon and/or fog light lamps during this repair where the fender liner must be removed, then your second option is to replace the angel eye bulb from the fender well. As we have previously stated, either option is an acceptable procedure for changing the angel eye bulb...it is purely personal preference.

1. Turn the front wheel all the way out on the side of the car you are replacing the xenon lamp on. This will allow you enough space to remove the front fender liner.
2. There are seven 8mm screws, two 7mm screws and one plastic nut attaching the front fender liner to the body of the vehicle. Use a socket wrench and/or nut driver to remove all of the screws.
3. Grasp the front fender liner and remove it from the vehicle. The fender liner should come out easily...if it doesn't then you may have missed a fastener.
4. The angel eye bulb can now be easily accessed from the rear of the headlight.
5. Follow the instructions in Section 1 for replacing the angel eye H8 bulb.