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Repair Summary
This article covers replacing the license plate bulb in a BMW E64 6 series vehicle. Even though we used a 2005 645ci to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any 2005-2010 6 series or 2002-2008 Z4 with minor modifications to the repair steps.
See all vehicles this article applies to
E63 6 Series M6
E63 6 Series 630i
E63 6 Series 645Ci
E63 6 Series 650i
E64 6 Series M6
E64 6 Series 645Ci
E64 6 Series 650i
E64 6 Series 630i
A BMW E64 license plate bulb replacement on your 6 series vehicle takes less than 15 minutes and can save you an unnecessary trip to the repair shop.
If you are receiving a message on your BMW E63/E64 6 series or E85/E86 Z4 iDrive or dashboard that one of your license plate bulbs needs replacement, please follow our easy instructions on how to replace below. The replacement bulb can be purchased at any auto parts store and installs in less than 15 minutes.
If you need to do a BMW E64 license plate bulb replacement on your vehicle, always replace both bulbs. If one is out, the other is not far behind. A burned-out license plate bulb is just another good reason for the police to pull you over and issue you a ticket. So spend the 15 minutes and immediately replace them on your vehicle.
***DO NOT use LED or aftermarket "special effects" bulbs. These bulbs have been known to create error codes and do more harm than good. Only use a basic 5w T10 halogen bulb.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
Section 1 - Removing the License Plate Bulb
- Locate the two license plate lamps on your vehicle.
- Use a small flat blade screwdriver, (or if you are afraid of scratching your paint use a plastic trim removal tool), to pry out the edge of the tail light lamp. Once you pry out the edge, the lamp can be removed with your fingers.
- Remove the tail light lamp electrical connector.
- To remove the BMW license plate bulb from the lamp, turn the socket counterclockwise 1/4 turn then pull loose from lamp. Remove the bulb from socket and replace.
BMW E64 License Plate Bulb Replacement Finished
