How-To: BMW 328i Daytime Running Lights

I was hard-pressed to find any documented method of changing out your E90′s (2005-Present BMW 328i) daytime running lights, so I decided to write one in case anyone needs help.

The first thing you might’ve noticed when searching for a method is that there are no photos. This is because you have to do this act without ever looking at what you’re doing- this is all feel- so I will do my best to describe what you’re supposed to be feeling.

1. Pop your hood.
2. Look at where your daytime running light bulb is, now look directly behind it, under the hood. There’s a cap that’s held down by a metal latch- this part you can see.
3. Unlatch the latch and carefully pull the cap out and up- the cap has 2 “legs” where it stabs securely into 2 holes opposite of where the latch holds it down.
4. Stick your thumb and index finger into the hole behind the light and you’ll feel a squarish plug with wires coming out of it. Pull outwards to unplug that first.
5. Now if you feel around, you’ll feel the 2 prongs that you pulled the plug off of, and you might also feel a metal latch holding the bulb in. The latch’s hinges are on the bottom under the light, so the part you have to unlatch is above the light.
6. Feel the top “bar” of the latch- one of the latch’s side is snapped onto 1 hook that is part of the light. You have to get that side of the latch off the hook so push the top bar of the latch inward and sideways to get it off the hook and swing the latch down.
7. The bulb is now completely loose so take it out.
8. Put the new bulb in with the flat side facing up.
9. Hold it in place with your index finger while your middle finger brings the latch back up. Push sideways and inward to snap the latch onto the hook.
10. Plug the square plug back in.
11. Test the light by starting the car. Good?
12. Lastly, put the cap back on.

The first time you do it, it takes you about 15-20 minutes to get a good feel around and form a mental picture in order to change the bulb. The second bulb and every bulb after that should take you literally 5 minutes.

This is how the dealership can charge you an arm and a leg- when you’re confronted with something that seems like you have to take off tons of crap just to change something and realistically it only takes them 5 minutes per bulb.