How to replace headlight bulb for BMW 3 Series (F30, F31, F34)

Model years: 2011 - present
For your and other drivers safety it's suggested to verify if both headlights are working fine. Primarily decayed bulb is a ground for an unworkable headlight, what makes it harder to observe the roadway after the sunset. Despite that your car may be obscure in respect of other road users. Whenever noticed, that the headlight is not glowing anymore, changing the bulb is a must. Prior to fixing dead headlight, make sure you get the right bulb. Whenever detected the headlight failure on stranger's automobile, do not give it up and let the driver know about it. The accident can be avoided.

The life-time of a bulb is limited. Sooner or later, it will burn out and will have to be replaced. Bulbs, made of high quality materials, tend to last longer. It's recommended to use well known brand replacement bulbs.

If bulb burns out right after installation, your vehicle might have a problem inside electrical system - have it checked by auto electrician.

Tip: Never touch glass housing of a halogen bulb with your fingers. Greasy spots might cause premature failure of the bulb. Handle the bulb by its base or use a piece of clean paper when installing.


BMW 3 Series headlight bulb list:
Body type Position Bulb specs Buy
Sedan/saloon
High beam
Type: Halogen (H7)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W
Amazon.com:
$5.74pack of 1
$6.97pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£4.88pack of 1
£6.99pair
Low beam
Type: Halogen (H7)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W
Amazon.com:
$5.74pack of 1
$6.97pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£4.88pack of 1
£6.99pair
Low beam
Type: Gas discharge (D1)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/35W
Touring
High beam
Type: Halogen (H7)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W
Amazon.com:
$5.74pack of 1
$6.97pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£4.88pack of 1
£6.99pair
Low beam
Type: Gas discharge (D1)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/35W
Low beam
Type: Halogen (H7)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W
Amazon.com:
$5.74pack of 1
$6.97pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£4.88pack of 1
£6.99pair
Five-door hatchback
High beam
Type: Halogen (H7)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W
Amazon.com:
$5.74pack of 1
$6.97pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£4.88pack of 1
£6.99pair
Low beam
Type: Gas discharge (D1)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/35W
Low beam
Type: Halogen (H7)
Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W
Amazon.com:
$5.74pack of 1
$6.97pair
Amazon.co.uk:
£4.88pack of 1
£6.99pair

How to replace headlight bulb:
1. Low beam bulb can be accessed through the wheel house. To make bulb access easier, turn the wheel inwards.
2. Remove the cover on the fender (wheel housing cover):
3. Locate low beam bulb chamber covering cap and remove it by turning counterclockwise:
4. Remove bulb from the holder:
5. Disconnect wiring from the bulb.
6. Attach wiring to a new bulb.
7. To access high beam bulb open the hood and locate bulb chamber covering cap.
8. To remove the cap, turn it counterclockwise:
9. Remove bulb from the holder:
10. Disconnect wiring from the bulb.
11. Attach wiring to a new bulb.
Headlight bulb replacement instructions for:
3 Series (1990 - 1998)3 Series (1998 - 2006)3 Series (2005 - 2011)