How to replace headlight bulb for BMW 3 Series (E36, E36/5)
Model years: 1990 - 2000
For complete visibility on the road it's recommended to review if the headlights are functioning properly. As a rule down headlight is an outcome of an idle bulb, reducing the field of vision of the roadway at night. Furthermore your car visibility will also be reduced for the other drivers. If you have spotted, that the headlight is not glowing anymore, be sure you replace the bulb as soon as possible. Prior to fixing dead headlight, be assured you purchase suitable bulb. Keep in mind that other drivers might not be aware of a headlight failure on his vehicle, do not hesitate and advise the driver to fix it. The favor will be beneficial for other road users and the driver itself.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe | High beam (1992-1994) | Type: Halogen (H1) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $19.75pack of 2 Amazon.co.uk: £6.52pack of 1 £11.45pair |
| High beam (1994-1999) | 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 (1992-1994) | Type: Halogen (H1) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $19.75pack of 2 Amazon.co.uk: £6.52pack of 1 £11.45pair |
| Low beam (1994-1999) | Type: Halogen (H7) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $5.74pack of 1 $6.97pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.88pack of 1 £6.99pair | |
| Convertible | High beam (1993-1994) | Type: Halogen (H1) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $19.75pack of 2 Amazon.co.uk: £6.52pack of 1 £11.45pair |
| High beam (1994-2000) | 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 (1993-1994) | Type: Halogen (H1) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $19.75pack of 2 Amazon.co.uk: £6.52pack of 1 £11.45pair |
| Low beam (1994-2000) | Type: Halogen (H7) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $5.74pack of 1 $6.97pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.88pack of 1 £6.99pair | |
| Sedan/saloon | High beam (1991-1994) | Type: Halogen (H1) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $19.75pack of 2 Amazon.co.uk: £6.52pack of 1 £11.45pair |
| High beam (1994-1999) | 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 (1991-1994) | Type: Halogen (H1) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $19.75pack of 2 Amazon.co.uk: £6.52pack of 1 £11.45pair |
| Low beam (1994-1999) | Type: Halogen (H7) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $5.74pack of 1 $6.97pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.88pack of 1 £6.99pair | |
| 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: Halogen (H7) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $5.74pack of 1 $6.97pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.88pack of 1 £6.99pair | |
| Compact | High beam (1994-1994) | Type: Halogen (H1) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $19.75pack of 2 Amazon.co.uk: £6.52pack of 1 £11.45pair |
| High beam (1994-2001) | 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 (1994-1994) | Type: Halogen (H1) Voltage / Watts: 12V/55W | Amazon.com: $19.75pack of 2 Amazon.co.uk: £6.52pack of 1 £11.45pair |
| Low beam (1994-2001) | 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.
Open the hood.
2.
Disconnect the headlight's wiring that supplies power to a bulb (usually no tools are needed, use you hands).
3.
Remove the bulb cover by turning it counter-clockwise till it can be easily pulled out.
4.
Swing open the bulb retention clip by gripping and pressing it using your fingers.
5.
Remove old headlight bulb.
6.
Insert the replacement bulb regarding the notches on both, the holder and the bulb itself. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb as it might fail prematurely.
7.
Attach bulb retention clip.
8.
Apply bulb cover back.
9.
Plug the wiring back in.
10.
Test if headlights work.
Headlight bulb replacement instructions for:
3 Series (1998 - 2006)3 Series (2005 - 2011)3 Series (2011 - present)