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Interior bulbs
Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2025 4:56 pm
by sapphireblack
The recently acquired X5 seems to differ to my X6? I set about swapping interior bulbs to LEDs today, but the front overhead panel is reluctant to pull down in one piece unlike on the X6. All I've dislodged is the two pieces of decor trim, the panel seems unwilling to pull down, its the same for the two rear roof lights.
The handbook doesnt offer any tips or guidance in this subject. Someone must have done this, please tell me what you did?
Interior bulbs
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 8:28 am
by Greydog
Only changed the 2 in the boot on mine as they were out anyway
All I can say is remember the same guy who designed the headlamp system had input here
I will have a look at mine later see if I can see anything
Interior bulbs
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 8:43 am
by sapphireblack
Appreciate that, thanks. YT videos suggest two differing access options, a bit like the headlight scenario.
Thank you BMW
Interior bulbs
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 5:06 pm
by Greydog
OK took alook at my map light cab light in the console above the Rearview mirror apart from taking a few minutes to workout how to pop it out it was straight forward. The console unclips at each side (2 trim levers used) then it dropped down and moving it forward towards the mirror, the lamps are behind 3 twist and remove holders
Hope that helps
Interior bulbs
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 6:08 pm
by X5Sport
Managed to find this under the switch cluster instructions. Not even mentioned under the lighting sections! Note the special tools are just plastic trim removers. The first is a wedge type and the second look like credit cards. If you have one, wear an anti-static wrist strap, if not make sure you regularly touch an earth or piece of metal of the body. I don’t think the eCall system works any more as it may well be 2G or 3G only. It was routed via Vodafone in the UK.
- IMG_3230.jpeg (106.62 KiB) Viewed 14492 times
Interior bulbs
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 6:24 pm
by sapphireblack
Many thanks, i actually figured it out and discovered why one light wasnt working, the twist fitting bulb holder is missing
So I'll need one of those which might be fun locate.
Do you fancy investigating how to access the two over rear door lights? Damned if i can see how to access the bulbs in those.
Interior bulbs
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 6:31 pm
by sapphireblack
X5Sport wrote: Tue Apr 15, 2025 6:08 pm
Managed to find this under the switch cluster instructions. Not even mentioned under the lighting sections! Note the special tools are just plastic trim removers. The first is a wedge type and the second look like credit cards. If you have one, wear an anti-static wrist strap, if not make sure you regularly touch an earth or piece of metal of the body. I don’t think the eCall system works any more as it may well be 2G or 3G only. It was routed via Vodafone in the UK.
IMG_3230.jpeg
special tool #1 looks like a credit card.
Where did you find that, TIS? Id also like to see the instructions for the two rear lights if thats possible?
I find this all quite odd, when i did the X6 the front cluster popped out whole without great effort, i didnt even realise that there was this cover trim to even remove first, supposedly.
Interior bulbs
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 6:41 pm
by X5Sport
Old copy of the TIS. I’ll see what the rear light comes up with.
EDIT: These lights? Same wedge too used. Two lamps according to the good book, both are twist type.
Interior bulbs
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 6:48 pm
by sapphireblack
I am very grateful
Interior bulbs
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 6:00 pm
by sapphireblack
Well the later TIS for the rear lights seems inaccurate? Its not rocket science effort to prise on the light fitting as indicated, but the one side i tried wouldn't budge. Im wary of breaking things, nothing BMW badged is cheap.
Interior bulbs
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 6:17 pm
by X5Sport
I’ve only got the old version. No idea what it’s dated to cover but I have found errors and omissions in the past, pages missing etc. The ‘current’ version is now paywalled and we know the BMW have in the past put cease and desist orders out on any on line versions. Sorry if this one didn’t help
Interior bulbs
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 6:21 pm
by sapphireblack
Absolutely not your fault. My view is always that if supreme effort is required, something is probably wrong. Even bulb changes on modern BMWs is problematic. The heady happy days of anything being easy are long gone.
So I'll need one of those which might be fun locate.