Shedding some light
Headlight bulbs blow, it's one of those facts of life. Halogen bulbs are still incandescent in their design and incandescent bulbs have a lifespan. Hard jolts, the kind that you experience when you accidentally hit a pothole, can also cause a failure.
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Newer model BMW X1's have LED lighting all around and you should never need to replace the headlight bulb assemblies for the time period you have it but on nolder model X1's, they still have Halogen type and are subject to failure after a certain amount of hours.
Swapping out the headlight bulbs is a relatively simple task that can be done at home and on the BMW X1, there are no special tools required.
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You will need:
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A set of replacement H7 lightbulbs.
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A flat-head screwdriver.
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Workshop gloves.
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A workshop light.
Let's get it done
1. Turn the wheels, full lock, to the left or right, depending on the side you are working, or remove the wheel entirely.
2. Locate the access panel and using the flat-head screwdriver, remove the two retaining clips.
3. Remove the access panel and place it one side.
4. Locate the rear cover of the headlight and turn it anti-clockwise to remove.
5. Unclip the electrical connector on the back of the bulb.
6. Unclip the bulb and pull it from the housing gently.
7. Insert a new bulb and ensure that it seats properly.
8. Reconnect the electrical connector and replace the rear housing.
9. Reinstall the access cover, the reverse of the removal.
10. Repeat this process for the other side.
