Need to R&R left side head light assembly 2003 Z4

[BCFBasil]

I had my wife's 03 Z4 in the shop and first was told my headlight problem was just a bad Xenon lamp. However, as soon as they replaced the lamp it blew immediately. Further research indicated that the headlamp assembly needs to be replaced. To say that the cost for them to install a new assembly was a shock would be an understatement (north of $2700)

I know the headlamp assembly replacement requires the entire front end to come off, so I have two questions:

1. Does anyone know of any good step-by-step instructions (written to video) for doing this job?

2. Anyone know of any good (reasonable) sources for a new headlamp assembly?

I'm not a BMW expert but not afraid to turn a wrench either if I can find decent instructions.
Regards,
Basil

[dbarton62]

I had my wife's 03 Z4 in the shop and first was told my headlight problem was just a bad Xenon lamp. However, as soon as they replaced the lamp it blew immediately. Further research indicated that the headlamp assembly needs to be replaced. To say that the cost for them to install a new assembly was a shock would be an understatement (north of $2700)

I know the headlamp assembly replacement requires the entire front end to come off, so I have two questions:

1. Does anyone know of any good step-by-step instructions (written to video) for doing this job?

2. Anyone know of any good (reasonable) sources for a new headlamp assembly?

I'm not a BMW expert but not afraid to turn a wrench either if I can find decent instructions.
Regards,
Basil

Google search.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP4ZBkUcxxs

2700 is robbery.
Ebay search for replacement

[BCFBasil]

Google search.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP4ZBkUcxxs

2700 is robbery.
Ebay search for replacement

Thanks for the link. That video is very helpful. And you're right - $2700 is robbery. Even the mechanic, which I had a few minutes alone with, told me "don't have these people do this job."

[jclausen]

Did the bulb really blow or did it just turn off . I would swap bulbs and see what happens next. Xenon systems are famous for the bulb going on and off when the reality is the module for the affected head light is the real problem

[BCFBasil]

Did the bulb really blow or did it just turn off . I would swap bulbs and see what happens next. Xenon systems are famous for the bulb going on and off when the reality is the module for the affected head light is the real problem

After talking to the mechanic, it is more likely that it just stopped working. I've decided to just buy the headlights (gonna go ahead and replace both) and replace the front end as well (it's kinda rough anyway. I mechanic showed me what was necessary to remove the front end and get the headlamps off - it's actually not all that difficult.