How Do You Fit Headlights

[DannyH]

Hi all,

I have an 05 z4 with black backed none xenon headlights, i really want the silver backed ones and believe i have made a deal for some, so my questions are, can i just fit them straight swop, how do i do this (is there a thread on how), and is it a big job.

Thanks all

Danny

 

[DPG]

I think its a front bumper removal job.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1071

Hopefully Phil will be along soon with the info - i need to remove one of mine due to water in the lamp.

 

[TOM14S]

yep front bumper off. as the how too shows.
Then in the front of the front wheel archs you will see a flap that you unlock by turning two black plastic lugs through 180 degrees.
This allows you access to unplug the two plugs from the back of the headlights.
Then there are four bolts that hold the light units inplace.
best pic i have is this...


It's pretty easy to do!

 

[gannet]

And when I asked my dealer for a quote to change to clear indicator lenses they quoted 1hr 40 mins to do this - £240!

Having taken the bumper off the weekend, reckon I could do it myself

Do the headlights need adjusting after installation :?

 

[cj10jeeper]

The biggest challenge is that the lights are mounted on 4 lugs that allow them to 'float' to any position up, down, left right, using the adjustable mounting bolts. It is this movement that sets the panel gaps and where you may find yourself taking the bumper on and off several times to get it perfect between wing, bonnet and bumper - good luck I've done it many times now and it's a knack.

You will also need to set the beams for their static up, deown, left, right as they will be correct for the previous car and not yours.

 

[TOM14S]

As cj10jeeper, said getting the lights lined up can be a little trial and error. My only tip to help with this would be to only remove one light at a time, so you can compare position / gaps to the original light that you know is in the correct position.

 

[cj10jeeper]

As cj10jeeper, said getting the lights lined up can be a little trial and error. My only tip to help with this would be to only remove one light at a time, so you can compare position / gaps to the original light that you know is in the correct position.

I wish I were as smart as that...lol
Straight in with some power tools get those bits on the floor and think how to put it back later. I used to build airfix models and start by gluing to fuselage together only to wonder what to do with the screen, pilot and ejector seat...

On a more serious note you will find the lower left fixing in the above shot has an adjuster on the mount point than turns to raise and lower the light. Observe that carefully when dismantling and you'll be a good way there. Also do the outer fixing last as the light freely slides on that until clamped