E60...changing xenon bulbs....a nightmare?

[turboman786]

I have a 2004 530i, and one of the angel eyes on one side needs changing, whilst the main headlight on the othe other side also needs replacing....

BMW want 1.5 hours labour (I'm assuming thats at £100+ an hour) PLUS the cost of the xenon bulb (£160) plus the angel eye bulb (£12)....so to change 2 bulbs, the grand total comes close to a breathtaking £400!!!

Now, as with most things there is usally a cheaper way than using the stealers, but no-one I know seems to touch xenon bulb replacement...

Please advise!!

[phelix]

I suspect bumper removal is required to remove the lamp assemblies...

[roofer]

Should be a panel in the front arch liner.

[turboman786]

Im told that the bumper does need to be removed, but surely this does not justify the exhoribant amounts quoted....

Can the job be done by an aftermarket place? Can the bulbs be purchased anywhere other than BMW?....

[nadbat]

My drivers side Xenon bulb went...£205 the stealer charged in total...