2008 BMW 5 Series Owner's Manual - Page 240

Replacing components Lamps and bulbs Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent in replacing them. BMW recommends having your BMW center perform any work that you do not feel competent to perform yourself or that is not described here. Never touch the glass of new bulbs with your bare fingers, as even minute amounts of contamination will burn into the bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its metal socket.< A selection of replacement bulbs is available at your BMW center. Only replace bulbs when cool, as otherwise you may be burned.< Whenever you perform any work on the electrical system, turn off the systems/ consumers involved to prevent short circuits from occurring. To avoid possible injury or equipment damage when replacing bulbs, observe any instructions provided by the bulb manufacturer.< For care and maintenance of the headlamps, please follow the instructions in the separate Caring for your vehicle brochure. For bulbs for which changing is not described, and for checking and adjusting headlamp aim, please contact your BMW center.< Halogen headlamps The illustration shows the left-hand side of the engine compartment. 1 2 Cover cap for low beams Cover cap for high beams To remove the cover caps: > Low beams: press the detent, arrow, and remove the cover from the guide. > High beams: turn the cover cap to the left and remove. Always wear gloves and eye protection - the atmosphere within the H7 bulb is pressurized. Otherwise there is a danger of injuries if the bulb is accidentally damaged during replacement.< Light-emitting diodes LEDs Light-emitting diodes installed behind translucent lenses serve as the light source for many of the controls and displays in your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes, which operate using a concept similar to that applied in conventional lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 lightemitting diodes. Do not remove the covers, and never stare into the unfiltered light for several hours, as irritation of the retina could result.< 238 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 0 014 240 - © 08/07 BMW AG