These LED Angel Eye upgrades will change the color of your Angel Eye rings to better match the Xenon HID headlight bulbs.  Get rid of the yellow halogen Angel Eyes and enjoy the color matching LED Angel Eyes.

Installation is very easy, all you need is the LED Angel Eye kit, a flat-blade screwdriver, needle-nose pliers and a 2mm Allen tool.

Click the image below for LED Angel Eye Kits for the E92, E93 and M3 3-series models from 2007 through 2012 (325i, 328i, 330i, 335i, coupe and convertible and all M3):

Install Procedure:

1) Locate the headlight bulb access covers.

2)  Gently pry the ends of the locking tabs, rearward, and pop the cover up at the front.  Remove the cover.

3)  Locate the Angel Eye bulb and the rear of the inner headlight housing.

4)  Twist the bulb assembly so that the connector plug rotates toward the outside of the vehicle and remove the bulb (along with the harness plug).  Once the bulb is out, disconnect the harness plug.

NOTE:
Here’s how the LED Angel Eye kit parts are assembled.  These photos will help you understand how the parts are assembled inside the headlight housing.

5)  Install the LED Angel Eye bulb assembly.  Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to twist the bulb and lock it into the housing (twist in the opposite direction that you removed the original bulb).

6)  Slide the heat sink over the bulb’s power wire and seat the heat sink onto the back of the bulb housing.

7)  Use a 2mm Allen tool to tighten the locking set-screw on the heat sink.  This will secure the heat-sink to the bulb assembly.

8)  Connect the bulb’s wiring connector to the connector from the power converter assembly, then connect the vehicle’s Angel Eye harness plug to the matching plug from the Angel Eye power converter.

9)  Place the wiring and power converter into the headlight housing.

10)  Replace the access cover and enjoy!

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q
car year: 1997
car model: Z3 1.9
The inner door handle just flaps as if something has disconnected. Cable??

A
We would assume that the link on the release handle assembly has broken where it connects to the rod that runs to the latch mechanism.  The handle assembly is easy to replace, just remove the inner door trim panel and then you can access the handle assembly.  We do keep the replacement handles in stock.  If you need help with removing the door panel, see the video in the link below.  This shows removing the inner door panel on a different BMW model, but should give you an idea what to do for your Z3.  Additionally, the Bentley repair manual will show the detailed procedures.

Click HERE for example of inner door panel removal

Bentley repair manual:

Inner door handles (enter search for “inner door handle” after clicking link):

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q
car year: 2004
car model: 325Ci Convertible
This may sound stupid, but I can’t find the dip stick to check the transmission fluid level. I have a 6 cylinder engine and the manual doesn’t say anything about the level or how to check it. Looking under the hood I can’t find it either. Help! thanks

A 
Automatic transmissions in most BMW models from the mid/late ’90s-on do not have fluid level dipsticks.  The fluid level is checked (and fluid added) via a fill plug on the transmission fluid pan or just above the pan on the transmission body.  See the Spring 2006 issue of our Fast Times newsletter for an article on changing the fluid and filter on late model BMW automatic transmissions (which also discusses checking the fluid level).  The specific transmission shown is the A4S-440Z  used in many late ’90s and early ’00s 540i and 740i models.  This Fast Times article was done using a 2000 540i, but the general procedures for the fluid and filter change are similar for other models as is the fluid level checking procedure outlined at the end of the article.

Different BMW models will have different fill plug locations, but the procedures for checking the fluid are the same as outlined in the article.  It is important to note that all final level checking is to be done with the transmission warm and the engine running.  DO NOT remove the fill plug unless the engine is running.  Doing so will allow about a quart of fluid to drain out. 

 The fill plug is not specifically shown in the article.  The plug for this transmission is located on the passenger side, toward the rear, above the pan (on the transmission body).  The applicable Bentley repair manuals will show the fill and drain plug locations for specific BMW models.

If additional fluid is needed, use the Bavarian Autosport Fluid Transfer Pump to add fresh fluid.

Click below for Spring 2006 Fast Times:

Click below for Bentley repair manuals:

Click below for Fluid Transfer Pump:

Automatic Transmission Fluids:

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q
car year: 2003
car model: 330Xi
Otto, For some months now, I have been detecting the odor of an acrid burning smell (maybe rubber) within about 10 minutes of running the car. I’d been worrying about the automatic transmission as it had seemed to be late in shifting down while stopping for a red light. Finally today it seemed worse than ever and I popped the hood to discover a faint trace of smoke apparently coming out from under the top engine cover. Help! What would you suppose I’m dealing with here? Thanks so much.

A
We would assume that the smell you have been noticing is hot oil, and that the smoke that you saw was from this same hot oil.  You likely have an oil leak and the leaking oil is contacting a hot engine part.  Common oil leakage areas for the M54 6-cylinder engine in your E46 model (3-series 99-05) are valve cover gaskets and the oil filter housing to engine block gasket.  Additionally, there is the possibility that the Crankcase Ventilation System is leaking the oil.  Some inspection will be in order to determine where the source of the leakage is (as well as verifying that it is indeed an oil leak).

See these blog posts for additional info:

Oil Smell & Smoke

M54 oil filter housing leak

Q car year: 2003
car model: X5 4.4i
Hi, I d like to know how to replace the starter from my x5 please.

A
The starter is removed from below, on the V8 X5 models.  Access is gained by removing the engine splash shields and the front suspension reinforcement plate.  The starter mounting bolts are accessed by using sockets, extensions and universal joints to run from the rear of the transmission up and forward to the starter mounting bolts (Male Torx head).  The Bentley repair manual contains the step-by-step procedure, along with photos.

Bentley repair manual:

Starter motor:

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q
car year: 2004
car model: X5 4.4i
I want to replace the gear oil in both the front and rear differentials. Your on-catalog lists 75w-90 and 75w-140NS (both synthetic). I am pretty sure X5′s do not have LS differentials, is that true? Which weight oil do you suggest? P.S. I do pull a 5000 lbs. travel trailer periodically, live in Albuquerque, NM, and the vehicle has 86,000 miles on it.

A
You can use the LS (limited slip) fluid in a non-LS differential. this makes the LS rated fluids more universal in application.  You would not use a non-LS rated fluid in a limited slip differential.  The LS rated fluids have modifiers that allow the clutch packs in a clutch-type limited slip differential to slip when cornering … as opposed to chattering.

Both the 75w-90 and the 75w-140 can be applicable to all BMWs.  Some BMWs have been originally specified for the 75w-90, some for the 75w-140.  The lighter 75w-90 is the more common weight for most vehicles in the US.

BMW applications will typically specify the differential fluids as;

* SAF-XO (75w-90)
* SAFX-LS  (75w-90 Limited Slip)
* SAF-XJ (75w-140)

These days, there is no real need for the heavier fluids, as long as we are using a quality synthetic, for our regular road going BMWs.  The 75w-90 weight would be just fine for towing with your X5 (The X5 is specified for SAF-XO).  Of course, there would be no harm in using the 75w-140, other than a slight potential drop in fuel economy.

Red Line 75w-90 (LS):

Red Line 75w-140 (LS):

Red Line 75w-140 (non-LS):

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q
car year: 1989
car model: 325i
I think it is a ground cable, it’s braided looking, but what is the cable that connects to my front hood to the chassis for. It’s ripped. Do I need a new one?

A
The small braided cable that connects from the underside of the front of the hood to the front radiator support structure is a grounding strap. The purpose is to assure proper grounding of the vehicle hood for electrical continuity and to prevent radio interference.  We do keep these in-stock.

Hood to chassis grounding strap (E30 3-series 84-91):

Q car year: 2006
car model: 330i
My battery is the original in the car. (e90) Last winter and now this winter it seems that this battery is on its way out. I am researching the proper way to replace the battery. Is this a “dealer-only” thing? I thought i read somewhere that the car has to be programmed to see the new battery or something. What would happen if i just replaced the battery myself (like every other car i have owned)? Please explain the correct steps to replace the battery on this car. I see that it has the bracket over it and the 2 terminals, but there is an extra module or something over the positive post.

A
See the link below for general information on late model BMW battery replacement issues.

Click HERE for battery replaement and registering info.

Additionally, to address your specific questions:

The positive cable has a Battery Safety Terminal (BST) the is a power disconnect device.  The disconnect is activated via the Multiple Restrain System (MRS) module, in the event of a crash.

The negative cable carries the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS).  The IBS monitors battery conditions.

Finally, there is the rear power distribution panel, which is mounted on top of the battery.

Disconnect the negative and positive cable clamps and lift the cables, clamps and the rear power distribution panel off the battery and lay the assembly aside.  You can now remove the battery hold-down (at rear of battery), disconnect the vent hose and lift the battery out.

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q
car year: 1991
car model: 325i Convertible
When I turn the ignition key on three of the green service interval lights come on but when I start the engine the green lights go out but then the yellow oil service light flickers. Also last week the obc light got very dim then went out. Could I have a wiring problem or two unrelated problems happened at the same time?

A
This answer is applicable to most ’80s model BMWs; 318i, 318is, 318ic, 325, 325e, 325es, 325i, 325is, 325ic, 325ix, 528e, 533i, 535i, 535is, M5, 633csi, 635csi, L6, M6, 733i, 735i, 745i, L7.

Have you attempted to reset the oil service indicator?  While the indicator lights do not typically flicker, it may be that you need to reset the indicator in order for the yellow light to reset.  If the light (lights) will not reset, and stay reset, you may need to replace the Service Interval Circuit Board, in the instrument cluster.  We do offer two options in tools that will reset the oil and the inspection reminder lights.  One tool just does these resets, the other tool will also read and reset the engine management fault codes.  See the links below.

Reset tools (after clicking link, ID your BMW model to see which tools work for your model):

Service Interval PC boards:

The lighting for the OBC is likely just a failed illumination bar.  These are easily replaced.  See the article and Fast Times Newsletter DIY at the link below.

Click HERE for BMW OBC illumination info & DIY link

OBC illumination bar:

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q
car year: 1995
car model: 525i
Do you have any videos I can watch,for changing transmission fluid and differential fluid.

A
We do not currently have videos for auto trans or differential fluid changes (we are working on them though). The Bentley repair manual for the E34 chassis (5-series 89-96) does cover these tasks, they will for other BMW and MINI models.  We also a few newsletter DIY articles on these procedures (see links below).

Our DIY automatic transmission article is done on a later model V8 5-series so the drain and fill plug locations are different, but the overall procedure is the same for your 525i and other BMW models . The A4S-310R (also known as 4L30E) transmission in your 525i, was also used in all E34 525i and 525ti models from 91 through 96, and the E36 3-series models (3i8i, 318is, 318ic, 323is, 323ic, 325i, 325is, 325ic, 328i, 328is, 328ic models 92-98, no M3). This transmission has a drain plug on the bottom of the main pan (the larger pan) and the fill plug is on the side of the pan, on the driver side, toward the rear. We also recommend that you drop the smaller forward pan in order to remove more of the old fluid. There is no drain plug on this pan, so you just loosen the mounting bolts and allow the pan to lower at one end, then fully remove it.

Click below for automatic transmission fluid and filter change DIY:

The DIY article on the differential fluid would be the most applicable to your 525i. The fill and drain plugs will be in similar locations.  This same article also shows a fluid change for manual transmissions.

Click below for differential and manual transmission fluid change DIY:

In addition to the fluids and the filter, you will need the Allen tool set (for the differential plugs and maybe the auto trans plugs) and the fluid pump (to get the new fluids up into the trans and differential).  And, finally, we would recommend installation of our high-power magnetic drain plugs.  These will collect the microscopic metal wear particles, keeping them from flowing through the assembly between fluid changes.

Transmission and differential plug tool set:

Fluid pump:

Magnetic drain plugs:

Differential and transmission fluids
(ID your BMW or MINI and then search “differential fluid” or “transmission fluid”):

Automatic transmission filter kits: