How to Replace the Fog Lamp Bulbs on a 2002 BMW 525i

Iskandar Blogger 3:06 AM

The 5-series line of BMWs began back in 1972, when the German automaker eliminated the four-door 2800 model and replaced it with the much larger 520 in Europe. The 5-series finally crossed the pond in 1975 and arrived in U.S. showrooms in the form of the 530i. Staying true to the BMW tradition of matching up the model name with the engine size, the 530i came fitted with a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder that cranked out an outrageous-for-the-era 176 horsepower. It was not until 1989 that the 525i came stateside; it arrived in Europe in 1973. Replacing the fog lamp bulbs in the 2002 525i requires removing the fog lamp assembly, as there is no way to access the bulb with it installed.

Instructions

    1

    Look on the lower bumper grille and find the four push-pin-style clips securing it, two on either side. Pry the center of each push-pin-style clip outward with a flat-head screwdriver until it stops moving, then pry each push-pin-style clip from the grille.

    2

    Pull the lower bumper grille downward and off the grille, exposing the fog lamp mounting hardware behind it.

    3

    Remove the two screws securing the fog lamp assembly, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the fog lamp assembly from the bumper. Press and hold the unlocking button on the fog lamp bulb wiring harness, and pull the wiring harness from the fog lamp bulbs receptacle.

    4

    Gain a firm grasp of the rear of the fog lamp bulb and twist it a quarter-turn counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the fog lamp bulb from the fog lamp assembly.

    5

    Insert a new H8 style fog lamp bulb into its hole on the rear of the fog lamp assembly and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. Plug the wiring harness into the fog lamp bulbs receptacle until you hear it click into place.

    6

    Guide the fog lamp assembly back into its cavity in the bottom of the front bumper, lining up its two screw holes with those on the 525is front bumper. Hand-tighten the two fog lamp screws, then tighten the screws with a ratchet and socket.

    7

    Repeat steps 3 through 6 to replace the fog lamp bulb on the other side of the 525i.

    8

    Reinstall the lower grille, lining up the four retaining clip holes with the four holes on the lower part of the bumper. Insert the four push-pin-style retaining clips into the four holes, then press the center pin of each push-pin-style clip until its flush with the head of the clip.