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Repair Summary
The following article gives detailed instructions on replacing the cornering lights in an LCI BMW E90 or E91 3 series vehicle with the xenon and adaptive headlight options. Even though we have used a 2011 335i sedan to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any 2009-2013 E90 or E91 sedan or touring wagon with the xenon and adaptive headlights with minor modifications.
A BMW E90 cornering light replacement takes less than 15 minutes and can save an unnecessary trip to the dealership.
There are many simple repairs that owners of 2009-2013 3 series sedans and wagons can do to save money...replacing the cornering light in the headlight assembly is one of them. BMW engineers were kind enough to leave access to the bulb on the top of the headlight assembly, making it an easy procedure for even the most novice of mechanics.
The cornering lights on BMW E90s serve as an extra source of brightness around dark curves. They are activated when the front wheels are turned, increasing visibility around corners and illuminating otherwise hidden objects like curbs or street signs.
The cornering lights on BMW E90 LCI vehicles with xenon and adaptive headlights are often mistaken for the vehicle's high beams since they are located in the interior lamp "circle". Since the xenon headlight acts as both the low and high beam, the interior lamp circle is used for the cornering light.
A BMW E90 cornering light replacement requires removing the lamp's covering plate which is held in place with three screws. The cornering light is an H3 halogen that is simply removed by releasing its metal retaining clip. We give detailed step-by-step instructions below on performing this repair.
Please note that this repair is only for 2009-2013 sedans and wagons with the xenon and adaptive headlight options. There were several different headlight assemblies produced for the E9x 3 series depending on model, year of production and lighting options. If you are not sure which headlight bulbs your 3 series vehicle has, simply look inside the engine compartment at the interior side of the headlight assembly. All BMW E90s with the optional xenon headlight bulbs will have a control unit that is easily visible (see following image).
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View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
All BMW vehicles
This is the same factory H3 Halogen bulb that would be installed at the BMW dealership.
All BMW vehicles
Don't let burnt out bulbs limit your vision at night. These Ziza Super White H3 bulbs will replace your stock bulbs, and emit a cleaner white light, comparable to 6000K HID color, when compared to the stock bulbs. These super white H3 replacement bulbs will get your exterior lights lit up properly, so you can see and be seen. This set includes 2 (two) bulbs.
All BMW vehicles
Don't let a burnt out bulb limit your vision at night. This H7 replacement bulb will get your exterior lights lit up properly, so you can see and be seen while driving in the dark. Silverstar bulbs are 100% street legal, and made to project a brighter, whiter light than standard bulbs; up to 35% brighter, up to 30% more down road visibility, and up to 35% more side road illumination for improved night vision.12V�55W
Section 1 - Removing and Installing the Cornering Lights
As discussed at the beginning of this article, performing a BMW E90 cornering light replacement on your 2009-2013 3 series sedan or wagon with xenon and adaptive headlights is very simple and takes less than 15 minutes. Never touch the bulb when reinstalling a new halogen cornering light...the oil from your skin can cause it to overheat, severely shortening its lifespan.
- Raise the hood of the vehicle and locate the cornering light's covering cap on the top of the headlight assembly.
- Remove the three screws anchoring the cap to the headlight assembly with a phillips screwdriver.
- Unplug the female disconnect at the top of the bulb.
- Unplug the bulb's male disconnect.
- Using your finger, disconnect the bulb's metal locking clips.
- Grab the bulb's electrical wire and pull it free from the headlight assembly.
- Install a new bulb following the above steps in reverse. Do not touch the new high beam bulb with your bare hands.
BMW E90 Cornering Light Replacement Finished
