2 questions on front indicator bulb (bulb code & install)

[jiggz]

I've searched on these topics and can't find much info...so new thread!

Quick background...
I want to replace the amber turn signal indicator bulbs with a silver coated bulb that still blinks amber. I don't want LED. I've always run Phillips Silvervisions on my 3 series but finding the Phillips PY24W bulbs for the E70 X5 is tough. Ebay sellers want $100+ if you can find any, otherwise it's mostly European vendors that don't ship to the U.S.

There was an OEM silver coated PY24W bulb, part # 63217162851, but it was 'ended' and replaced with part #63217161306. This new part is readily available everywhere but the bulb code changed to PSY 12V 24W SV.

1st question - is this new bulb compatible with the E70? Even with a new bulb code I'm thinking yes since the old and new part numbers are aligned, for lack of a better term.

2nd question - is replacing this bulb as easy as it seems - reaching behind the headlight assembly and simply unscrewing the turn bulb? I've watched some DIY videos on the E9x where they mention the X5 bulb swap should be the same (aside from accessing it) - I'm just confused as there are no wires attached the bulb mount?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

-Jeff

[NORCAL BMW]

I can't answer the first question, but I can the second. I just recently upgraded to the WeissLight LED turn signal bulbs. You can reach in through the engine bay and find a cap. Turn the cap and the bulb and cap will release. Attached the new bulb to the cap and line the bulb up to the socket, apply a little pressure and turn to lock it back in. No wires, I had it completed in about 5 minutes.

As a side note, I highly recommend the WeissLight LED bulbs. No codes, no wire harness, no resistors. Truly plug and play. You have the option of amber or white.

[mitch808]

You can do a very light silver coat with regular spray paint, and the amber still shows through, while blocking more than 95% of the amber bulb look. pretty common thing to do, and was the low cost alternative to the initial market release of silver coated bulbs.

[windtendo]

Originally Posted by NORCAL BMW

I can't answer the first question, but I can the second. I just recently upgraded to the WeissLight LED turn signal bulbs. You can reach in through the engine bay and find a cap. Turn the cap and the bulb and cap will release. Attached the new bulb to the cap and line the bulb up to the socket, apply a little pressure and turn to lock it back in. No wires, I had it completed in about 5 minutes.

As a side note, I highly recommend the WeissLight LED bulbs. No codes, no wire harness, no resistors. Truly plug and play. You have the option of amber or white.

The WeissLight bulbs don't require coding, but will flicker/strobe a few times on startup without coding.

[NORCAL BMW]

Originally Posted by windtendo

The WeissLight bulbs don't require coding, but will flicker/strobe a few times on startup without coding.

My cousin has flickering at startup in his 2011 X5M, however I do not. Is it possible the LCI headlight reacts different?

[windtendo]

Originally Posted by NORCAL BMW

My cousin has flickering at startup in his 2011 X5M, however I do not. Is it possible the LCI headlight reacts different?

That's an interesting point, you might be on to something. I have a 2011 X5M, and the WeissLight bulbs flickered before coding the bulb check off. Makes sense.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by NORCAL BMW

...Turn the cap and the bulb and cap will release. Attached the new bulb to the cap and line the bulb up to the socket, apply a little pressure and turn to lock it back in. No wires, I had it completed in about 5 minutes.

Thanks - that's what I figured. So somehow when the bulb & bulb holder are locked/twisted into place, a connection is made to power the bulb. Pretty slick.

Anybody else have info on the two bulbs codes and cross-compatibility? Don't really want to spray them...

[JupiterBMW]

Hey man, check Turner... I know they have the stealth bulbs that I had in my ZHP... They should have the correct bulb number for you... Give them a call and ask them what they have...

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

Hey man, check Turner... I know they have the stealth bulbs that I had in my ZHP... They should have the correct bulb number for you... Give them a call and ask them what they have...

Hey Jon…well I haven't called TMS but I've checked their site. They don't appear to carry the bulb size for the X5 turn indicator, but yes they do have the PY21W bulb for the ZHP. Too bad the X5 doesn't use that bulb as I still have a few boxes of those in the Phillips Silvervision flavor.

My local dealer has the current part #/updated bulb code in stock so I'll start there. They're cheaper online of course but after factoring in shipping, it's just about the same cost. Hope it works.

[jiggz]

So…replying to my own post, for those who might be searching in the future for information on this topic…

I ended up purchasing OEM part # 63217162851 from BMW Seattle (much less expensive online, but after shipping it was mostly a wash…). This is a silver coated, amber blinking front turn indicator, bulb code PSY 12V 24W SV (formerly PY24W). No errors, easy install, etc.

Many of you recommended LED, but given the E70 front headlight lens is clear/crystal clear (vs. a frosted look), IMO the halogen/silver coated bulbs look better than the goofy looking LED bulbs. The LED bulbs are easily visible through the front headlight lens and I don't think they look that pleasing to the eye.

Just my own .02.

[JupiterBMW]

Glad you got it sorted Jeff... Care to post any pics? The PO of our X put in some sort of aftermarket angel eye bulbs, and I'd like to get those replaced as well as get some stealth bulbs in the corners... Thanks in advance..

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

Glad you got it sorted Jeff... Care to post any pics? The PO of our X put in some sort of aftermarket angel eye bulbs, and I'd like to get those replaced as well as get some stealth bulbs in the corners... Thanks in advance..

I don't have any before/after pics…sorry all shoulda snapped some, but these are just turn signal bulbs.

I have a 2012 non-M so I've got the LED Coronas (angel eyes).

Jon…I bet you're dying at sea, thinking of all the stuff you're gonna do when you get home to FL to your ///M!

[JupiterBMW]

You know it man... By the way, did you get my PM on the Mafia?? Dropped you my cell number.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

You know it man... By the way, did you get my PM on the Mafia?? Dropped you my cell number.

Nope…no PM'S on mafia?

I know you spend a fair amount of time on the West coast….let me know when you're in Seattle and I will try to meet up…