BMW X5 Headlights: Specs, Fitment & Common Faults

Bulb type, unit part numbers, and the faults that actually cause that flickering or dim light you've noticed.

Illustration for editorial purposes

Opens live listings in a new tab.

OEM Part Number: confirm via VIN — aftermarket LH TYC 20-16554-06-9 / RH TYC 20-16553-06-9

Accuracy note: Covers the BMW X5 (F15 2013-2018) as listed in the UK aftermarket catalogues. Headlights are sold by side (passenger / nearside = LH, driver's / offside = RH on a UK car) and by lamp type — halogen, xenon (D1S / D3S) and LED or full-LED units are not interchangeable, and DRL, cornering and levelling options change the part number again. The references below are UK aftermarket catalogue listings for this generation, labelled by brand; genuine numbers are shown only where a listing quotes one. Check the lamp type and traffic side (UK right-hand-traffic units, not LHD) against your VIN, and expect xenon / LED and adaptive units to need levelling adjustment or coding after fitting.

Passenger side (LH / nearside) headlight — aftermarket	TYC 20-16554-06-9 (xenon D3S with LED, DRL, electric); Johns 20 75 09-1 (xenon D3S, LED DRL, electric motor); Diederichs 1293983 (bi-xenon D1 with LED, automatic); Magneti Marelli 710815029051 (bi-xenon D1, LED, automatic); Abakus 444-1168LMLEHM2 (xenon D1S, PY24W, electric); Abakus 444-1159LMLEAM2 (xenon D1S, H8, dynamic bending)
Driver's side (RH / offside) headlight — aftermarket	TYC 20-16553-06-9 (xenon D3S with LED, DRL, electric); Johns 20 75 10-1 (xenon D3S, LED DRL, electric motor); Van Wezel 0690982 (bi-xenon D1S, automatic); Van Wezel 0687986 (xenon D1S, H8, automatic); Diederichs 1293082 (bi-xenon D1 with LED, automatic); Abakus 444-1168RMLEHM2 (xenon D1S, PY24W, electric)
Bulb types	D1S and D3S xenon, H8 on adaptive units, PY24W indicator; halogen H7/H1 appears only on Johns 20 74 10 and Hella 1EL 224 units
Genuine (OE) numbers quoted	None quoted in catalogue listings — order genuine units against your VIN
Fitment notes	Mostly xenon, bi-xenon and LED units

A Genuinely Important UK Rule Worth Knowing Before You Buy — BMW X5 Headlights

If your X5 has factory-fitted halogen headlamp housings, converting them to fit LED bulbs is treated as a definite MOT failure under the current inspection manual — this isn't a grey area or a minor advisory, since a housing designed for halogen doesn't distribute an LED bulb's light output correctly, which can genuinely dazzle oncoming drivers. If you want a genuine LED upgrade, the correct route is a complete headlight unit designed for LED from the factory, not a bulb swap into an existing halogen housing.

Before you buy: matrix LED, adaptive, and cornering headlight systems often require electronic coding to the car after a unit swap, even for a genuine like-for-like replacement — a headlight that isn't recognised by the car's electronics can trigger warning lights or fail to auto-level correctly. Check whether your specific trim has one of these systems before assuming a straightforward bulb-in, bulb-out job.

BMW X5 Headlights: Watch: Replacing It

🎬 Watch: How To Change A HID Headlight Bulb - BMW X5 F15

Watch on YouTube ↗

F15 in title

BMW X5 Headlights: What It Does

On the BMW X5, the main and dipped beams, whether conventional bulbs or LED/matrix modules on higher trims, sit inside the headlight unit at an angle calculated to illuminate the road without dazzling other drivers. Many modern units also combine the daytime running light and indicator into that same housing, adding a layer of complexity to both part numbers and repairs.

BMW X5 Headlights: Generations, Derivatives & Headlight Type

E70/F15 (2007–2018)	Xenon or Adaptive Xenon depending on trim and options, with LED added as a later option
G05 (2018–present), standard	Adaptive LED comes as standard equipment across the range, not an optional extra — includes BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle high-beam and active cornering function; the X5/X6 get a unique flattened "eye" light graphic distinct from other BMW models
G05, Laser Light option	Genuinely bundled behind package requirements rather than available standalone — some configurations require also selecting the Executive Package or M Sport package to unlock Laser Light, even if you don't want the other contents of those packages

Find BMW X5 Headlights Here!

Opens live listings in a new tab.

BMW X5 Headlights: Common Faults, DIY Difficulty & Aftermarket Advice

These are the same regardless of make or model — see our full Headlights Guide for the four bulb technologies and how they differ, UK law on aim and modifications, common faults to check for, how difficult this job is to DIY, and confirming fitment against your VIN.

More BMW Headlights

The same part, covered across other BMW models.