Fixing the yellow lights on your BMW G30, G31 (pre-Facelift), or F90 M5 may seem daunting, especially for a first-time DIYer. You may be worried it’s too time-consuming, too complex, or you may end up spending a couple thousand at the mechanic– but it doesn’t have to be that way. 

In this guide, we’ll thoroughly explain how to fix yellowing headlights step-by-step, starting with understanding how the problem occurred and the tools you'll need before you begin. 

Why do BMW Angel Eyes Turn Yellow?

The most common trigger for halo lights' yellowing is when the connection point between the LED module and the headlight heats up and deteriorates. In this case, the best solution would be to replace the LED module located behind the headlight assembly. 

How To Replace The LED Module, Step By Step 

Replacing the LED module is relatively easy, as long as you’ve got the patience for it and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty. Start by locating the module under the headlight assembly, which can be easily accessed by removing the bumper and grille. 

Before you get into taking your car apart, here’s what you’ll need for the job: 

Tools You’ll Need

  • Impact gun with extender (8mm, 10mm)
  • Torx bits (T25, T30),
  • 5/16" socket and 17 mm socket (for wheels)
  • Ratchet with extensions
  • Pick tools to help reach hard-to-reach places. 
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Dremel tool (for cleaning burned LED tubes, if needed)

After gathering the tools, follow this step-by-step guide to repair yellowing angel eyes:

Step 1: Preparation 

The first step is to disconnect the battery and wheels before removing the bumper. You will need to lift the vehicle using a jack or a lift ramp for better access to the internal components. 

  1. Unscrew the wheel cover: Using a 5/16 socket, remove the screws attached to the front wheel cover and set them aside safely, as you will need to reattach them at the end. 
  1. Remove the latch: Before you completely remove the liner, there will be a latch attached with clips that you can pry off with trim removal pliers. Follow the same process on the other side. 

Step 2: Remove Lower Bumper Clips

  1. Next up, you’ll find a set of about four to five clips attached underneath the bumper on each side. Starting at the edge of the bumper, remove each clip with a pick tool and set them aside safely. 
  2. Inspect all fasteners and replace any missing clips before reassembly.

Step 3: Remove The Screws

  1. With the clips separated, you can move on to the screws holding the bumper in place. You’ll find them almost lined up next to each other, which you can easily remove with the help of a 5/16". 
  2. For the second screw, you may need an extension with the 5/16. Remove the two screws on the other side. 

Step 4: Disconnect Electrical Sensors 

When removing the screws, you may encounter sensors on each side that you’ll need to unplug. 

  1. It can be a crankshaft position sensor (CPS) (yellow and purple sensor) that requires a push-and-pull tactic.
  1.  An airflow sensor that you can pull out with a flathead screwdriver by lifting the tab.
  1. On the other side, you’ll find the parking sensor with yellow and green wires. Push on the little clip, then push and pull forward to detach it.

Step 5: Remove the Front Grilles

  1. Using a pick tool, push the clips forward from left to right to automatically loosen the grilles. 
  2. You might need to wiggle them a bit before they fully come out.  Follow the same process on the other side. 

Step 6: Detach the Front Bumper

With the fixed parts removed, you can easily remove the front bumper to gain access to the underside of the headlights. 

  1. Using a pick tool, loosen the set of clips situated at the top of the grille. Gently push forward, and soon you’ll have the lower bumper detached from the front. 
  1. Place the bumper on a short stool to prevent it from pulling on the attached parking distance control sensors that run from side to side. 

Step 7: Remove The Covers

The next step is to remove the covers, which are placed above the headlight assembly. 

  1. Using a pick tool, pull out the attached screws, and then pull the wrapped line tucked beneath the cover’s edge. As you pull, the cover will automatically loosen and pull free.

Step 8: Extract The LED Module 

Now that the bumper has been safely removed, you can easily access the LED module. Don’t get it confused with the parking light module, which is also situated behind the headlights. To access the LED module, hidden behind the headlights, you’ll have to unscrew the big Torx T20 screws holding the headlight together. 

Step 9: Loosen the Headlight

If access is tight, partially remove the headlight. 

  1. With a T30, remove the three screws situated at the top of the vehicle. 
  2. To dismantle the headlight, you’ll need to loosen the actuators but not completely remove them. 
  3. Gently pull on the headlight to access the LED module. Now you can either flip it in place to access the module or disconnect the main headlight connector to completely remove the headlight. 

Step 10: Replace the LED Module

  1. Remove the two T20 bolts holding the old module together. 
  2. This will expose a little clip, which you can push down on each side to pull it out. 
  3. This will reveal the two tubes on which the LED module will sit. Attach it to the connector and tighten the T20 bolts back. 
  4. Screw the bolts evenly to ensure the gasket sits evenly to prevent moisture ingress. 

Step 11: Clean Burned LED Tube (If Yellow Light Persists)

If the light remains yellowish after replacement, the inner LED tube may be scorched.

  1. Use a Dremel tool with a fine needle bit.
  2. Carefully drill about ½ inch (1 cm) into the inner diameter of the tube to remove the burn residue and discolouration.
  3. Reinstall the headlight and test — the Angel Eyes should shine crisp white.

Step 11: Reassemble Everything

Start by doing everything in reverse order. 

  1. Reinstall the headlights and tighten the T30 screws. 
  2. Secure actuator brackets with the help of a pick tool. 
  3. Reattach the bumper:
    1. Align all clips and tabs.
    2. Tighten side screws and top fasteners.
    3. Reconnect all sensors.
  4. Reinstall grilles, liners, and wheels.

Step 12: Final Test 

  1. Reconnect the battery.
  2. Switch on the headlights.
  3. Confirm the Angel Eyes emit a bright white light with no dashboard errors.

Potential Considerations 

An integral component of this procedure is the LED Module's compatibility. Make sure the part number is accurate and matches the faulty LED Module's number of pins. Compare each module together before making a purchase, as this step can save you tons of money and stress in the long run. 

At Xenons4U, we take care of all the minute details, such as making sure you have the right part. Our team of car specialists will help you get the part that you’re looking for and assist you through each part of the installation process. Our 1039.001 UBL2437 UBL2841 63117214939 LED Module is a factory-fitted replacement compatible with a range of vehicles. With us, you can avoid a stressful trip to the mechanic and get the highest-quality original OEM car parts. 

Part Numbers & Compatibility List

This module fits a range of models, ensuring broad compatibility: 

ZKW part numbers

  • 1039.001
  • 1039001
  • UBL2841--A/00
  • UBL2841
  • UBL2437-B00
  • UBL2437
  • 16107-2
  • 16111-2L/16111-2R

BMW part numbers:

  • 63117214939
  • 7214939

Compatible BMW 5 series G30 G31 Pre-Facelift F90 M5 Adaptive LED headlamps

  • ZKW 1039.611.C006
  • BMW 7214961-01 63117214961
  • ZKW 1039.713.0006
  • BMW 74397211-01
  • 1039.713.0006
  • 10397130006
  • 7439211-01
  • 1039.713.0009
  • 8499125-03
  • 1039.713.0000
  • 7214963-06
  • 1039.611.0005
  • 7483545-01

Compatible BMW cars:

  • 5 Series: G30 Saloon Sedan 2016 2017 2018
  • 5 Series: G31 Estate Wagon 2016 2017 2018
  • 520i 530i 530e iPerformance 540i M550i xDrive 
  • Petrol Gasoline Hybrid PHEV
  • 520d 525d 530d 540d M550d xDrive M-Sport
  • Diesel
  • 5 Series: F90 M5 2016 2017 2018
  • 6 Series: G32 GT Gran Turismo 2016 2017 2018