How Much Do BMW Lights Cost? A Complete Guide
Image: BMW 1 Series LED headlight, left (passenger side), F40 – damaged unit, £284.99 at mtautoparts.com
If there’s one thing BMW owners learn quickly, it’s this: the car might be a joy to drive, but replacing a broken light can feel like applying for a mortgage. Modern BMW lighting is clever, sharp-looking and packed with tech, and that means the price tag often stings more than the stone that cracked your headlight in the first place.
So, how much should you expect to pay in the UK? And is buying used genuine quality BMW lights actually worth it? Here’s the full, friendly breakdown.
Why BMW Lights Cost More Than You Think
Once upon a time, a “headlight” was a bulb in a box. Today, a BMW headlight is practically an iPad with lenses. Inside you’ll find:
Adaptive cornering motors
LED projectors
Cooling fans
Matrix high-beam shutters
CANBUS-controlled modules
DRLs that look like they belong in a sci-fi film
All that tech is brilliant on the road, until something breaks. A new headlight can easily climb past £1,800, even on a mid-range model.
Fortunately, used OEM light units soften the blow in a big way.
BMW Headlights: The Expensive One
New from BMW: £1,500–£3,500
Used OEM: £400–£1,400 (based on MT Auto Parts ranges)
If it’s a 1 Series or a big X5, headlights are the main event. And prices vary massively:
X3/X4 Adaptive LEDs often land around £1,100–£1,300 used
5 Series G30 LED units usually sit between £800–£950
Older Xenon BMW headlights tend to be £400–£550
Laser BMW headlights, fitted to higher-end G-generation models, are in a league of their own:
£1,200–£1,800 used
£2,500–£3,500 new
Laser units are stunning, but your wallet won’t thank you.
BMW Tail Lights: Much Kinder to Your Budget
New: £200–£450
Used OEM: £65–£250 each
Compared to headlights, taillights feel like a bargain. Even large G-generation SUV BMW tail lights are surprisingly reasonable when bought used:
X5/X6 rear lights: £150–£250
1 & 3 Series: £65–£120
Full LCI sets: £300–£750
Rear lights have fewer electronics and are easy to replace, which keeps prices down.
BMW Fog Lights: Small but Useful
New: £120–£200
Used: £40–£95
Fog lights rarely fail, but when they do, they’re among the cheapest BMW lights to replace. Even LED BMW fog lights for G-generation cars rarely exceed £90 when bought used.
Side Indicators, Wing Repeaters & Other Small Lights
New: £80–£160
Used: £30–£55
These are the simple bits, small LEDs, strips and repeaters. They’re often the cheapest components on the car and widely available.
High-Level Brake Lights (3rd Brake Lights)
New: £120–£240
Used: £40–£80
Even on higher-end models like the 6 Series Gran Coupé or G30 5 Series, used third brake lights rarely cost more than a tank of fuel.
What's Driving the Price Differences?
Three main things:
1. The model and generation
A G-generation BMW with Laserlight tech will always cost more than an F generation with standard LEDs.
2. LCI (facelift) vs. pre-LCI
Updated styling + newer tech = higher prices.
3. Condition and included modules
Some lights come fully loaded with control units; others are bare shells.
A used OEM BMW unit in “very good” condition can be half the price of a brand-new part and is often plug-and-play.
Why Most BMW Owners Choose Used BMW Lights
There’s a simple reason: the savings are huge.
No cheap aftermarket fitting issues
No warning lights
No flickering LEDs
No need to recode or modify anything
Used BMW lights are still genuine BMW units, just harvested from donor vehicles. Many owners like the idea that they’re also more sustainable.
Specialist BMW breakers, such as MT Auto Parts, stock a wide range of lights from late-model BMWs, often delivered within 24–48 hours. For most people, that’s the sweet spot between affordability and reliability.
So, How Much Should a BMW Owner Budget?
Here’s a quick, sensible estimate:
For most everyday BMWs, 1, 3, X1, X3 series models, used prices tend to sit comfortably under £800 for a headlight and under £150 for a tail light.
Final Thoughts
If you’re repairing or upgrading your BMW’s lighting, the UK market offers plenty of choice, but prices vary wildly. A brand-new headlight from BMW might feel like a financial uppercut, whereas a used genuine BMW unit from a specialist auto breaker can cost a third of the price and look identical once fitted.
If it’s a cracked fog light, a failed indicator or a full adaptive LED unit, always compare new, aftermarket and used OEM options. For most BMW owners, used OEM hits the perfect balance of quality, fitment and value.
Disclaimer: The price ranges in this guide are based on general UK market trends and typical used OEM stock levels from suppliers like MT Auto Parts. Prices vary by model, condition, specification and availability. Always check compatibility before purchasing.
