indicator bulb replacement

oriole · 01-27-2013, 02:38 PM

how do i get at the front parking/indicator light bulbs to replace?. the owner's manual doesn't help.

Solidjake · 01-27-2013, 03:21 PM

- Pop the hood
- Look above the corner light, you will see a hole that will either show a philips head screw (+) or a flat piece.
- If it's the philips head take a screwdriver and loosen it then the corner will pop out
- If it's flat then push down on it and it will pop the corner out

christiandflores · 01-28-2013, 01:15 AM

maker sure you have the correct bulb, should be 1156 i believe

cityjohn · 01-28-2013, 02:09 AM

The correct bulb would be clear #7506 if you have orange lenses, and amber #7507 if you have clear lenses. Car made before 2003 should use the push-in style of lamp assembly rather than the screw-in type.

wvBimmer3Series · 01-29-2013, 08:19 AM

I found a video on YouTube showing me how to do this.

Good luck.

TotheMountains! · 02-27-2013, 10:25 AM

The owner's manual for my 2001 330xi is reasonably helpful, and the Bentley offers just a little more. That You Tube video is here:

What none of them warn about is that even gentle pressure on the 12-year-old plastic spring clip release is likely to break it if you're not extremely careful. Broke one Saturday, had its replacement from Bavarian Auto on Tuesday. Then the spring clip proved too strong when new, and I was very reluctant to force the light unit back into place. I tested/inspected the driver's side several times to understand fit & function, managing to break the plastic spring clip on that one in the discovery process; it's now held in by tape.

The secret to the passenger side unit that could not be gently forced back in far enough for the clip to engage and lock it in: filing back the notch on the spring clip, maybe 1mm. Not all plastic moldings will fit all cars as they come from the factory. I had everything right, but the clip was just a few c-hairs from engaging. After a little time with a file I managed to get it clipped in; she is some wicked tight now.

When I find a good parts car, I'm going to strip all the lights out of it.

01-27-2013, 02:38 PM	#1
oriole Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: waverly,pa Posts: 5 My Ride: 2002 330 convertible View My Garage	indicator bulb replacement how do i get at the front parking/indicator light bulbs to replace?. the owner's manual doesn't help.

01-27-2013, 03:21 PM	#2
Solidjake Mod Join Date: May 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 19,889 My Ride: 2002 330i View My Garage	- Pop the hood - Look above the corner light, you will see a hole that will either show a philips head screw (+) or a flat piece. - If it's the philips head take a screwdriver and loosen it then the corner will pop out - If it's flat then push down on it and it will pop the corner out __________________ Follow my cross country drive to Bimmerfest West 2013 http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=987217 Youtube - Electric Fan Swap/Aux Fan Removal - Projector Retrofit - E46 Bulb Guide

01-28-2013, 01:15 AM	#3
christiandflores Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Encinitas, CA Posts: 299 My Ride: BMW M3 E46 View My Garage	maker sure you have the correct bulb, should be 1156 i believe __________________ - Christian BMW M3 E46 \| Carbon Black Metallic \| Gray Nappa \| ZCP \| SMG \| 40% Tint \| LED Interior/Exterior Join Us at the San Diego North County Monthly BMW Meet

01-28-2013, 02:09 AM	#4
cityjohn Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,678 My Ride: 2001 M3 View My Garage	The correct bulb would be clear #7506 if you have orange lenses, and amber #7507 if you have clear lenses. Car made before 2003 should use the push-in style of lamp assembly rather than the screw-in type. __________________

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01-29-2013, 08:19 AM	#5
wvBimmer3Series Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lewisburg, WV Posts: 69 My Ride: '92 318ic, '01 325xi View My Garage	I found a video on YouTube showing me how to do this. Good luck.

02-27-2013, 10:25 AM	#6
TotheMountains! Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Maine Posts: 7 My Ride: 2001 330xi View My Garage	The owner's manual for my 2001 330xi is reasonably helpful, and the Bentley offers just a little more. That You Tube video is here: What none of them warn about is that even gentle pressure on the 12-year-old plastic spring clip release is likely to break it if you're not extremely careful. Broke one Saturday, had its replacement from Bavarian Auto on Tuesday. Then the spring clip proved too strong when new, and I was very reluctant to force the light unit back into place. I tested/inspected the driver's side several times to understand fit & function, managing to break the plastic spring clip on that one in the discovery process; it's now held in by tape. The secret to the passenger side unit that could not be gently forced back in far enough for the clip to engage and lock it in: filing back the notch on the spring clip, maybe 1mm. Not all plastic moldings will fit all cars as they come from the factory. I had everything right, but the clip was just a few c-hairs from engaging. After a little time with a file I managed to get it clipped in; she is some wicked tight now. When I find a good parts car, I'm going to strip all the lights out of it.