E46 BMW Coupe Corner Bulb Replacement

[kayger12]

Ok-- so you sedan jockeys are gonna love this one. I go out to pull my corner bulbs so I can make sure I'm buying the correct size stealth bulbs to replace them, and I open the hood to find this

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff401/Kayger12/2010-12-28_12-31-58_190.jpg

Are you kidding me, German engineers? How the hell am I supposed to get in there?

Any of you coupe gents figure out the best way to do this yet?

Looks like I either have to pop the headlight out, remove the windshield washer reservoir, or find someone with small fore-limbs, great manual dexterity, and a boat-load of patience.

[az3579]

Ouch. I don't understand why they didn't make the turn signal section detachable on the coupe...

[Mtnman]

well. on the sedan its easy..... :)

If you can remove the washer tank and get to it, do that. That is a 3 minute removal. One screw. Pop the pump out of its "housing sleeve" and the tank will be in your hand.

David

[kayger12]

well. on the sedan its easy..... :)

If you can remove the washer tank and get to it, do that. That is a 3 minute removal. One screw. Pop the pump out of its "housing sleeve" and the tank will be in your hand.

David

I like any sub-5 minute plan. I'll check that out. Thanks.

[danewilson77]

Yeah...I sucked out wiper fluid with my Motive fluid extractor...then removed the tank.

For the drivers side...I pulled the intake filter housing, which gave me enough room.

[kayger12]

Yeah...I sucked out wiper fluid with my Motive fluid extractor...then removed the tank.

For the drivers side...I pulled the intake filter housing, which gave me enough room.

Ok. Thanks. Wanted to make sure I wasn't missing an obvious and easier way.

[danewilson77]

I was actually able to dhu it (once) without pulling the tank....but it ensures you get the bulb and boot put back on correctly, by removing the tank.

[Mtnman]

Dane,
wouldn't u just unscrew the one screw that holds in your turn signal on the corner light? I thought this was a coupe problem. I swear my corners come out with a phillips head and about 30 seconds.....

[kayger12]

Dane,
wouldn't u just unscrew the one screw that holds in your turn signal on the corner light? I thought this was a coupe problem. I swear my corners come out with a phillips head and about 30 seconds.....

Yeah, that's how the sedan works. I'm thinking Dane was prolly helping someone who owned a coupe--

[Mtnman]

Yeah, that's how the sedan works. I'm thinking Dane was prolly helping someone who owned a coupe--

Hope so. If not, im losing it. Ive only pulled those dang things out about 4 times per side...so i was wondering where my mind went if I had to do all that every time!

[kayger12]

I was actually able to dhu it (once) without pulling the tank....but it ensures you get the bulb and boot put back on correctly, by removing the tank.

Ok. Is it the 'ol rubber boot/twist lock in the channel design?

[danewilson77]

Well....not sure what you're describing...but...

the cover just unclips at the top, then you tilt is toward the rear of the car....and remove. The HID bulb socket is actually held in with a metal spring clip.....

[kayger12]

Well....not sure what you're describing...but...

the cover just unclips at the top, then you tilt is toward the rear of the car....and remove. The HID bulb socket is actually held in with a metal spring clip.....

Ok. That'll work. Thanks.

[pyreguy]

30 second corner light removal, another good reason to have a sedan.... :biggrin

[kayger12]

30 second corner light removal, another good reason to have a sedan.... :biggrin

Yep-- Love the coupe but the whole headlight setup is killing me. Gotta bake the lights for AE's, gotta remove components to change a light bulb....

[az3579]

Dane at one point owned a facelift coupe.

[danewilson77]

Yes...yes I did....and I would have hated the light setup in it...

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Black%20Bimmer/DSC02986sz1200.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Black%20Bimmer/DSC02990sz1200.jpg

[kayger12]

Oh yeah-- forgot about dat

[floydpo]

Ok-- so you sedan jockeys are gonna love this one. I go out to pull my corner bulbs so I can make sure I'm buying the correct size stealth bulbs to replace them, and I open the hood to find this

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff401/Kayger12/2010-12-28_12-31-58_190.jpg

Are you kidding me, German engineers? How the hell am I supposed to get in there?

Any of you coupe gents figure out the best way to do this yet?

Looks like I either have to pop the headlight out, remove the windshield washer reservoir, or find someone with small fore-limbs, great manual dexterity, and a boat-load of patience.

hi there i am a newbie here and don't know if this was a late question but i just had the same problem as what the title says with my dad car. want to know if how'd you replace the E46 Coupe Corner Bulb and your Windshield Washer Reservoir? thanks a lot :blushing

[danewilson77]

Its easy with a Motive Fluid Power Extractor.

You are referring to the most outboard headlight bulb correct? Usually we call the blinkers...corners.....so I just wanted to be sure.

Just suck out/drain the windshield washer fluid.
Disconnect sensors and pump.
Remove tank.
Remove rubber boot over back of light.
Unclip and pull out lighting element.