I Give Up - Impossible Bulb Replacement

O

oo7ml

Active member
Hi,

I've changed the bulbs on my Z4(s) a lot of the last 6-7 years, and i've never had a problem... but i just can't get at this one (see image below).

HOW THE #*^% DO YOU TAKE IT OUT :-)

bulb.jpg


I've tried the normal turn the wheel to the side and access the panel in the arch, but it's impossible to get at it.

I presume you need to take the wheel off to change this bulb?

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
It's difficult to describe how to do this but you can do it. The bulb is accessible from the hatch, you just can't see it. The only advice I can give, is keep fumbling around in there and you will find it. At least, thats what my wife says.
 
Stick your hand in and feel for a piece of plastic similar to a ice lolly stick
While looking into the light you will notice if you knock the right bit because the bulb will move
 
as stated above, its a bit fiddly but once u have done it a few times like i have (kept buying cheap LED bulbs as they looked cool, but lasted a month before failing lol) its easy.

the back of the bulb mount has a thin lolly stick like piece of plastic about an inch long, once you grip that u just pull it backwards, you might find it easier turning the side lights on (do the side that hasn't blown yet so it works....) and give all the pieces of plastic you grip a little wiggle and you will soon notice the bulb wiggling when you get the right piece.

also try looking in the manual as it gives a good cross sectional drawing which will help you see where the piece of plastic that you are after should be sitting, and what it looks like etc :thumbsup:


hope that helps :D
 
When I replaced mine I found it easier to jack the car up and it gives you better access
 
looks like the 'parking' bulb to me. It is a bit of a faff, but I managed to change both of mine to LEDs without jacking the car up [good job really as I haven't one :( ]

Wheel to full lock, cover plate off, hatch off, fiddle blindly about to find bulb, change bulb, reverse procedure, then repeat for other side.

You'll get there eventually. :o
 
As I once said on here many moons ago-what a complete fookin faffing around-you would think you should be able to change a bulb on the side of a dark country road(in an emergency) :headbang:
 
andysat said:
As I once said on here many moons ago-what a complete fookin faffing around-you would think you should be able to change a bulb on the side of a dark country road(in an emergency) :headbang:
Click to expand...
Oh you poor deluded fool, Emergency bulb kit is a requirement for abroad, but what use it is it? :evil:

Gone are the "good old days". Open the bonnet, take off the headlight cover, there is the bulb, change it, job done.

Be thankful you haven't other makes of cars where it is a headlight unit out to swap!!! :thumbsdown:
 
thepits said:
andysat said:
As I once said on here many moons ago-what a complete fookin faffing around-you would think you should be able to change a bulb on the side of a dark country road(in an emergency) :headbang:
Click to expand...
Oh you poor deluded fool, Emergency bulb kit is a requirement for abroad, but what use it is it? :evil:

Gone are the "good old days". Open the bonnet, take off the headlight cover, there is the bulb, change it, job done.

Be thankful you haven't other makes of cars where it is a headlight unit out to swap!!! :thumbsdown:
Click to expand...
Have I heard right that on some models you have to remove the bumper?
 
Couple of tips... Don't do it when the car is wet - that way lies condensation in the headlights, which is another headache to fix (though you can - need to borrow a coupe driver's hair dryer though). I know this because I did it with melting snow on my last Z :headbang:

... Also, it is much easier to get into the arch and at the light unit by turning the wheel OUT on the side you are working on. Counterintuitive, but the gods honest truth.

While you're at it check the rubber seal on the cover - if it's looking dried up / shrunken then best to get some new back covers from a stealer. Rubber perishes and shrinks over time, and whilst it may have been sealed for years once you break it the tiniest gap will let water in. Last I heard they were about a tenner each from the dealer so not a lot for peace of mind. That said, you can also try turning it over, so that the inside of the rubber that has been protected is facing out - usually in better condition, and a decent cheap cheat.
 
When I take my light covers off I pack the rubber seal with Vaseline. Hasn't developed condensation once since I did that
 
andysat said:
Have I heard right that on some models you have to remove the bumper?
Click to expand...

Yep, my DD Polo requires the bumper to be removed, IIRC there's 21 fixings made up of bolts, screws & clips to remove before the bumper pulls forward & drops to the ground, then & only then can you get to the screws that hold the headlight units in, needless to say that I change both of the main beam H7's whilst the car is in bits.

I've got the job down to sub 2 hours now start to finish. :headbang:

Tony
 
Beetlegav said:
When I take my light covers off I pack the rubber seal with Vaseline. Hasn't developed condensation once since I did that
Click to expand...

Personally I wouldn't do that - Vaseline is very bad for rubber. I'd use a silicone spray /wipe of some kind instead.
 
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