Front Indicator bulb

[PhilT]

Hey everyone,

The front indicator bulb has gone on my 2004 E53 - anyone know if you can DIY replace (& if so how). The car has xenons and for some reasons I've got the idea in my head that its a dealer only job (something to do with the vacuum) - though I could be imaginging this

I cant see any way to get to the indicator bulb holder - other than remoing the headlight unit but don't wanna try this if it could mess up the xenons.

Any help/advice appreciated.
Phil.

[Sanj]

It is DIY if you have small hands!

The unit has to be unbolted and moved forward to get your hand into the wing, behind the indcator. It has a large plastic piece on the back to grab and turn. They know it's a sh!t design and a b!tch to get at, hence the big grabbing flanges on the back.

I don't have the car with me at the minute but sure you have to undo the top two screws and the on'e at the base behind the lamp and then move it forward. Definitely mark where they are seated as these will end up changing the angle of the light afterwards! Awful design!

[PhilT]

Cheers Sanj,

I'm gonna have a go now - what should o be marking, the position of the actual unit?

Phil.

[Sanj]

The screws location on the headlamp unit where they sit. You'll find a slot rather than a hole for them, designed to allow them to slide the headlamp unit. Put a pencil/pen mark around the head of all four screws to get them in the same place when u finish.

[pvr]

I did the same on mine a while back, takes about 15 minutes tops to do it. Do mark the screw positions though, that is important.

[PhilT]

Cheers guys, Sanj you're a star.

All done - bit fiddly - didnt realise the bulb holder was cableless & dropped the whole thing down into the void but managed to fish it back out - new bulb in and hopefully all lined up OK. Is there any way to tell (apart from loads of angry drivers giving me abuse

Old bulb had a chrome(?) finish & could only get clear today so will have to replace again when I can get a chrome one but at least it's working again (and I know how to replace now).

Thanks again
Phil.

[Sanj]

You're welcome mate.

Buy same bulb as you have and replace other side if OK in appearance when they flash?

I used the wall at night and made sure that it was lower if driverside and slightly higher if passenger side, when beam hits the wall.