fog light bulb replacement question. - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

E39 MFIVE · 30th December 2005, 23:32

my Passengerside fog light went out, so I went out and got a
replacement bulb. Now just have to replace it.

Yes I did search and read the owners manual.
But still kinda vague.

Ok..

According to the owners manual. The plastic Panel next to the
fog light housing need to be removed. But in another thread
that discusses the DIY bulb change didn't refer to that.
If you do have to remove the plastic panel next to the fog lamp
assembly. How do you remove it? Owners manual didn't say.

After inspecting the area. I don't see how the plastic panel can be removed.
is there a certain way?? Or do you just wedge a flat head screw driver and
pry it out?? <-- really would not like to do that.

Now the fog light assembly.. The black ring around the actual Lamp.
Does that have to removed. If so.. Does it just snap out??
and do I use the little hole on the side to pull it out?

Once I take off the black ring.. It exposes the screw behind the
black ring. Once I unscrew that.. Im assuming the light assembly
should come out. Then I can replace the bulb.

any insight /pictures/linked threads/advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance..
and Happy New years Eve eve.....

jclyman · 31st December 2005, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by E39 MFIVE

According to the owners manual. The plastic Panel next to the
fog light housing need to be removed. But in another thread
that discusses the DIY bulb change didn't refer to that.
If you do have to remove the plastic panel next to the fog lamp
assembly. How do you remove it? Owners manual didn't say.

After inspecting the area. I don't see how the plastic panel can be removed.
is there a certain way?? Or do you just wedge a flat head screw driver and
pry it out?? <-- really would not like to do that.

Now the fog light assembly.. The black ring around the actual Lamp.
Does that have to removed. If so.. Does it just snap out??
and do I use the little hole on the side to pull it out?

Once I take off the black ring.. It exposes the screw behind the
black ring. Once I unscrew that.. Im assuming the light assembly
should come out. Then I can replace the bulb.

I can get you half-way there ...

... You have to use a flat blade screwdriver to pry it out ... just like the manual says, as I recall. Having done it to replace a broken lense (the entire unit had to be replaced), I have done it ... One caution ... spray with water all around the area ... spray HARD, as you will want to remove any tiny rocks that have jammed between the black ring and the paint while driving at speed ... I didn't and had small scratches on the paint that show, if you look carefully (no concourse, now).

I don't remember how to replace the bulb (I think I still have the bulb, but can't remember the details) BUT, I WOULDN'T touch any screws ... I think it(they) is for adjusting the beam. I would guess, and vaguely remember, there is some kind clip that springs out to remove the bulb ...

If you get it out ... you will probably have to "unplug" a wire to completely remove the bulb holder, unless you're a midget. It should be obvious when you see it in your hands ... I HATED having to use a screwdriver that close to the paint (I actually used a cloth to protect the paint under the screwdriver, but the sand, grit, rocks actually did the damage).

E55AMG2 · 31st December 2005, 00:33

No screwdriver necessary. Just put your fingers inside the hole (on the inside rounded part of the plastic) and pull towards you, it will pop out. Then, remove the assembly (phillips screwdriver IIRC) and undo the two tabs that are holding the assy together. Open the assy, replace the bulb, and install in reverse.

E39 MFIVE · 31st December 2005, 04:13

Success...

well I went and ventured to replace the bulb.

E55 was right. The black plastic around the fog light assembly is connected
to the Black inserts next to the lights. Its held on by 3 clips.
I just kinda pulled on the black roundel on the inside of the fog lamps
and it came out. (btw i was praying i didn't break anything) while my wife
looks on with a very worried look on her face. Talk about vote of confidence.

Once I got the black insert/black ring around the light off. It was pretty straight
forward. BUT unlike the OWNERS Manual.. There was no Spring or clip.
The fog light assembly was just held on with 1 bolt. I believe 8mm.
The smallest wrench in the tool kit fitted it.
Twisted out the bulb, unhooked the wiring.. and changed bulbs and
waaalaaaa.. Done.. and Repeated process in reverse.

One bad thing. As Jclynnman did warn me. I put a scratch on the inside
of the insert area. From removing/inserting the part. Errrrr
Thats after I power washed the Beast in a DIY car wash..

Well Hope this helps some of you in the future.

Thanks fellas.. once again..

jclyman · 31st December 2005, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by E39 MFIVE

Success...

well I went and ventured to replace the bulb.

E55 was right. The black plastic around the fog light assembly is connected
to the Black inserts next to the lights. Its held on by 3 clips.
I just kinda pulled on the black roundel on the inside of the fog lamps
and it came out. (btw i was praying i didn't break anything) while my wife
looks on with a very worried look on her face. Talk about vote of confidence.

Once I got the black insert/black ring around the light off. It was pretty straight
forward. BUT unlike the OWNERS Manual.. There was no Spring or clip.
The fog light assembly was just held on with 1 bolt. I believe 8mm.
The smallest wrench in the tool kit fitted it.
Twisted out the bulb, unhooked the wiring.. and changed bulbs and
waaalaaaa.. Done.. and Repeated process in reverse.

One bad thing. As Jclynnman did warn me. I put a scratch on the inside
of the insert area. From removing/inserting the part. Errrrr
Thats after I power washed the Beast in a DIY car wash..

Well Hope this helps some of you in the future.

Thanks fellas.. once again..

Guess I learned something as well ... didn't realize you didn't need a screwdriver. It is tough to keep from scratching the inner surfaces of the fog light hole ... maybe one could slide a thin piece of linen around the light housing and pull right and left to clean ... hum m m m m ... but, it is still an awesome car!

Need4Spd · 31st December 2005, 20:09

Quote:

Guess I learned something as well ... didn't realize you didn't need a screwdriver.

Yeah, I had to learn this early on when a rock hit my fog and shattered the lens. Amazing how you can just grab it and pull it out, isn't it?