330ci headlight bulb removal

[saleen836]

As title, Mrs Saleen needs the nearside dip headlight bulb replacing, before I start removing the airbox to gain access is it a case of the bulb holder needing to be twisted to remove or are they clipped? Can it be done without removing the airbox?

(big hands and very little space to gain access and don't want to break anything)

Cheers

[tgr]

No need to remove the airbox. Your manual will have a description & diagram but in essence I think you twist the central socket (to which the cable is connected) anti-clockwise within its housing. The bulb and socket will then pull out. Replace and refit in reverse. If it's not been done for a while it takes a bit of coaxing but it's not difficult

[RESSE]

Open the bonnet, turn the grey locking thing and the bulb will come out while still attached to the cable.

Pull out the old bulb and push the new one in.

It can be fiddly to get the holder back into the headlamp unit though, so allow some time for that. If you get the angle just right it goes straight in.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=5929...

Edited by RESSE on Sunday 15th January 14:40

[RESSE]

Hope this scan helps:

[Patrick Bateman]

I just did mine and the dipped beam bulbs do not have the rotating locking mechanism.

Once you remove the small lid to access them there is a cable to unplug then a latch to take off and free the bulb.

My compact had the rotating mechanism so I'm not sure how it varies between the models.

[Sticks.]

Patrick Bateman said:

I just did mine and the dipped beam bulbs do not have the rotating locking mechanism.

Once you remove the small lid to access them there is a cable to unplug then a latch to take off and free the bulb.

My compact had the rotating mechanism so I'm not sure how it varies between the models.

Same here , just changed them on our 55 330ci. Once the box is opened and the cable pulled off, the wire latch pushes down and away. One came off, bit fiddly to get back in the limited space. Make sure the bulbs are properly seated when replacing, otherwise the beam won't be right.

[Patrick Bateman]

Yeah there's a flat section with a tab on the bulb to keep you right.