Replacing Sidelight DIY - E36 (with pic)

[evenflow]

Sidelight went on my E36 so went and bought a bulb for it.
Removed the bulb assembly from the light, but it seems that the bulb connections are actually welded to the connector. Does this mean I have to buy a whole new connector rather than just the bulb...?!

[E30M3SE]

No you just replace the bulb with a standard H1 bulb which is what you have in the picture, the connectors just pull off....... or they should do unless comeone has been at play.

[evenflow]

Tried pulling it out but they are *welded* in place (you can just see the welds in the pic below, marked with arrows)...

Edited by evenflow on Monday 21st July 14:25

[E30M3SE]

The connector goes on the large terminal onthe back of the bulb , the rectangular bit with the hole in it on the left hand side of your picture.

[evenflow]

Sorry, crossed wires (!). The problem is I can't remove the bulb from the metal bit due to the welds shown in the pic.

[E30M3SE]

evenflow said:

Sorry, crossed wires (!). The problem is I can't remove the bulb from the metal bit due to the welds shown in the pic.

You change the whole thing, it does not come apart where your trying to take it apart.

[evenflow]

Ah. I had bought a bulb on it's own and thought you just replaced that.
Know where I can get what I need? Thanks.

[E30M3SE]

evenflow said:

Ah. I had bought a bulb on it's own and thought you just replaced that.
Know where I can get what I need? Thanks.

BMW dealer, Halford's GSF, Eurocar parts, petrol stations, any other motor factors, you want an 55W H1 bulb.

[evenflow]

Thanks E30. Went and got the bulb, changed it, still not working.
Is the next thing to try to change fuses (11 & 25 I think)?

[E30M3SE]

evenflow said:

Thanks E30. Went and got the bulb, changed it, still not working.
Is the next thing to try to change fuses (11 & 25 I think)?

Check fuses, relay's and wiring.