Replacing incandescent lamps (BMW 3 Series E30)

Headlights

Open the engine compartment hood.

Low beam and parking lights are located in the outer headlights. High beam lights are located in the inner headlights. The description applies to all lights.

Turn off the corresponding lamp or disconnect the ground wire from the battery.



Remove the plastic cover from the back of the headlight. To do this, turn the rotary locks (arrows) 90° to the left.

Remove the rubber cap from the connector.



Turn counterclockwise to release and remove the cover cap "1".

Note: On vehicles produced since September 1987 with elliptical low beam headlights, turn the cover lever counterclockwise and pull the bulb holder out of the reflector.

Disconnect the clamp "2" and remove the defective lamp.



Remove the parking light bulb from the reflector.

Insert the incandescent lamp so that the protrusions enter the corresponding cutouts in the housing. Snap the clamping bracket into place.

Insert the parking light bulb into the reflector.

Place the cover on and secure it by turning it to the right.

Caution: To prevent water from entering through the cover, ensure that it is secured with all 3 bayonet lock latches.

Connect the connector with the rubber cap.

Place the plastic cover and secure with 2 locks.

Fog lights

Remove 2 screws from the diffuser and pull out the headlight housing.

Disconnect the wire clip, replace the halogen lamp.

Connect the wire snubber, install the housing.

Direction indicators

Remove 2 screws from the diffuser and remove the diffuser.

Press lightly on the bulb, turn it to the left and pull it out.

Insert the lamp into the socket, press it down, turn it to the right and click it into place.

Install the diffuser with 2 screws.

Rear lights

Open the luggage compartment.

Release the quick-release locks on the reflector and remove the reflector.



Press lightly on the defective bulb, turn it to the left and pull it out.



Insert and secure the reflector with quick-release fasteners. Ensure contact between the lamp and the supply contacts.

License plate light

Remove 2 screws from the diffuser and remove the diffusers with the gasket.

Remove the defective spotlight.

Check the spring properties of the contacts: the spotlight should sit tightly in the contacts. If necessary, bend the contacts.

Check the integrity and absence of cracks in the gasket; if necessary, replace the gasket.

Install the diffuser with 2 screws, making sure to install the gasket correctly.

Interior light

Press the interior light with a screwdriver, replace the spotlight. If necessary, bend the contacts.

Insert the interior light into the cutout in the ceiling.

Luggage compartment light

Open the luggage compartment.



Press out the luggage compartment light with a screwdriver, replace the spotlight. If necessary, bend the contacts.

Insert the luggage compartment light into the tailgate.

Connect the ground wire to the battery. Turn on the lamp and check the operation.