Replacing incandescent lamps (BMW 3 Series E36)

Headlights

Open the engine compartment hood.

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

Caution: When the battery is disconnected, the information in the electronic memory devices is erased, such as the engine fault memory or the radio security code memory. Disconnect the battery only when the ignition is off, so as not to damage the fuel injection system control unit. When disconnecting the battery, follow the instructions in the sections "Radio" and "Removing and installing the battery".

Note: On vehicles with a six-cylinder engine, the battery is located in the luggage compartment on the right side next to the spare wheel.

Remove the plastic cover from the back of the headlight.



Disconnect the connector from lamp "2".



Disconnect the clamp "1" and remove the defective lamp.

Parking or side light bulbs: remove the bulb holder from the reflector, remove the bulb from the holder.

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

Put on the connector.

Insert the parking light bulb into the holder and insert the holder into the reflector.

Place the plastic cover on and snap it into place.

Fog lights

Remove the fog light.

Turn the plastic cap to the left and remove it from the rear of the headlight.

Disconnect the connector.

Disconnect the wire clip, replace the halogen lamp.

Connect the wire bracket, install the housing.

When replacing, insert the lamp and tighten it.

Front direction indicators

Remove the direction indicator.

Turn the lamp holder to the left and pull it out.

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.

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

Install the direction indicator.

Rear lights

Turn the lock 90° and remove the lampshade.







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

Press lightly on the bulb, turn it to the right and insert it.

Insert the cartridge and turn it to the right.

License plate light

Remove the license plate light.



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 license plate light.

Interior, luggage compartment and engine compartment lights

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

Only for reading lamp after removing the diffuser: Turn the lamp to the left with light pressure and replace.

Insert and snap the diffuser into place.

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

Set the time on the clock.

Set the security code for the radio receiver, see section "Setting the radio receiver code".