Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi Gents...

Is there a simple procedure to change offside headlight bulb? Can it be done by a none-mechanic? (i.e.me?)

Your thoughts would be smashing.

Ta mucho gracias.

Easy, lift bonnet & remove phillips screw at back of head light cover,flip headlights up & remove side screws. Lower headlights, remove rubber boot, unplug bulb by pulling off 3way socket & unclip bulb. Replace bulb & reverse instructions. Make sure that lid is aligned before lowering headlights. All of about 5 minutes with a phillips screwdriver.

PS Guy at work had bulb replaced in BMW M3 by main dealer as he couldn't work out how to do it. Went to pick up car after 2-3 cups of BMW coffee & was presented with a bill for 130 quid!

Thanks Jim - I think I'll try that one!

Much appreciated..

Im sure ths smore straight foreward than im thinking but when you say flip headlights up , are we talking in the normal switch them on fashion not using a manual release, thus leaving the headlights on.

Also are you refering to the screw in the centre back of the metal 'lid' and the one screw in each side of it. I took these three screws out and the 'lid' does not want to come away from the main plastic body of the headlight. I dont want to force and break anything. Its clear I am doing this wrong ! .

Regards

Mas

Yup flip lights up with light switch. 3 Screws in the lid, one at the back & one each side. Lower headlights & lift the lid off, it will be tight & may require gentle prying. Watch the paint when it comes off. When replacing it make sure the plastic headlight surround is all properly clipped in.

Lo Jim , I found another way on the web going in through the front and did it straight off . I suspect your way is a well known cheat and easier , I just couldnt get my head round it which is shamefull

Ayway Im sure you know the other way so I wont repeat it but I took the front off 4 screws lamp out changed bulb , now we have to wait and see if they are any good.

Cheers

Mas

You may need your headlight aim checked as you'll have disturbed the light itself.

To resurrect this for future searchers I've just followed Jim's instructions too.

Initially having the same problems as Mas in that the lid did not seem to want to come off.
It does but the metal of the lid is indented inwards around the 2 side screws and this is what makes it apparently not want to come off. It will with a bit of gentle persuasion but I wrapped an old towel around the paintwork to protect it as the lid does come off with a jolt.
I found it easiest to do this with the lights up mind.


Changing the bulb is easy - pry the rubber off, remove the 3 pin connector and the retaining 2 pronged bar - hinged one end and clips the other.
Remove and replace bulb - don't touch the glass with your fingers.
Reverse process

Getting the lid on is equally fun. In the end I very slightly bent the tabs where the side screws fit in slightly which allowed the lid on more easily. It bends easily so don't snap it off!
I imagine as you tighten the screw it will get pulled out again.

Job done.

Just don't do what I did, and confuse the disassembly screws with the alignment screws - doh! So when I did put it back together, I had to re-align that headlight.