Side marker light bulb replacement - BMW Forum

Pete Lech · 10-20-2009, 09:21 AM

After breaking one side marker assembly on my 1995 E34 while trying to change the bulb, I have another bulb out. The dealer only sells the complete light assembly, not a replacement clip.

What is the trick to getting access to the bulb to change it?

TIA.

Pete Lech
1995 525ia

witeshark · 10-20-2009, 09:30 AM

Do you have a pic? There is sometimes a bit of confusion; the fender (behind front wheels) mounted turn signal repeaters (if so equipped) are sometimes believed to be the side markers. The actual side markers (with parking lights) are the front corner lights.

Pete Lech · 10-20-2009, 09:36 AM

You are correct. It is the turn signal repeater that I need to replace the bulb in.

witeshark · 10-20-2009, 09:40 AM

Have you looked at realoem.com ?

marti5 · 10-20-2009, 10:23 AM

The side repeater, in the wing ? on mine you just get a small flat screwdriver ( use a cloth to protect bodywork) in the rear end and gently lever and it pops out, but that's on an e38 7 series.

When replacing just pull the tabs gently apart and they will pop back in.

Pete Lech · 10-20-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marti5

The side repeater, in the wing ? on mine you just get a small flat screwdriver ( use a cloth to protect bodywork) in the rear end and gently lever and it pops out, but that's on an e38 7 series.

When replacing just pull the tabs gently apart and they will pop back in.

Thanks, I will try that. The picture on realoem.com doesn't show the tab. I don't want to have to glue another assembly back into place.

Pete Lech · 10-23-2009, 06:27 PM

Here are pix of the two lights in question: I need to know how to open them to replace the bulbs.

2 more just burned out so guess I need to replace all three as #4 is due to go anytime.

Jeez, only got 15/130K miles years out of these

witeshark · 10-23-2009, 07:51 PM

Those are side markers that light with the parking lights. On my E30, there is a notch on one end that a screwdriver can get into in order to pry the light out.

Torque · 10-23-2009, 08:17 PM

One side has a little indentation/slit for a screwdriver. Insert a thin screwdriver and push in towards the inside of the sidemarker against the metal clip. When it's in far enough it will be able to clear the molding and pop out.

That said, they are fairly flimsy and break all the time - I've had to glue them back before. Sucks, but oh well.

btw, you can get euro bumper moldings and do away with them altogether.

DonJ · 10-24-2009, 12:38 PM

You don't have to get the sidemarker assembly from a dealer. Look around at some online part shops - I replaced mine because it was completely broken out. It still cost me $24 but it is probably cheaper than what a dealer wants.