Hi guys,

I need to replace one of the front indicator bulbs on my E36 but can't figure out how to get the lens out. The owners manual is vague to say the least, it says something about releasing a hook with a screwdriver.

Anyone any ideas?

Much appreciated.

Bayerische

Hi Nick

not sure if you havn't got that sorted but here is a link with most bmw manuals

http://digital.ktu.lt/autoclub/files.html - http://digital.ktu.lt/autoclub/files.html   scroll down on that pages till you find

BMW 3 Series Service Manual (M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i/ '92-'98/ angliškai)  it's 91.8 MB

Happy Christams to you and your misus

HTH

Chris

Thanks Chris,

I will have a look through it. Hope you had a good Christmas and all the best for 2008.I will see you at one of the meets shortly when I get a chance to get out.

Regards

Nick

Try this link also http://www.realoem.com/bmw/ - realoem

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BF72&mospid=47429&btnr=63_0268&hg=63&fg=10 - link to page

Bayerische wrote: I need to replace one of the front indicator bulbs on my E36 .

Why? I thought we BMW drivers never used indicators?

Bayerische wrote: ...releasing a hook with a screwdriver.

Be careful though, it's only plastic, so can break.

(Don't ask me how I know.)

Thanks Ian, I will have a go at it tomorrow. These dark evening play havoc with the car DIY schedule. I am sure it is straight forward enough to fix.

Regards,

Bayerische

thepits wrote: Bayerische wrote: I need to replace one of the front indicator bulbs on my E36 . Why? I thought we BMW drivers never used indicators? Bayerische wrote: ...releasing a hook with a screwdriver. Be careful though, it's only plastic, so can break.   (Don't ask me how I know.)

OOPS, too late, I think I broke it earlier but the lens still won't come out.

Bayerische wrote: OOPS, too late, I think I broke it earlier but the lens still won't come out.

Well, if you've broken the hook, then there ain't nothing else holding it on except dirt

It locates onto two lugs, put your hand behind it and give it a good shove out the front of the car - be ready to catch it though

They can be a tight fit - mine with the broken hook stays in no problem

(If you want a replacement with a hook, I've got a pair of standard ones off my coupe going spare as I replaced them with M3 'look-a-likes')

Thanks,

If it is the hook that I broke, it was only the top bit so the lens is still hooked on. Not a very user friendly system on these lenses. Still not entirely sure what a hook is, it looks more like a clip to me. Its the only thing I can see holding the lens in place.

Thanks for your offer of a lens, my car has clear lenses, I am guessing yours are the more common orange.

Regards,

Bayerische

Bayerische wrote: Thanks for your offer of a lens, my car has clear lenses, I am guessing yours are the more common orange.

Common indeed - cheek!

Hope you've got 'clear/orange' bulbs in your 'clear' lenses - wouldn't want an eggy effect would we?

thepits wrote: Bayerische wrote: Thanks for your offer of a lens, my car has clear lenses, I am guessing yours are the more common orange. Common indeed - cheek!

My apologies, that didn't come out right at all. I would hate to think that us clear lens snobs were lording it over the standard spec orange lens common folk.

Didn't get a chance to look at the car today, rained all day.

Regards,

Bayerische

Bayerische wrote: I would hate to think that us clear lens snobs were lording it over the standard spec orange lens common folk.

I can snob with the best of you ...

(and mine is a 325 )

Ahh... Welcome to the clear lens club. Lovely E36, same alloys as mine.

I feel for your back seat passengers with no rear headrests, now don't get me started on the no rear headrest rif raf.

Regards,

Bayerische

Bayerische wrote: I feel for your back seat passengers with no rear headrests, now don't get me started on the no rear headrest rif raf.

I don't need them as I don't carry any passengers in the back - ruins the feel of the car (that's why it's a TWO door Coupe)

Hmm... interesting,

The funny thing is now the indicator has started working again, might be a loose connection and a see a bit of moisture inside the lens.