BMW 3 Series (E46) 1999-2005 - Headlight Assembly & Lens - DIY Repair

[joshuab.fletcher]

This is a fantastic video. As a recent purchaser of a BMW, I wanted to replace my old headlight lenses. This video provided simple and exact instructions for doing so.

[TastyEagleSandwich]

Note that for 2002+, instead of a tab to release turn signal, there is a phillips screw in a plastic "basket" accessed through same port as tab. Loosen phillips screw (but do not remove) via port to release turn signal lens. Also, if just changing lens, you do not need to remove whole headlight assembly. Removing turn signal, weather strip, and trim strip will allow removal of the lens via its 7 tabs.

[lendzamba]

This is an excellent video. The instructions are straight forward and the narrator goes at a very good pace. One really helpful tip was having the magnetic tool! I dropped a couple of screws and the tool helped fish them out without having to pull the front end apart!

[mrbigarms]

Really good instructions and carefully done, much better than some of the heavy handed ones I've seen.

[ymerejwill]

Guys all I can say is thank you for a great how to video. Really helped me.

[ThaTruth]

Thanks helped me fix my turn signal that had been broke for almost a year. Popped it off in 3 secs. Thanks again!

[ejectgoose]

Great video, just swapped out my lenses with your help. It took some fancy finger work, but I managed to do this without removing the entire headlight assemblies.

[motosporttouring]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I really appreciate your posting this video. My front right turn signal went out like 2 weeks ago and I couldn't figure out or find how to pop out the turn signal assembly. Yesterday my headlight went out, looks like I will be replacing my lights tomorrow!!! Thank you very much for posting this video!

[robertemerson]

Great instruction. Very clear and complete. Thank you. (E46, 2003 325xi)

[MoparViking]

I have a 2004 325i with Halogen lamps and headlight washers. The instructions are the same, however it is best to pull the washer nozzle / washer door off of the trim strip to get the trim off. This will leak the washer fluid out but but if you like you can clamp the line off near the reservoir. The doors/nozzles break all the time so that is likely to happen. I should add that I bought non-washer aftermarket headlights (washers were never mentioned on the descriptions) and the mounts for them are behind the front bumper. I'm going to have to pull the bumper and get rid of the headlamp washer stuff to install them if that helps anyone.

[TheRobertDesign]

Thank you! Followed your tutorial and successfully changed my lens

[TheSpeedholic]

I like videos like this.Great instructions

[watcherwatchmen]

To reinstall the hard to reach screw use the same technique as shown to retrieve it:
Get a strong neodymium magnet and stick it to the side of your driver, if you use a strong one you won't have any trouble keeping the screw from falling out of the screwdriver/socket as you line it up with the screw hole. I scrounge my magnets from old hard drives. (free!)

[dennismorrison]

Your video is very good and helpful , thank you very much

[Kryptoria]

Great content, Thank you very much, will do it tomorrow both sides 🙂

[Muse]

I was blocked to change the bulb of my turn signal and I did not know how to take it out... Thanks a lot !

[macariomuniz]

Well explained!!! thx for teaching us you are a pro .blessings.

[arminbmw]

this is the most helpful video
I did xenon removal on my m3 e46 its almost the same
thanks alot

[LukaszBoguszFilm]

Very helpful ! Thank you for publishing :)

[BentleyPublishers]

@thequest49 You remove the headlight washer first. See our Bentley Publishers E46 Repair Manual for more details.