F30 turn signal light bulb panel removal

bavarianride · 06-22-2013, 09:49 PM

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...49&hg=51&fg=75

I read from owner's manual that panel#5 needs to be removed to reach the light bulb. The instruction says "loosen the two brackets", and the picture seems to show the two knobs need to be pushed down, but I have a hard time doing so. Any clue from the forum?

R12ax7 · 06-23-2013, 10:00 AM

its pretty durable plastic so I wouldnt worry about using a bit more elbow grease. If you have a floor jack you can lift each side and get a little more clearance but if you dont have one, just turn your wheel all the way in.

If you look closely at the diagram you posted, the panel has two tabs that catch the wheel liner on the bottom, and two tabs on the top that are where you want to start. Just squeeze each of the top tabs one at a time and pull, once you free each of them up the panel should essentially fall right out.

Once you get the panel removed, there is a wide flat plastic piece located at the extreme outside of each corner; its sort of tucked in near the edge of where you removed the panel. Dont be shy about bending the wheel liner to get a good grip; it can be a little awkward to reach (being right handed i found the passenger side harder to do than the driver side). Once you get a good hold just rotate counterclockwise and the bulb holder will come right out (be careful, the bulb will be pretty hot if you just had your lights on).

R12ax7 · 06-23-2013, 10:01 AM

Also, check out post #8 on this thread, http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=704322

bavarianride · 06-23-2013, 10:52 AM

Thanks for the reply, when you said "squeeze" I assume you meant pushed down on the upper knob, correct? I tried again just now with wheels turned but still no luck(push down, up, in with fingers, none worked), can't believe this can be so hard .... (can be just me)

bavarianride · 06-23-2013, 09:14 PM

FYI I was finally able to pop open the cover with a quarter coin in the horizontal slots and pivoting down(no squeezing). I had trouble previously with the left knob of the cover, but this time I started with the right one and it popped out quickly, while the left one was still stuck(but by then I realized how far to pivot). The edges of the plastic wheel well opening seem to be warped somewhat, probably due to the engine heat. The light bulb R&R went smoothly thanks to Captain Jeff.

The cover was re-installed OK except the left knob again took more work than the right. BTW I tried the same on the other side's cover without issue.

06-22-2013, 09:49 PM	#1
bavarianride Major General 1509 Rep 5,089 Posts Drives: bimmer Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: northern california iTrader: (0)	F30 turn signal light bulb panel removal http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...49&hg=51&fg=75 I read from owner's manual that panel#5 needs to be removed to reach the light bulb. The instruction says "loosen the two brackets", and the picture seems to show the two knobs need to be pushed down, but I have a hard time doing so. Any clue from the forum?
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06-23-2013, 10:00 AM	#2
R12ax7 Major 120 Rep 1,053 Posts Drives: 2021 340xi Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 328i [0.00]	its pretty durable plastic so I wouldnt worry about using a bit more elbow grease. If you have a floor jack you can lift each side and get a little more clearance but if you dont have one, just turn your wheel all the way in. If you look closely at the diagram you posted, the panel has two tabs that catch the wheel liner on the bottom, and two tabs on the top that are where you want to start. Just squeeze each of the top tabs one at a time and pull, once you free each of them up the panel should essentially fall right out. Once you get the panel removed, there is a wide flat plastic piece located at the extreme outside of each corner; its sort of tucked in near the edge of where you removed the panel. Dont be shy about bending the wheel liner to get a good grip; it can be a little awkward to reach (being right handed i found the passenger side harder to do than the driver side). Once you get a good hold just rotate counterclockwise and the bulb holder will come right out (be careful, the bulb will be pretty hot if you just had your lights on). __________________ Current: 2021 340xi Retired: 2018 330xi \| 2016 340i 6MT \| 2013 335i 6MT \| 2011 328i 6MT (N52) \| 2008 335xi (N54)
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06-23-2013, 10:01 AM	#3
R12ax7 Major 120 Rep 1,053 Posts Drives: 2021 340xi Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 328i [0.00]	Also, check out post #8 on this thread, http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=704322 __________________ Current: 2021 340xi Retired: 2018 330xi \| 2016 340i 6MT \| 2013 335i 6MT \| 2011 328i 6MT (N52) \| 2008 335xi (N54)
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06-23-2013, 10:52 AM	#4
bavarianride Major General 1509 Rep 5,089 Posts Drives: bimmer Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: northern california iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the reply, when you said "squeeze" I assume you meant pushed down on the upper knob, correct? I tried again just now with wheels turned but still no luck(push down, up, in with fingers, none worked), can't believe this can be so hard .... (can be just me)
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06-23-2013, 09:14 PM	#5
bavarianride Major General 1509 Rep 5,089 Posts Drives: bimmer Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: northern california iTrader: (0)	FYI I was finally able to pop open the cover with a quarter coin in the horizontal slots and pivoting down(no squeezing). I had trouble previously with the left knob of the cover, but this time I started with the right one and it popped out quickly, while the left one was still stuck(but by then I realized how far to pivot). The edges of the plastic wheel well opening seem to be warped somewhat, probably due to the engine heat. The light bulb R&R went smoothly thanks to Captain Jeff. The cover was re-installed OK except the left knob again took more work than the right. BTW I tried the same on the other side's cover without issue.
	Appreciate 0 Quote