How do you get to the fog lamps?
- Thread starter bmwrocks
- Start date
The majority of upgrades/replacements that you do for fog lamps your dealership wont allow. I know when I took my car in for regular work and asked if they would put in the silverstarrs I had in the trunk for my fog lights they said they couldnt do it because it would void my warranty, well at least on that part and I was too lazy to push the issue.
I would imagine they are not allowed to use anything but genuine BMW parts for their installations.
Elaborating on what you already stated, if you do a mod yourself, warranties surrounding that area of modification would be void. An example might be if you installed fogs that melted the plastic housing they wouldn't cover it.
Elaborating on what you already stated, if you do a mod yourself, warranties surrounding that area of modification would be void. An example might be if you installed fogs that melted the plastic housing they wouldn't cover it.
I also have a 2004 330Ci and bought the Hoen fog lamp replacements. I have tried to come up with a solution to replace the bulbs but have been unsuccessful at doing so this far. The only thing I have done is mess up the aim of the left lamp by trying to unscrew the white plastic aiming screw.... how nice. Anyhow, the only solution I see to change the bulbs on the 2004 model is to go up underneath. Would I be correct in this? Has anyone been successful in replacing the bulbs on the 2004's yet? I can't seem to find a difinitive answer anywhere. Thanks...
I know you can get to them from underneath by removing a plastic cover or two. I know this because when I pulled off my bumper cover (a different thread) by accident I could see the fogs from behind.
I was looking for a way to get them from the front. I looked at Toms suggestion of popping off the lens cover and then unbolting. I applied a little force to the lens but I gave up because it was late and there wasn't enough light and I couldn't see what I was doing. I am going to inspect the structure behind the clear lens more carefully to see if I can see a way to unbolt it as Tom says.
I was looking for a way to get them from the front. I looked at Toms suggestion of popping off the lens cover and then unbolting. I applied a little force to the lens but I gave up because it was late and there wasn't enough light and I couldn't see what I was doing. I am going to inspect the structure behind the clear lens more carefully to see if I can see a way to unbolt it as Tom says.
WARNING: DO NOT TRY TO PULL OFFF AN '04 FOG LIGHT CASING FROM THE FRONT!!!!!
It does not come off that way. It is attached with 2 screws on one side and a clip on the other. The screws come off from the back (how stupid).
Here's how you get to it:
Gently pull off the black honeycomb around the foglamp assembly. If you pull at it around the left side of the light it will start to pop off. It is held by like 4 clips that easily let go. After the black piece is off you can reach around behind and unfasten the lamp from the housing by twisting it (I forget which direction). It untwists in the familiar way that all lamp housings untwist. You are then home free.
I did this just experimenting and didn't actually replace mine but I am gonna go for it soon as I order the Hoens and they show up.
It does not come off that way. It is attached with 2 screws on one side and a clip on the other. The screws come off from the back (how stupid).
Here's how you get to it:
Gently pull off the black honeycomb around the foglamp assembly. If you pull at it around the left side of the light it will start to pop off. It is held by like 4 clips that easily let go. After the black piece is off you can reach around behind and unfasten the lamp from the housing by twisting it (I forget which direction). It untwists in the familiar way that all lamp housings untwist. You are then home free.
I did this just experimenting and didn't actually replace mine but I am gonna go for it soon as I order the Hoens and they show up.
i changed my fog lamps, and damn it was a b**ch!! bmwrocks is correct, i popped the honeycomb cover and had to reach underneath the foglight casing..wound up scratching my hands all over. anyway, the easy part is taking out the bulbs (unscrew by turning clockwise). putting IN the bulbs is a different story. (you should bring a book to read while trying to put in the bulbs). but the blue fogs to match the xenons is worth it!! long fingers will help. if you have fat hands then, i suggest you find someone with smaller hands, haha. anyway, if there is an easier way, please do tell!!
Just placed an order for the 9006 Hoens. Maybe I'll take before and after pics and post them here.....
I'll let you know how it goes.
3MW, what is so hard about getting them back in???? I was able to reach the back with my fingers and started to unscrew it. I did stop before it came out and turned it back tight, but it didn't seem like it would be too hard to get back in. Are the wires long enough to reach through the front to allow installing the bulbs in the harness? That would be a bitch if they weren't....
I'll let you know how it goes.
3MW, what is so hard about getting them back in???? I was able to reach the back with my fingers and started to unscrew it. I did stop before it came out and turned it back tight, but it didn't seem like it would be too hard to get back in. Are the wires long enough to reach through the front to allow installing the bulbs in the harness? That would be a bitch if they weren't....
well...it might just be me, but when i took out the lights and tried to put it back in, it was a little difficult getting the angle right to twist all 3 edges back in. and once i finally got them in, i was little annoyed that i couldn't really tell if it was in correctly cuz obviously you can't see the back. longer fingers would definitely help. maybe i just have stubby fingers, haha.
not to mention i was twisting it the wrong way for the first ten min..@@
not to mention i was twisting it the wrong way for the first ten min..@@
Personally I don't recommend taking apart the plastic under pieces and wheel well pieces if you can avoid it. Getting them back together and fitting right can be a bit tricky IMO.
On the '04s you can get to the fogs from the front as posted above.
3MW has fingers as thick as cigars I think (listen up ladies).
On the '04s you can get to the fogs from the front as posted above.
3MW has fingers as thick as cigars I think (listen up ladies).
Ambien you do not need to unscrew anything (except the bulb assembly if you consider that "unscrewing") behind the housing area.
Reposting:
Gently pull off the black honeycomb around the foglamp assembly. If you pull at it around the left side of the light it will start to pop off. It is held by like 4 clips that easily let go. After the black piece is off you can reach around behind and unfasten the lamp from the housing by twisting it (I forget which direction). It untwists in the familiar way that all lamp housings untwist. You are then home free.
Reposting:
Gently pull off the black honeycomb around the foglamp assembly. If you pull at it around the left side of the light it will start to pop off. It is held by like 4 clips that easily let go. After the black piece is off you can reach around behind and unfasten the lamp from the housing by twisting it (I forget which direction). It untwists in the familiar way that all lamp housings untwist. You are then home free.