Tail light bulb replacement

[pcrispy]

On the X3, how do you get into the tail light to replace a bulb? I looked closely at the housing and it would seem like you should be able to remove the entire tail light, swap the bulb, then put the housing back in place. However, I wasn't able to get the housing to budge when I did some investigating by hand. What's the trick?

[Ishniknork]

I don't know but maybe by removing the interior side panels? I haven't looked to see how or needed to replace any bulbs yet.

[bigtoysinc69]

On the inside of your trunk there should be panels on each side that you can take off by pressing in a button on each side i believe you should be able to get at the back of the lights from there.

[pcrispy]

Sorry forgot to mention that since it is the backup light it is the section of the tail light that is on the hatch. On another forum people have said to remove the inside panel of the hatch to access it. I will be trying this tomorrow night to see for myself.

[travelin' man]

I removed mine last night for a bulb replacment. A needle noise does the trick. Gently squeeze and twist. The white plastic housing comes right out with the bulb.

[davidr]

Originally Posted by pcrispy

Sorry forgot to mention that since it is the backup light it is the section of the tail light that is on the hatch. On another forum people have said to remove the inside panel of the hatch to access it. I will be trying this tomorrow night to see for myself.

The manual says that bulb replacement on the actual tailgate hatch is a "dealer job". Access behind the black interior plastic panel requires removing two plastic rivets near the lock catch on the underside.

Stupid design unless your X3 has the very long life LED lights. Mine has ordinary bulbs. Slamming the hatch down is no doubt going to reduce their life (although at 36k miles and 3 years they've so far been ok)