HELP!!! Tail Light Removal Instructions needed

[wees1234]

I just purchased new tail lights for the x5 and I wanted to know how to change and replace them with my old ones. some pics and a good description will be appreciated. thank you!

[tmv]

Remove the cover from the inside. Unplug the connector. Unsrew 3 nuts and remove the taillight by pulling it straight out. Shouldn't take more than 15 min. each side.

[iop9000]

i recommend removing the cd changer

[stangri]

TMV, iop9000 -- could you guys please elaborate on the instructions? How many/which cables where the screws are?

I'm having the same problem as here: http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...al-lights.html and I'm scared shitless of doing something wrong. I would have taken my car to the dealer/service center, but it's about 3.5 hours drive away, I'm worried about driving that far with no working brake lights.

Could you guys please help a newbie (I've searched the forum and your messages are the only tail light assembly removal tips I found) by sparing a few minutes of your time.

[asawadude]

Originally Posted by tmv

Remove the cover from the inside. Unplug the connector. Unsrew 3 nuts and remove the taillight by pulling it straight out. Shouldn't take more than 15 min. each side.

It is indeed as simple as TMV described it. Make sure you have a set of metric sockets, a socket wrench, and an 2"-3" extension in case you can't reach the nuts with your socket wrench. The plugs are simple connectors, just like plugging a light cord into a wall outlet.

You do not have to worry about matching up the wires because the both the male and female connectors are standardized for all model year BMW X5's using OEM BMW tail lamps.

It is a simple remove and replace - there is nothing complicated about this swap. Just pull out your tools and do it.

[stangri]

asawadude, thanks for reply, I was hoping there would be some guide for that, picturing the location of sockets and screws, like the other guides available here.

it is either really trivial so nobody had posted the guide or nobody thought there're people tehcnically challenged enough to be afraid of doing that without the guide.

[fangbosun]

Originally Posted by stangri

asawadude, thanks for reply, I was hoping there would be some guide for that, picturing the location of sockets and screws, like the other guides available here.

it is either really trivial so nobody had posted the guide or nobody thought there're people tehcnically challenged enough to be afraid of doing that without the guide.

In the great Australian tradition... 'Give it a go!!!!!'

It's really as easy as already indicated. The only advice I would offer is to put some pressure on the new lights with one hand so that they are seated snugly against the panel and gradually tighten the 3 nuts in an alternating fashion - I feel that is the best way to avoid overtightening the nuts.