Any tips on removing the rear seat lights from headliner?

[socalx5sport]

I've pulled and twisted to no avail and don't want to break anything. Scanned the whole forums and DIY tips and "nothing."

Any tips are GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks to everyone for previous posts, I have otherwise been able to switch out the rest of the interior to LEDs as well as the rear license plate holder.

2010 X35d white with black leather
Sport
Premium
Technology
Premium Sound
Cold Weather
Running Boards
Roof racks

[jamesboags]

On one end of the light you will see a small cutout, like it's meant for a screwdriver. On that end use a slim wedge to insert between the light fitting and the roof liner.. you should be able to feel a spring type resistance, push that in and move the light forward and out of the roof.... I think this is how to remove as I haven't done it recently ...I've attached the offical instructions..

[RSA12]

Pls advise which LEDs you used for the centre console and the rear seat lights. All Leds that I have tried blinks. Thanks

[rh71]

Originally Posted by jamesboags

On one end of the light you will see a small cutout, like it's meant for a screwdriver. On that end use a slim wedge to insert between the light fitting and the roof liner.. you should be able to feel a spring type resistance, push that in and move the light forward and out of the roof.... I think this is how to remove as I haven't done it recently ...I've attached the offical instructions..

Sounds like the same procedure to remove the license plate lights since you said you did that too. The actual light looks way different though. The "special tool" makes it appear like a pull & twist job. *shrug* Anyway, thanks for the pdfs as always.

[Redridge]

they're making it harder and harder to change light bulbs nowadays.... gonna need a ME degree or have to go to a dealer and spend $25 to put in a $1.50 light bulb...

I bet that..... one day, a BMW engineer said, Im gonna build the ultimate seat lights. FAIL!

[socalx5sport]

Originally Posted by jamesboags

On one end of the light you will see a small cutout, like it's meant for a screwdriver. On that end use a slim wedge to insert between the light fitting and the roof liner.. you should be able to feel a spring type resistance, push that in and move the light forward and out of the roof.... I think this is how to remove as I haven't done it recently ...I've attached the offical instructions..

Hopefully this will show up in future searches for light mods, rear seat lights, led, leds, interior lights, headliner.

[marsh the mouth]

I still can't seem to detach the light fitting from the roof liner. I looked at the pdf file and followed jamesboags directions, but to no avail. I used a screwdriver to loosen it, but it won't detach. I gave up after an hour because I didn't want to break anything. Is there a particular wedge that was used? Is there something I'm doing wrong?

[x5TT]

Have you found a solution how to remove it?

[marsh the mouth]

Yes. Just like a large picture frame, the light fitting has 8 metal tabs along the sides that are bendable. It's hard to explain. Basically, just pull hard on the light fitting and it'll come out in one piece. You won't damage anything. I removed it several times already.

[x5TT]

Once you are be able to remove it and it will become very easy for you.

Will be much appreciated if you can take some photos. Cheers