Interior Light Replacement... Damage
 

So for Christmas my family gave me some CREE LED interior lights that replace the factory bulbs. All was going well until I got to the Front Map/Dome light, when I encountered the following issues.

1) The Light unit was an absolute pain to remove which I was afraid would cause me to end up damaging it. Turns out I definitely did damage it, as it no longer sits snugly up inside the main plastic bracket and just kind of hangs there.

Which leads me to my next question, is the dome light a multi-piece unit or would I have to order the whole new thing, because I think I may have just broken off little plastic brackets that hold it up in place.

2) There are three light-bulbs, the Left and Right ones came out of the unit and the replacements went back in just fine. The center one does not fit, and I believe it is a design issue by the company that made them.
So would it be an okay idea to try and widen the hole a bit or do I run the risk of screwing the reflective material on the inside of the unit up?

Finally, I know that there is a separate forum section for this but does anyone know where I can source the following things (even if this means it may be from you, I will still take an offer)

1) (if necessary based on above info) A new Dome/Map Light or whatever piece of the light I may have damaged.

2)Foot well light lens/holder (as I was removing it, the main bracket piece broke and it will no longer stay up inside the panel.

3) A more reliable place to purchase a set of lights from as I specifically noted in my order to the Chinese eBay company that I had the model with the sunroof and I did not have a rear dome light, but they sent the rear dome light bulbs anyway but no bulbs for the rear reading lights.

1a.) What usually gets damaged on the front dome light are the metal "spring" retainers. Sometimes to remove them they are locked so tight you basically have to rip the thing down. You can then go back and re-bend the retainers into the correct shape so they hold properly again. These things (thanks to another member for the pic/labels):

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...ove-dome-1.jpg

2a.) You could widen the center hold to fit, but I wouldn't bother. You are going to order another kit anyway to get the rear reading lights.

1b.) I may have an extra I could get rid of for cheap (read: basically for shipping cost).

2b.) I don't think I have one of those, but I'll check.

3b.) ECS Tuning has a nice set of bulbs.

If I recall correctly, when I did mine I was able to remove the clear plastic cover and put the center one in from the outside which took care of the fitment issue. The lower part of the LED will fit through the hole, but not the top. I'll take a look at it and see if I am remembering right.

Okay, I’ll go take a look at ECS’ offering and figure out if I will buy it. About the light holder, do you mind if I PM you?

Exactly what I did the first time I pulled mine down. Easily fixed with a set of needle nose pliers to bend the retaining clips back into shape. :thumbup:

I am unsure of what they are supposed to look like. Someone mind posting a pic of them in the correct shape?
Based on the other pic are they supposed to be kind of u shaped or v shaped? Mine kind of are p shaped or d shaped.

Picture above shows v-shaped and once you get everything close, you can see how the retaining clip simply holds the front of the light into the housing with spring pressure. :thumbup:

Yes I got it back to it's original shape, or much closer to where it was, as it no longer falls out into my lap once I put it back in.
Also I saw on ECS tuning that they have the drivers side kick panel light lens, but not a specific one for the passenger side. Are they the same thing or would I have to look somewhere else to source the part.

Plus the ECS Light-bulbs are a little steep on my price point as the ones I got from eBay were less than $25 including shipping, so maybe if someone has a cheaper option I would be forever grateful

Also, any update on removing the outer lens/cover for the map light? Seems like it releases from the corners and on the long side of the lens but it doesn't seem to release from the black side around the buttons.

EBay ones are cheaper options but quality (or fitment accuracy is very hit or miss). I learned my lesson already with eBay interior leds. Halfof mine started flickering within a year. Same on the wife's e70.

Feel free to shoot me a pm about the dome light.