How the hell do you remove front interior light
 

like the title how do you remove the front interior light, need to replace a bulb so thought while its out upgrade them all to led, have tried to prise it out assuming its just clipped in but gave up as it seemed it was going to break before it popped out ,help much appreciated on this one.

Manual says...

Front ceiling light:

Lever out ceiling light (1) in direction of arrow.

Disconnect plug connection underneath and remove ceiling light (1).

https://i.ibb.co/tZrz4Pj/7eAbu3b.png

see now i have tried that but its not coming out theirs movement but think somethings going to break before it is free :confused:

https://youtu.be/5Z07Vn4e8gA

There are two metal tabs on either side facing the rear of the car. You can see them on the video link at about the 33 second mark. Those guys can bend and make it very difficult to remove the light fixture. You will have to work with it possibly with two screwdrivers to maneuver the metal clips to allow the fixture to be removed. Just be gentle and patient and you’ll get it out.

For maybe more detail and photos,
https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...nt-damage.html

I had bookmarked that link, meaning I probably used it successfully when installing my dash cam, where I got power and ground up there behind the map light cluster.

... in my 2001 3.0i

just a little update this mother didn't come out without getting broken , seemed the clips got bent back and jammed only way out was the broken way out , so brought a replacement light unit with surround with the pop down glasses holder only to find cant fit the glasses holder cause i have the sensors for the alarm in its place :doh: anyone in need of a glasses holder lol.