BMW 3 Series (E46) 1999-2005 - Headlight Assembly & Lens - DIY Repair 

Note that for 2002+, instead of a tab to release turn signal, there is a phillips screw in a plastic "basket" accessed through same port as tab. Loosen phillips screw (but do not remove) via port to release turn signal lens. Also, if just changing lens, you do not need to remove whole headlight assembly. Removing turn signal, weather strip, and trim strip will allow removal of the lens via its 7 tabs.

This is a fantastic video. As a recent purchaser of a BMW, I wanted to replace my old headlight lenses. This video provided simple and exact instructions for doing so.

Thanks helped me fix my turn signal that had been broke for almost a year. Popped it off in 3 secs. Thanks again!

Really good instructions and carefully done, much better than some of the heavy handed ones I've seen.

Guys all I can say is thank you for a great how to video. Really helped me.

This is an excellent video. The instructions are straight forward and the narrator goes at a very good pace. One really helpful tip was having the magnetic tool! I dropped a couple of screws and the tool helped fish them out without having to pull the front end apart!

Great video, just swapped out my lenses with your help. It took some fancy finger work, but I managed to do this without removing the entire headlight assemblies.

I have a 2004 325i with Halogen lamps and headlight washers. The instructions are the same, however it is best to pull the washer nozzle / washer door off of the trim strip to get the trim off. This will leak the washer fluid out but but if you like you can clamp the line off near the reservoir. The doors/nozzles break all the time so that is likely to happen. I should add that I bought non-washer aftermarket headlights (washers were never mentioned on the descriptions) and the mounts for them are behind the front bumper. I'm going to have to pull the bumper and get rid of the headlamp washer stuff to install them if that helps anyone.

Great instruction. Very clear and complete. Thank you. (E46, 2003 325xi)

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I really appreciate your posting this video. My front right turn signal went out like 2 weeks ago and I couldn't figure out or find how to pop out the turn signal assembly. Yesterday my headlight went out, looks like I will be replacing my lights tomorrow!!! Thank you very much for posting this video!

Thank you! Followed your tutorial and successfully changed my lens

@thequest49 You remove the headlight washer first. See our Bentley Publishers E46 Repair Manual for more details.

To reinstall the hard to reach screw use the same technique as shown to retrieve it: Get a strong neodymium magnet and stick it to the side of your driver, if you use a strong one you won't have any trouble keeping the screw from falling out of the screwdriver/socket as you line it up with the screw hole. I scrounge my magnets from old hard drives. (free!)

I was blocked to change the bulb of my turn signal and I did not know how to take it out... Thanks a lot !

I like videos like this.Great instructions

Thank you. Very helpful. I did not have to remove the whole headlights to replace the lens.

Great content, Thank you very much, will do it tomorrow both sides 🙂

On my 2000 E46 Touring I have a metal plate infront of the clip...this doesn't move and restricts access to the clip? How do I remove the indicator please?

this is the most helpful video I did xenon removal on my m3 e46 its almost the same thanks alot

@BlackerFilms Thanks for the feedback!

Does BMW USA sell these as a spare part? Mercedes had to do a recall in the early 90s on their replaceable lenses and glue them to the headlight assembly because the USA DOT says replaceable lenses are illegal (at least at the time).

Your video is very good and helpful ,thank you very much

Thank you for the video. Great video step-by-step with voice instruction following along they way. Love it.

Thank you very much... All went smooth, thanx to you guys!

Well explained!!! thx for teaching us you are a pro .blessings.

Awesome explanations, but I'm just wondering how you get the screw back into the back of the headlight when reinstalling... The one you take out with a magnetic tool. I just don't want to drop it into somewhere where I can't get it back again

Awesome instructions

thank you very much for this video, this saved me a lot of money.

Fantastic video, made it look easy! In my beamer, The light fixture that sits in the assembly wasn't properly snapped in and burnt completely through my lens and I need to replace them. Watching the video makes me think I would just need to replace the lens and housing around the lights. Any suggestions?

@Johncarson9113 Not sure. May be worth a try before replacing them.

You don't need to remove the entire headlight unit in order to remove/replace the lense cover. I've done it.

Anyone know how I can’t break loose the bolt that’s kinda hidden to the left because both of mines are really rusted and I tried Dw40 but still won’t come out

I have a 2006 330xi sedan and the issue I am having is as follows 1. no lights at all work on the back of car turn, brake, running lisense plate. oH THE UPPER BRAKE LIGHT IN WINDOW WORKS. 2. all the headlights, fog lights, side lights and turn signals work in the front of car. 3. all the fuses are good 4. all the lights come on in the back when i check the individually with a jump wire. what can I do next, kind of stumped

Will this work for the 325 I series? Thnx for the nice video tutorial

Good video very easy to follow instructions.

Thank you. This is a great video! Keep 'em coming.

Nice video. Do you have a video on How to replace the lens on an E90 2008 (335XI Sedan) Xeon Adaptive headlight assembly? Hoping yes, mine got damaged and cracked. Thanks....Again, well done video............................Philip

how to do on an bmw e 46 faceliftet to 03-

Just be aware the upper weather strip will cost 4x that of the lenses unless someone has a link for cheaper ones... all I could find are the OEM ones bmw sells

Amazing - this video saved me a trip to the dealer!

Its is possible to do the same steps but then afterwards restoring the same old headlights?? I ask this because on my brothers 2004 BMW 325i sedan he has Factory xenon headlights and the lens from Inside are foggy as well, we tried restoring the front of the headlights but it seems that the inside part also have oxidation or what not

Very helpful ! Thank you for publishing :)

I think if you manage to remove the painted trim separately you could replace the lenses on a car.

very good and easy

Thank you very much for the great video. Where can I buy the lens for 2006 330Xi.

What tool did you use to reach the screw-down inside and had to use a magnet to pick it up?

Hi, my BMW 320i E46, had gone engine overhaul due to over heating. Now my vehicle switches off as you try to pick once you have stopped. plus it has a hard start. I fear driving on a highway or overtaking other vehicles. please assist.

Anyone else notice the video cut out the end before he replaces that last inner screw. It must have been a real beatch!

will the 01 325i complete front end including Hood fenders rad support bumper bolt up to a 02 325i

How to install hid kit in e46 in the fog lamps. Model 2003

hi does this work the same for a e36 1996 i need to replace the indicator bulb

@MyJulioperez No problem!

Do you know the type of screws being used? I want to get replacement ones, two of the three are not the original ones.

just wot my bm needed cheers A1 vid thanks

Really awesome video !!! Many thanks for sharing. What source do you recommend for high quality headlight lens purchase?

i need to replace the height adjustment motor on one of my E46 (halogen) headlight units. Can you tell or show me how its done?

i will replace my headlights, i muss disconnect the battery? sorry for my bad ENG

My left turn bulb broke and the glass is inside the headlight and I dont know how to take it out.

Someone knows if the lenses for e46 330i 4door 2002 american BMW fits to on a european car with the same specifications?

Very good content thank you 🙂

Will the AL lens fit a ZKW housing? (i mean the 4 doors ones)

Thanks for video! Where can i buy a new lens for my E46?

What kind/type of bit holder are you using on this video?

Where can I buy this headlight cover for a bmw e53 2004 3.0?

Great video many thanks, I removed mine in 10mins after watching this AAA+++

This doesnt go for any of the versions with headlight washers.. which is on alot of them, it's a freaking pain to change headlights with them..

Hi - excellent video, thanks. Question i have a M3 2003 and i live in Sweden - i brought my M3 from England where i`m from , but was wondering if you knew how i can change my Left main and beam lights to head to the right (Sweden drive on right)? Can you help please?

Great video!

Thank you for this video! I thought the whole time mine was a case of rotating the bulb and pulling it out, but no! I have to take whole headlight out -_-

AMAZING VIDEO !!!!!!! Liked and shared !!!

thank you, informative video.keep it up...

can i use some 2003 headlights on a 99 model

Thank You very much.

Thank you very much!

This video is confusing because it does not distinguish between replacing the headlight assembly and disassembling the entire headlight assembly. You don't need to take the headlight lens off to replace the headlight assembly.

Nice thats look like my color car,u do nice performance.

where can i buy just the lens in california

Thank you!

Thanks!

thanks it helped alot

what would you do about that damn adhesive holding the lens to the headlight? I cannot get that off to save my life. They are like glued together. Any attempts just result in warping.

how about 3-series from 1992 (e36)

Is there a website where i can order the lens??

thanks ! for me it was what i need 👍

Thanks

thanks

Is it true these vehicles are still expensive to maintain or repair.

Thankyou

all i see are these big blue rubber gloves. since i don't have X-ray vision, i can only guess that there is something going on behind them. i will say however that you do have what appear to be a fine set of gloves.

It wasn’t clipped in doe

So you telling me that you don't have to put these bad boys in the oven

I guess some people don't understand the difference between headlight "assembly" and lens" and "bulb". Complaining about going through all this trouble to change the bulb. If you're that dumb, you shouldn't be working on your car at all... Yes, I'm talking about you, Dave Butcher. /facepalm

Русские бы так всё в деталях объяснили

Doar-te explicit

Modifikim n injeatore

low bassy audio mumbling why !????????????????????????????????????????

Not helpful for my 2002

ive tried but I can't do it I'm taking to a garage

Helo

No