Simple question from a still newbie. (Yes, I've read all the headlight posts - but I don't think this one was answered - maybe I missed it.)

Thanks for all of the good threads pointing me to reputable sites for HID D2S bulbs.

Do I need to remove the headlight assembly to put the new bulbs in? If yes - I need to remove the front bumper cover - right?

Thanks,

Dan

 

Dan, this is what I will tell you and you can take this for what it is worth.

Must you remove the headlight assembly to replace the bulb. NO!!!! BUT!!!!!!! (you saw this coming didn't you?). The internals of the headlights (especially as the cars get older) are brittle and the headlight bulb is not the easiest thing to get at. So, it can be possible that if you leave the headlight assembly in place, you may stress the internals enough to break them.

If you do remove the headlight assemblies, then yes, you have to remove the bumper cover to assess things.

 

I have factory HID headlights and I bought an after market kit to replace the HID ballast and bulb. The original is flickering. Is there a way to get the headlight assembly out without taking the bumper shield off and the below oil pan massive cover off?

 

Bulbs can be changed without removing the light but space is tight and you'll be working blind as you can't see and have your hand in there at the same time. Smaller hands help. If you need to remove the light unit you'll have to remove the bumper.

Here's the workshop manual pages for

Headlight Removal http://www.mjtemple.webspace.virginm...ht_removal.pdf

and

Bumper Removal http://www.mjtemple.webspace.virginm...er_removal.pdf

 

Just finished My HID upgrade today and it was so much easier to remove the Bumper and the Lights
polished the lenses while they were out also.

Plus with the lights out you can mount the ballasts nice and easy right behind the lights. Drivers side has a convenient hole already for you to attach the brackets. Passenger side has a nicely located hose clamp bracket you can use the bolt for

used the Kit from HIDextra.com had to change the spade crimps to get the wire through the provided boot but mostly plug n play

 

Trust me, remove the bumper. I broke my adjuster inside the headlight and had to bake my headlight to replace it, so in hindsight I should have taken the bumper off cause in the end I had to anyway