I know this was discussed at length about 10 years ago but I see nothing more recent.
In that discussion, there were some members who claimed they could replace these bulbs in
a matter of minutes, without removing bumper cover. I don't mean to question their veracity
but based on my so far unsuccessful attempt on a 2006 XJ8 VP, I'm flummoxed.
So far I haven't even managed to remove the back cover after releasing the spring clip.
There's just not enough room to lean it back enough to disengage the lower clip.
Has anyone done this recently? Is there a difference in the amount of clearance behind
the headlight assembly depending on the market? I'm humbled.
Thanks in advance. Patrick

 

Hi Patrick,

in this thread you will see pictures about how the back cover of the headlight is fixed, including further information:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...my-car-269552/

I would remove the bumper cover, it is not that difficult.

Best regards,

Thomas

 

It is snug fit, but no need to remove the bumper. The owners manual shows it. It is easy. the only hard part is to put the black cover on so it seals well.

 

I was going to say its not hard and post pics of mine, but I have the headlights on my knee so I must have been doing something else when I did the bulbs. +1 to checking the seal mine were causing water ingress.

 

After all those years it might be even a good idea to take the bumper of once . "Sarka on the Ring jaguar xjr" on youtube they take the bumper of . It is fairely easy . Chance to take a good look at all the radiators, hoses plugs washer fluid bottle from below , engine mounts , oil leaks , plus to clean up the ground studs maybe even polish the headlight lenses without risk of deteriorating any paint on the car undo rusted screws and replace, .
on the first time it took me 15 min . Don't need to get it out of the way just put it down on the ground.
I do not know for how long you got the Jag , some body else might have used silicone to seal the lid.

 

 

I have an 06 s type R and folks also claimed they could replace the HID bulbs wo taking off the bumper. But im convinced they werent working on the same year model or they dont have HIDs because theres no room behind the lights to get your hand in there. And even if you could theres no way you could get the bulb in, alined properly and connectors attached.

I vote for removing the cover

 

I had to cut/drill every fixing on mine as they were a little crusty. You can get kits on ebay with stainless fixings and replacement clips.

 

Petz those are some fine looking headlights!
You did a cut and buff?
.
.
.

 

Well I don't want to have to do that again anytime soon.
I simply could not remove the back covers. I could separate them from the lamp but was unable to maneuver them out of the way
to access the bulbs. Removal of the bumper cover seemed the only option.
Since the fasteners securing the lower splashpan to the bumper cover were seized, I only removed the grill and separated the bumper cover
from the fenders. This allowed the cover to hang down enough to remove the two bolts at the bottom of each headlamp assy. The third (upper)
bolt is easy. Once the bolts are removed, it is easy to maneuver the lamp away from the radiator support and replace the bulbs.
As for separating the bumper cover from the fenders, a slight tug forward followed by a good pull outward worked for me. (2006 US XJ8).
Thanks to all for the advice and suggestions.

 

Do you eventually have an active link to an ebay offering like that?

 

Even if you manage to get the bulb out there’s no way in hell you’d be able to get your bow back in the position and get all the things connected to it because it’s just not enough room

 

They are not special bulbs so if you need a DS-1 bulb just search for that.

I could not change the bulbs in my 2005 STR without removing the bumper and then it was so easy I took out the headlight too. Might consider that because I went ahead and replaced ALL the bulbs in each headlight assembly. They sure had a lot of time on them and I figured might as well make everything new at once. It was surprising how much brighter the new HID bulbs were compared to my still working factory bulbs. A noticeable difference for sure.
.
.
.