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The Tire Rack - Performance Specialists


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This install takes 20 - 30 minutes and a little bit of patience.
Click on the images for larger views.


Step 1: Getting the required items together

This install requires:
  • 1 Bimmian Xenon Interior Light Bulb Kit
  • Small Flat Screwdriver
  • A BMW M3 (E46).
  • 20 - 30 minutes of free time.



Bulb Set


Step 2: Passenger's Foot well: Removing the light housing

  • Locate the passenger foot well light housing.
  • Pop the housing out by prying right side of the housing with a small flat screwdriver.
  • Pull the housing out.



Light Location



Clip Released


Step 3: Passenger's Foot well: Exposing the bulb

  • To make life easier you may want to unplug the housing from the car (see image).
  • Slide the metal plate at the rear of the housing to the side (see arrows on the plate itself) and lift the plate off the housing to expose the bulb.



Power Plug



Backing Plate



Stock Blub


Step 4: Passenger's Foot well: Replacing the bulb

  • Carefully remove the bulb from the retaining clips.
  • Since this is a Bimmian product, this means that it will not really fit right. The replacement bulbs are a little bit shorter than stock and require that you slightly bend the retaining clip(s) to make sure the new bulb stays in (see images).
  • Once the bulb is in place, replace the metal back plate by reversing the steps you took to remove it.
  • Plug the light housing back in.
  • Replace the housing into the car by snapping it back into place.



Bending the Clip



Bimmian Bulb a Bit Short



Bimmian Bulb In Place


Step 5: Driver's Foot well

  • Locate the passenger foot well light housing.
  • Pop the housing out by prying the front side of the housing with a small flat screwdriver (just like the passenger side light).
  • Pull the housing out.
  • Follow the same steps for the driver's side as you did for the passenger's side to replace the bulb and re-install the housing.



Light Location



Housing Released


Step 6: Vanity Mirror Lights: Removing the light housing

  • Use your fingers to pull down the back edge of the vanity mirror light (see image).
  • Pull the housing down (see image).
  • Remove the stock bulb.



Prying the Edge



Released Housing


Step 7: Vanity Mirror Lights: Installing the new bulb

  • The Bimmian bulb fits even worse here than in the foot wells.
  • Use your fingers to gently push both contact tabs in so that they securely hold the bulb (see image).
  • Once the bulb is securely in place, pop the housing back into place - repeat for the other side.



Adjusting the Tabs


Step 8: Overhead Light: Removing the light housing

  • Pry the front edge of the overhead light open with a small flat screwdriver.
  • Pull the light housing down and disconnect the wiring harness (press tabs at the sides of the plug to release).



Prying the Edge



Releasing the harness


Step 9: Overhead Light: Replacing the bulbs

  • Remove the three bulb sockets by turning each counterclockwise and pulling them out of the light housing (see image).
  • Pull the bulbs out of the sockets (the bulb just pulls straight out). Note the tabs inside the socket (see image)
  • Insert new bulbs in the sockets.
  • Insert the bulb/socket into the openings in the housing, press down and turn clockwise to lock the socket in place. Repeat for all 3 lights.
  • Plug the wiring harness back into the housing.
  • Line up the rear edge of the housing (edge toward the windshield) in the opening in the head liner and then snap the front edge in by pushing it upwards.



Removing the Bulb Sockets



Exposed Sockets


Step 10: Rear Pillar Lights: Removing the light housing

  • Pry the font edge of the light housing with a small flat screwdriver - this is a little tight so be careful not to damage the housing.
  • Pull the housing out of the pillar and unplug the harness.



Prying the Edge



Disconnecting Harness


Step 11: Rear Pillar Lights: Removing and Replacing the bulbs

  • Remove the two bulb sockets by turning each counterclockwise and pulling them out of the light housing (see image).
  • Pull the bulbs out of the sockets (the bulb just pulls straight out).
  • Insert new bulbs in the sockets.
  • Insert the bulb/socket into the openings in the housing, press down and turn clockwise to lock the socket in place. Repeat for both lights in each housing.
  • Plug the wiring harness back into the housing.
  • Line up the rear edge of the housing (edge toward the back window) in the pillar and then snap the front edge into place. Repeat for other side.



Socket Locations







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