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Repair Summary
This article provides detailed instructions for an E46 Headlight Removal. Even though we used a 2000 BMW 323i to perform this repair, this article can be applied to all 1999-2005 3 series sedans and wagons with minor modifications to the steps.
See all vehicles this article applies to
E46 3 Series 325ti
E46 3 Series 318td
E46 3 Series 320td
E46 3 Series 318ti
E46 3 Series 330xi
E46 3 Series 330i
E46 3 Series 330xd
E46 3 Series 330d
E46 3 Series 316ti
E46 3 Series 328i
E46 3 Series 325xi
E46 3 Series 325i
E46 3 Series 320i
E46 3 Series 323i
E46 3 Series 320d
E46 3 Series 318i
E46 3 Series 318d
E46 3 Series 316i
E46 3 Series M3 CSL
E46 3 Series M3
E46 3 Series 330Ci
E46 3 Series 330Cd
E46 3 Series 325Ci
E46 3 Series 323Ci
E46 3 Series 320Ci
E46 3 Series 320Cd
E46 3 Series 318Ci
E46 3 Series 328Ci
E46 3 Series 316Ci
E46 3 Series 323i 2.4
E46 3 Series 316i 1.9
E46 3 Series 316i 1.6
A BMW E46 Headlight Removal is a very simple repair for the home mechanic.
One of the most annoying issues to plague older BMW models are hazy or chipped headlight lenses. Years of ultra-violet light exposure combined with road debris and chemicals cause the acrylic lens of the E46 headlight to become oxidized or "foggy". This condition is not only aesthetically unpleasing, but it is also dangerous. Hazed or broken headlight lenses can severely limit the intensity of the light they emit, creating a hazardous condition during night driving or during inclement weather.
A BMW E46 headlight removal and replacement is a very simple procedure for the home mechanic and can save a very expensive trip to the dealership or independent repair shop. They are held in place with four screws...two on top of the light assembly and two behind it. Once the screws are removed, the headlight can be easily removed from the frame of the vehicle. Replacement headlights are readily available online (please see our parts list) and installation is simple and quick.
It is important to note that there are several different versions of headlights in the BMW E46, so it is important that you get the right part number before ordering replacements. The E46 came with stock Halogen headlights and an optional xenon upgrade. Some models were also manufactured with ZKW halogen brand headlights. We suggest removing the headlight before ordering your replacement to ensure you get the proper part number.
For your convenience, we have listed all of the headlight variations for the 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i ,and 330xi models below in our parts section.
Click the link below for our YouTube video on the BMW E46 headlight removal process. For more detailed instructions, please see our step-by-step procedures with photos below.
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View the video version of this repair.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Section 1 - Removing the Headlight
As discussed at the beginning of this article, the E46 headlight removal is a simple operation. It is held in place with four screws...two on top and two on the bottom. All of the screws can be easily reached from the engine compartment with very little effort.- In order to remove the headlights from the front of your E46 sedan or touring wagon, the lower trim panels must be removed. Using a plastic trim removal tool, carefully pry the trim panel loose then use your fingers to remove it from the vehicle.
- Using an 8mm socket wrench, remove the top two mounting screws.
- Using a long screwdriver, release the side turn signal by inserting it into the hole behind the light assembly and pressing down on its release clip (see image below). Remove the turn signal from the vehicle.
- There are two mounting screws on the bottom of the headlight...one located on the rear and one located interior towards the centerline of the vehicle. Use an 8mm socket wrench and a long extension to remove them.
- You can now grasp your E46 headlight and pull it free from the vehicle.
- With the headlight free, unplug the two electrical connectors and remove it from the vehicle.
BMW E46 Headlight Removal Finished
