Changing headlight Bulb
 

I've been through my 3rd headlight bulb in 3 years on my M3. The left one went the first year and I had it replaced, other one went, had it replaced, now the left one went again recently and it's only a matter of time before the other one goes again. Has anyone experieced changing bulbs this many times on your 3's. I would think these bulbs should be lasting longer than they are. Oh and the manual says to bring it into the dealership to replace and that's about $80-$90 to change a frickin' light bulb. Thankfully the first two bulb burnouts were covered under warranty. The recent one cost me about $40 at the garage. I know I could change it myself but would have to remove different parts in order to get to the light. Does anyone know what I need to remove? Is it easy or pain in ass? Also - was thinking about getting the "Pure Blue" bulbs that are supposedly close to the HID look without it being HID. Does anyone know any further info on these bulbs? Don't feel like forking out $500 for an HID kit. Thanks much !

I haven't looked around this forum for bulbs but I always go to http://www.sportcompactonly.com for my bulbs. The Nokya Arctic Whites are my personal choice and I love them. Super bright and not yellow, thats about enough to satisfy me though. The bulb changes are not to difficult. The most difficult part I have found is getting the clip back into place. The only thing you need to do the change is a Phillips Head screwdriver. On the passenger side there is enough room to get down to it ll you have to do is slide the protective rubber gasket back to get to the clip to release the bulb and it comes right out. On the drivers side use the phillips head screwdriver to start unscrewing the center of the pins on the cover between the headlights, battery and air flow. There are three pins to remove just get the center up a little bit and then grasp the base and pull it out. Then remove the whole peice. And undo the clips just like the other side to get the bulbs out.

Are these bulbs different thant what is on the P5?

I've experienced the same bulb problem with my P5 a couple of times.. There is like a 6 day difference in life time from the left to right bulb. I just go pick some up at the local autozone for $7 a peice.

Though i have to admit, those f'ing clip light holders are a pain.

Not sure if the P5 bulbs are the same. The 3's take H7 size bulbs.
From the past two reply's - it looks like I will be having fun with the clip light holders.

Hey Phil -
Questions on the Nokya White bulbs you have. Are they similiar to the HID look? Are they more white or do they have a blue-ish tint to them like most of the HID's?
Saw some on ebay for fairly cheap. I'm interested but pessimistic about ordering bulbs I have not seen in person.

I really like the Sylvania SilverStar. We have them on 2 different cars (not mazda3) and you can tell they're brighter than regular halogen. Here's a link to check yourself http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...ducts/Halogen/

Yup h7's here also for the lights.

well the nokyas i have do have a blueish tint to them and i love them for it. as for sylvania silver stars, cant stand them, not sure what it is about them that i dont like but it is probably because they are not slightly tinted blue. I absolutey love the nokyas and will not run anything but them in my car.