Changing headlight bulbs.....

[tommy36]

This may be a tough question because not too many of you have stock HID\'s, but here goes anyways. I bought a new set of HID bulbs for my 3, but the problem is that everything is way too tight behind the HID assembly. So tight in fact that i couldn\'t even get my fingers in to get the bulb out. I was just curious if anyone with regular headlights had a problem, although i suppose its probably a different setup and much easier. Or if anyone is familiar with this setup and has any ideas how to go about it? I mean i would be able to get them changed, but it would take a while and be a pain in the a&%, and it shouldn\'t be, it should be simple.....i\'m sorry i\'m just upset.....:(

[el squid]

is it difficult to remove the whole lamp? i havent looked closely enough at mine yet to see, but i know in my mustang, there was only 2 clips that popped right out and then you could remove the whole lamp

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by tommy36


This may be a tough question because not too many of you have stock HID\'s, but here goes anyways. I bought a new set of HID bulbs for my 3, but the problem is that everything is way too tight behind the HID assembly. So tight in fact that i couldn\'t even get my fingers in to get the bulb out. I was just curious if anyone with regular headlights had a problem, although i suppose its probably a different setup and much easier. Or if anyone is familiar with this setup and has any ideas how to go about it? I mean i would be able to get them changed, but it would take a while and be a pain in the a&%, and it shouldn\'t be, it should be simple.....i\'m sorry i\'m just upset.....:(
Maybe majic can shed some light on your dilema.

His dad\'s 3 has stock HID\'s.

[Xerox]

HEADLIGHT BULB REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
Discharge type

Warning
• Incorrect servicing of the discharge headlights could result in electrical shock. Before servicing the discharge headlights, always refer to the discharge headlight service warnings. (See DISCHARGE HEADLIGHT SERVICE WARNINGS.)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Remove the front bumper. (SeeFRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

3. Remove the front combination light. (SeeFRONT COMBINATION LIGHT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

4. Remove the cover.

Caution
• The bulb generates extremely high heat when it is illuminated. If the surface of the bulb is soiled, excessive heat will build up and the life of the bulb will be shortened. When replacing the bulb, hold the metal flange, not the glass.

5. Remove the connector, then remove the discharge headlight bulb.

6. Install in the reverse order of removal.

I have a graphic of the headlight assembly but don\'t think I\'ll post it...sorry.

[M Cube]

Originally posted by tommy36


This may be a tough question because not too many of you have stock HID\'s, but here goes anyways. I bought a new set of HID bulbs for my 3, but the problem is that everything is way too tight behind the HID assembly. So tight in fact that i couldn\'t even get my fingers in to get the bulb out. I was just curious if anyone with regular headlights had a problem, although i suppose its probably a different setup and much easier. Or if anyone is familiar with this setup and has any ideas how to go about it? I mean i would be able to get them changed, but it would take a while and be a pain in the a&%, and it shouldn\'t be, it should be simple.....i\'m sorry i\'m just upset.....:(

Hi there,

I suggest trying the Mazda3/Axela forum since they are a lucky bunch that have HID option coming straight from the dealership. The chance of getting this answered is much much higher. According to the owner\'s manual they\'re recommanded to be replaced by the dealership. Can you guys do it for him flipspeed?

[tommy36]

I kinda figured the easiest way to do it would be to take the front bumper of so that you could unbolt the screws that hold the light assembly from the front and underneath, which you can\'t get at easily. Man what a pain in the arse, now i don\'t know if this option was worth it. All i want to do is change the bulbs, not take the front end apart.....:(

[tommy36]

Thanks for the info guys. I went ahead and decided to take the bumper off, man that was a daring move. Actually it wasn\'t that bad, and man was it easier. It took me and my dad about 45 minutes to put in both bulbs. It took so long because the bumper has about 20 screws and clips holding it on, and the headlights have like six each. Think they over did it a bit. Anyways they are in and during the day they look cool, i\'ll have to check them out later and get back to you. Thanks for the help everyone.