Introduction
Use this guide to replace a burned-out or malfunctioning inner front indicator bulb on your 1997-2006 BMW 3 Series (model number E46).
The inner front indicators are the portions of the headlights that flash orange when you signal a turn. Over time, the halogen bulbs inside will naturally burn out and require replacement. A bulb's lifespan can range anywhere from 500 to 4,000 hours. Your vehicle’s dashboard will tell you the bulb's need to be replaced by clicking and flashing faster than usual when you turn on your indicators.
Note: the required bulb model may differ between different years or body styles. The specific vehicle model used in this guide is a 2001 325i Sedan, which requires a 7506 type bulb. You can check which bulb fits your vehicle at an auto parts retailer’s website such as AutoZone or O’Reilly. Otherwise, if you take a visit to any auto parts store in person, most workers will be glad to help you find the right part.
Tools
Parts
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Unlock the hood of the car by pulling the black latch on the bottom left side of the driver footwell.
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Take a flathead screwdriver and insert it through the access port.
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Gently push straight down to locate a white plastic tab connected to the indicator assembly.
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Locate the bulb housing and rotate it counterclockwise in order to release it from the indicator assembly.
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If necessary, repeat the process for both the left and right indicators. Usually when one indicator goes out, the other is not far behind. Since the bulbs come in a two pack anyway, take the opportunity to refresh both your indicators!
