How to remove Dome? (for LED upgrade)

lordviper · #1 02-09-2011, 03:27 PM

hi guys,
ive replaced every other bulb in my car without issue, most of it i figured out as i went along.

ive finally hit a brick wall.

The dome light at the front of my car.
I cannot get this thing out, and i think ive damaged it!

i tried prying it like i did the one in the back, but that didnt work.

has anyone got any handy tips for me please?

its a 2003 x5.

I did a search and checked the how to's but couldnt find anything.

thanks for any help.

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lordviper · #2 02-10-2011, 02:50 AM

Here's a preview of what I've managed so far.

Here's the one I can't do on the ceiling

Nik · #3 02-10-2011, 05:22 AM

Looks very good. keep up the good work.

lordviper · #4 02-10-2011, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nik

Looks very good. keep up the good work.

thanks bvut im stuck on that last bulb array at the front ceiling!

someone help please?

Sundayjumper · #5 02-10-2011, 07:13 AM

It just pops out, rearmost edge first IIRC.

lordviper · #6 02-10-2011, 07:15 AM

thanks i tried prying from the edge where the sunroof switch is, but no joy.

duboy · #7 02-10-2011, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordviper

thanks i tried prying from the edge where the sunroof switch is, but no joy.

I did this a few months ago to replace a burnt out bulb. If I remember correctly there are two metal tabs holding it in place facing the back of the X, they are located between the main interior light button, and the individual map light buttons so you have to start prying from those locations. What are you using to pry it up? i highly suggest using a plastic panel removal tool if you have one handy, the two clips do a good job of holding it in place. Once you get past those two clips you just rotate it down out of the housing and the front tabs will unseat themselves.

just go slow...you'll get it...

Edit: Like this video shows (i still can't get the embed youtube function to work...)

lordviper · #8 02-10-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duboy

I did this a few months ago to replace a burnt out bulb. If I remember correctly there are two metal tabs holding it in place facing the back of the X, they are located between the main interior light button, and the individual map light buttons so you have to start prying from those locations. What are you using to pry it up? i highly suggest using a plastic panel removal tool if you have one handy, the two clips do a good job of holding it in place. Once you get past those two clips you just rotate it down out of the housing and the front tabs will unseat themselves.

just go slow...you'll get it...

dude thank you sooo much!
ill try this tonight when i get home.

hypnotiqdmg · #9 02-10-2011, 02:00 PM

Looks GOOD! What brand did you end up getting, I've been thinking about doing this as well?

lordviper · #10 02-11-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hypnotiqdmg

Looks GOOD! What brand did you end up getting, I've been thinking about doing this as well?

i got some cheap ones off of ebay, and they seem to work better than a friends expensive set!
ive done it all now guys, thanks for the help duboy!

im now toying with the idea of getting an LED array instead of the one bulb between the map lights. that 1 bulb is not bright enough.

also i might replace that enclosure as i defo damged it.

an e46 one should work right?

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