Help replacing fron fog lamp S39

What's an "S39"?

Ah - it's a typo! But then you probably knew that huh? E39

I suspected it, but wasn't certain.

Now more info is needed. Are your fog lights rectangular or round? There were different ones used on different year E39's.

You've not really read the post, have you? ;-)

Ah - now I did actually write that correctly in my OP - round fish-eye type

Page 155 from my '03 owners manual (do you have one, did you look?):

1. Using a screwdriver, remove the mounting clips for the air grill and remove the grill by bringing it toward the front.
2. Loosen both screws (inboard of housing).
3. Take off the cover panel next to the headlamp
4. Turn the headlamp 90 degrees to the left and remove it by bringing it toward the front.
5. Disconnect the plug

1. Turn the lamp to the left and remove it.

To reinstall, reverse the procedure.

If you don't have an owners manual, you can download one or purchase one for a modest price from any BMW dealer. If your email client can accept large files (5MB or thereabouts) I can email you the pdf.

R / John

These are two expanding rivets, only can be seen by laying on the ground looking up at the bottom of the bumper.. the grill is the small air grill just inside of the light assembly.

See:

These are exposed after removing the grill.

See the diagram below

Perhaps they mean the bulb holder? It's not clear what they mean by 90 degrees..

Diagram:

Hi John Many thanks for the response No - sadly I have not got around to buying a manual yet and just for the fog lamp I was trying to avoid the expense right now. If you'd be kind enough to email this to me that would be fantastic - yes I can receive anything under 10Mb. A BMW manual will be so much more than a Haynes one - I think I know which I will be going for next time I DIY. Thanks David (please remove the 2 maps from my email address)

Thanks for the explanations. Do you (they) mean 'cover panel next to *headlamp*' as opposed to fog lamp (given the headlamp is the other side of the bumper!)

The cover to be removed it the grille next to the foglight.. I think their translator got confused.

That's the older design, pre-01 - 03 when they went to a slightly narrower grill and a different lamp assy. You don't have to go under the bumper on the newer cars.

R / John

Send me your email and I'll send the owner's manual as a pdf file attachment.

R / John

Hopefully, you will have got my message (assuming your spam trap hasn't intercepted) if not, then it is dca860 at yahoo and then the co and uk Cheers David

Why bother to replace the fog lights. Buy a new car! After all you do have a BMW so you must be loaded like me

just did it today Mine is a March 2001 model and it has the plastic rivet clips - which once I actually saw (I missed them when I first posted my question) were no problem to remove and later replace. All done and working - thanks to all.