Headlight bulb change query, plus related query for Timm

Hi guys (and hopefully Timm)

One of my low beam bulbs has gone, so I bought 6 x Osram Nightbreaker H1 figuring i would swap all 6 front bulbs out.

But i've got two questions, one for general reply and one aimed more at Timm.

First question is quite simply: easiest way to swap out the six bulbs? If i look here -
http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/721en/index.htm

It tells me to remove little grill and undo two outer screws - am i right in thinking that i will then have access to all three H1 bulbs on each side? Are all 3 bulbs visible once assembly is part pulled out?

2nd question is more directed towards Timm if he drops in - hi Timm -

Timm, i've long thought of refurbing my headlights as per your instructions, however, reading through your page I have been put off by the part where you test for leaks and use sealant to re-seal any gaps, etc.

In short, i like the idea but a bit wary of attempting the whole job myself. So what i was wondering is if you think a PARTIAL job would still be better than nothing - ie, clean lens/ reflectors only?

I'm guessing that would still help improve my headlights, i would swap out all bulbs for new H1s as well).. do you think this will still help?

Also, i'm unsure about access to the bulbs - if i follow your how-to, will i have access to the bulbs? As the method you describe is different to the access method described in the link i attached just above?

hope both questions make sense to you, kind regards as ever, b

Ah, thanks Reinhard. This was the initial cause of my confusion, noting that the procedure outlined via Timms guide included removing top headlight cover. And indeed - I have looked in the wrong part of that guide, though still curious to find the correct page anyway!
Also indeed - I have the fingers of a butcher

How stupid I am not even noting that the diagrams on that guide clearly relate to the FTP. In my defence.. I had not looked at the diagrams so much, just read the text.

Cheers for that heads up Graham. I just stumbled over a few posts from various E31 boards saying similar, although such warnings are not so visible relating to the main headlights.

I wonder why the silvering on the FTPs may be more fragile than the silvering on the main headlights? If indeed it is. I was planning on using a very gentle cleaning action on the main headlights using TV cleaner and lintfree cloths, but your warning is making me slightly wary of doing even that, in case I damage it.

Over to Timm maybe? I hope he also gets chance to reply to my query to him in the OP as well!

Zitat von Timm;106645

I think the FTP silvering suffers more because the assembly is smaller and the plastic gets hotter.

Thanks Timm, reassuring to know.

Thank you tim
Apologies for needing some things spelled out very slowly. To me, a headlight assembly is something to fear, e.g I have no idea what the back of a projector lens looks like.
i can just about spot a bulb, and gently wipe the glass in front of it clean
cheers
b

Well, took me a while but done one side! Two hours later

One of those clips (metal) -that hold the headlight glass in place - pinged out and fell down into the engine. I got a telescopic magnet down into the various cracks and recesses but no sign of it. Probably drop out once in motion i hope.

So, I managed to secure the 3 underside clips but only have two clips on the top.

I've checked RealOEM but struggled as usual - if any kind soul could point me toward the relevant diagram i'd be v grateful.

Zitat von shiggsy;106787

Think the clip is number 16 in this image

Thanks Shiggsy! I originally looked at that diagram for about 2 minutes and still didn't spot it.

Timm- it happened when i was re-attaching the first lower clip -stupidly (as it was my first try replacing one) i decided to try assist it using screwdriver head, was cupping hand around it but it spun off..
Later attempts were easier ( using hands only) after tapping one or two of them lightly to reshape.

Lights are much brighter now!! I didn't touch any of the silvering as it all looked supremely clean - except for one tiny scorch mark on one side, i figured that was best left alone. I did polish the lenses inside and out though, even though they also looked surprisingly clean.

Not going to drive after nightfall for a few days in case any moisture remained around/ inside rubber gasket after washing the headlight glass. As I didn't have time to dry them for too long..

The E31 headlamp assembly is very loveable once you get familiar with it. My butchers fingers were struggling every step of the way removing the bulbs btw Reinhard

I want a bendy magnet now.
Losing that clip has been causing me minor irritation. OCD kicking in.