How to replace turn signal bulb for BMW 3 Series (F30, F31, F34)
Model years: 2011 - present
Automotive turn signals or indicators are flashing lights, situated at front and rear of the vehicle. Driver decides when to turn on these lights in order to tell other road users, that the movement direction of a car is going to be changed. It's relevant to exploit turn signals opportunely, in order to improve alertness of the other road users and avoid traffic accidents. Because of this, all directional indicators have to be functioning properly. Commonly, the origin of a malfunctioning turn indicator is a dead bulb, which does not require examining the blinker itself to find out: every time driver actuates turn signal, flickering of respective dashboard indicator will be faster than usual, if any bulb has died on a particular side.
The life-time of a bulb is limited. Sooner or later, it will burn out and will have to be replaced. Bulbs, made of high quality materials, tend to last longer. It's recommended to use well known brand replacement bulbs.
If bulb burns out right after installation, your vehicle might have a problem inside electrical system - have it checked by auto electrician.
BMW 3 Series turn signal bulb list:
| Body type | Position | Bulb specs | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan/saloon | Turn signal (front) | Type: Indicator (Amber) (PY21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $8.52pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.10pair |
| Turn signal (rear) | Type: Indicator (White) (P21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $7.46pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.94pair | |
| Touring | Turn signal (front) | Type: Indicator (Amber) (PY21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $8.52pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.10pair |
| Turn signal (rear) | Type: Indicator (White) (P21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $7.46pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.94pair | |
| Five-door hatchback | Turn signal (front) | Type: Indicator (Amber) (PY21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $8.52pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.10pair |
| Turn signal (rear) | Type: Indicator (White) (P21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $7.46pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.94pair |
How to replace turn signal bulb:
1.
Front turn signal bulb can be accessed through the wheel housing. To make bulb access easier, turn the wheel inwards.
2.
Remove the cover on the fender:
3.
Locate bulb holder, turn it counterclockwise and remove it:
4.
Remove bulb from the holder.
5.
Place a new bulb back into the holder.
6.
Rear turn signal bulb can be accessed by opening trunk lid.
7.
To remove the cover, loosen screw (1):
8.
After the cover has been removed, loosen two nuts (1) and (2):
9.
Now detach rear light assembly from the body by pulling it out:
10.
Unplug the wiring from the bulb holder.
11.
Separate bulb holder from light assembly by releasing four retainers marked as "1":
12.
Remove bulb from it's holder.
Turn signal bulb replacement instructions for:
3 Series (1990 - 1998)3 Series (1998 - 2006)3 Series (2005 - 2011)