How to replace tail light bulb for BMW 3 Series (E36, E36/5)
Model years: 1990 - 2000
Tail lights or tail lamps are positioned at the back part of vehicle's body, which primary purpose is to increase the visibility of automobiles at night. Aforesaid lamps produce red colored radius similarly to stop lamps, apart from the latter develops more intensive light. On the whole tail lamps will continue emitting light whole time the front lights are on. It's significant that the cargo that is transported does not obstruct tail lights, as it might be difficult to notice the vehicle. Analogous outcome occurs in a case of a malfunctioning tail lamp, thus get a new bulb and replace it.
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 tail light bulb list:
Body type | Position | Bulb specs | Buy |
---|---|---|---|
Coupe | Taillight | Type: Single Filament Bulb (R5W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/5W | Amazon.com: $5.77pair Amazon.co.uk: £1.99pair |
Taillight | Type: Twin Fillament Bulb (P21/4W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21/4W | Amazon.com: $7.49pair Amazon.co.uk: £6.75pair | |
Convertible | Taillight | Type: Single Filament Bulb (R5W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/5W | Amazon.com: $5.77pair Amazon.co.uk: £1.99pair |
Taillight | Type: Twin Fillament Bulb (P21/4W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21/4W | Amazon.com: $7.49pair Amazon.co.uk: £6.75pair | |
Sedan/saloon | Taillight | Type: Single Filament Bulb (R5W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/5W | Amazon.com: $5.77pair Amazon.co.uk: £1.99pair |
Taillight | Type: Twin Fillament Bulb (P21/4W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21/4W | Amazon.com: $7.49pair Amazon.co.uk: £6.75pair | |
Touring | Taillight | Type: Double Filament Bulb (P21/5W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/12/5W | Amazon.com: $9.99pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.39pair |
Compact | |||
Taillight | Type: Single Filament Bulb (R10W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/10W | Amazon.com: $4.28pair Amazon.co.uk: £2.49pair | Taillight | Type: Double Filament Bulb (P21/5W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/12/5W | Amazon.com: $9.99pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.39pair |
How to replace tail light bulb:
1.
Open the trunk.
2.
Remove rear lights cluster cover.
3.
Pull out the lights assembly.
4.
Locate tail light bulb.
5.
Remove old bulb.
6.
Insert the replacement bulb.
7.
Apply rear lights cluster back.
8.
Apply rear lights cluster cover.
9.
Test if tail lights work.
Tail light bulb replacement instructions for:
3 Series (1998 - 2006)3 Series (2005 - 2011)3 Series (2011 - present)