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.