Sidelight bulb C5 MK11

[VertVega]

So now, the "facelift" car is a phase two, and the X7 (2008>)isn't a phase at all, unless its a phase two facelift!!.

It would have been much more clear to call them by C5 and Roman numbers coding
C5 I -> (2001-2004)
C5 II -> (2004-2008)
C5 III -> (2008- ... )

[micky707]

Going back to Dowens question, Has anyone removed the bumper, as i may have a go at this soon and replace both sidelights with Led's. I hate doing these jobs because the bumper/trims never seem to fit properly afterwards.

[qprdude]

Micky, I've searched the forum and can't find anyone who has done a facelift bumper. The Mk 1 has been done, but I couldn't find a definitive "how to"
Looks like it could be a trial and error job mate, unless someone comes along with instructions.

[qprdude]

So now, the "facelift" car is a phase two, and the X7 (2008>)isn't a phase at all, unless its a phase two facelift!!.

It would have been much more clear to call them by C5 and Roman numbers coding
C5 I -> (2001-2004)
C5 II -> (2004-2008)
C5 III -> (2008- ... )

That would work for me.

[Estately]

Removing the front bumper of the C5 2004 to 2008 is fairly logical BUT at each side of the bumper there is a tag which fits into a groove formed by the front wing. The tag is made of the same material as the bumper and can be weakened very easily if you do not have a compliant assistant prepared to wait and support said bumper while you investigate how to spring the tag out.
The upper edge of the bumper is also shaped to interlock with the lower edge of the wing.
I think two people are ideally needed when actually removing the bumper if you are not used to doing that job.

If the tag is weakened there will be a tendency for the particular front corner to sag after re fitting and if you have head light washers the covers will be inclined to go AWOL (apart from the bumper not fitting back neatly).

At each tip of the bumper there is a Citroen type slotted screw which you turn through 90 degrees then remove. (It has a serrated edge which fits into a matching holder). You will need to clean it up before re fitting.

The main fixing screws are T30's and when run into plastic come out fairly easily. Some however (three seen when you lift the bonnet) are threaded into metal clips and can rust, particularly as they are at the front of the car and exposed to rain etc.

Try and spray and soak the threads with Plus Gas or Three in One before you plan to begin as the clips are folded onto the plastic and ideally need to be supported (Mole Grips) if they show signs of seizing when you are undoing the torq screws.

I think that there are 4 T30 screws with metal clips that could be rusty holding the lower edge of the bumper.
Obviously grease the threads well when refitting.

Hope that helps.

Andy

[micky707]

Thanks dude and thanks andy for your help, I'll let you know if I decide to do it, as for the rust i should be ok as this car was stored by Citroen along with others for 3 years so has only been on the road since sept 09.

[citronut]

i did remove a face lift front bumper but it was about a year ago, so can not remember the details but it was very easy

[JohnD]

Has anyone removed bumper on Mk11?

My front bumper has been off several times. At least three times to replace sidelight bulbs - now on LEDs and the last time to replace the washer pump. If the bumper is on a car with headlamp washers, it's necessary to remove the washer covers first otherwise they will break when the bumper is pulled forwards. There are several plastic screws to remove between the lower edge of the bumper and the undertray. Also more at the front of the bumper. Then there are two under the wheel arch and three more under the bonnet. The bumper is clipped into the wing so it necessary to move the bumper forwards slightly, then outwards. My picture shows the fastening. If access is needed to just one headlight then only one side need be released, but all the fixings at the front of the car need to be removed. So much so that it's almost as easy to remove the bumper entirely. Very much easier if a second pair of hands are available.

[micky707]

Thanks John, I may well have a go, i'll get help from my youngest as he is an apprentice mechanic and tends to remember where certain screws and clips go, unlike me! Its an age thing!

[dowen]

Thats brilliant, nice pic, I will now proceed when it stops raining ( April? )
What a ridiculous carry on just to change a bulb!

[micky707]

Where abouts are you Dowen? agreed, how crazy to take the car apart for a sidelight, if memory serves me if you were pulled over for a light out you were expected to change it there and then, and I used to carry a bulb set with me in the glove. Ok officer if you dont mind giving me a hand to dismantle the car, should only be about 2 hours!

[qprdude]

It's a French car. Wonder what happens in France where it is a legal requirement to carry spare bulbs?

[dowen]

I'm in Halesowen, I wonder if Timmy Spotty from Halfords would do it?

[Stickyfinger]

I'm in Halesowen, I wonder if Timmy Spotty from Halfords would do it?

Might be fun to buy a bulb, pay the fiver and watch him try , Pete Plukie will be need to help him about an Hours fun and a refund when they give up, thats cheaper than the local cinema

[qprdude]

Wouldn't surprise me if they had a list of cars to refuse. They've been around a long time and must have come up against some classic design faults by now.
As a test, I asked for a quote to fit a Bluetooth system to my Saab 9-3 TiD, and the guy said right away that it would be extra as the plug and wiring had to be converted, and that there wasn't a clear way through to the screen without either drilling, or leaving a very small amount of wire showing. I was quite impressed by his knowledge actually. I had no intention of letting them do it, but they're not all spotty youths.