Replacing C5 sidelight bulbs.

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 04 May 2009, 08:25

The mad thing is some european countrys require you to carry a spare bulb kit in the car, what are you meant to do with it at the roadside without a full toolkit on modern cars or where it requires the removal of the bumper

Unread post by **myglaren** » 04 May 2009, 10:37

As long as you carry the kit you are covered, surely?

Apropos that, I bought a kit of bulbs and fuses for my daughter to carry in her car.

Why I didn't buy one or more for all seven of us I will never understand, they were £1 per kit in the Pound Shop!
Went back when I saw the stupidity of it and of course they were all gone, never even bought one for myself.

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 04 May 2009, 19:24

myglaren wrote:As long as you carry the kit you are covered, surely?

But whats the point if the average motorist cant do anything with it at the roadside.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 04 May 2009, 19:31

I suppose the idea is you call out the breakdown recovery service to change the bulb...

Seems crazy but on looking at what a dockyard job it is to chnage a bulb in asome modern cars I guess it'll be the only way for most, bearing in mind that a failed bulb can land you with a fine if the boys in blue notice.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 04 May 2009, 19:57

wheeler wrote:
myglaren wrote:As long as you carry the kit you are covered, surely?

But whats the point if the average motorist cant do anything with it at the roadside.

Because the majority of cars can be fixed using the kit.
If you carry the kit you have complied with the law and have the means to effect a repair even if you don't have the ability.

It is compliance with regulations that is the point - a get out of jail card.

h2ocooler · Unread post by **h2ocooler** » 05 May 2009, 23:25

Oh sorry officer I didnt know the bulb had blown, I have a spare, I dont suppose you could help me fit it could you as im not a mechanic???? Whats that NO you cant fit it, OK then I can drive home with it blown, have a good evening officer

As far as i know with HID's you dont have to carry a spare anyway as its not a roadside replacement job.

Rob

Unread post by **Howie999** » 06 Mar 2026, 17:22

I have just managed to replace the right hand side light bulb without removing the headlight (April 2006 car). There is the grommet on the rear face of the light unit but also one in the top surface that I haven't found mentioned anywhere else. With the poor access I think it would be impossible to do with only the rear access grommet but removing the little one in the top surface allows you to see what you are doing and to get a finger from a second hand on the job.
Perhaps they added this on later non-zenon lights.
Photo attached.

Unread post by **wurlycorner** » 09 Mar 2026, 14:00

Looks like a handy hint for people. Thanks for posting!

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Replacing C5 sidelight bulbs.

Re: Replacing C5 sidelight bulbs.

Re: Replacing C5 sidelight bulbs.