Continental Side Light Bulb Change.

Non-Member-Postings · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 227

From a non-member, responses to rosanne.lydenbrown@gmail.com.

Dear Sirs,

Unfortunately my 2006 W12 Continental GTC failed its MOT earlier this week due to a failed front side light bulb. The examiner's assistant (a gormless youth of about 17 summers) asked me if I wanted him to replace it before going on to ask me how are they replaced!

I told him I didn't have a clue to which he replied he would Google it. A few minutes later he returned to say that the whole front bumper needs to come off, a situation which I find incredible.

I can't believe that it's necessary to remove the whole front bumper can anybody advise me if there is an alternative method?

Many thanks,

Rosanne

Barrie Warrener · Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 9:12 pm Post subject:

I remember an otherwise excellent 2002 Mercedes A-Class I owned from new
suddenly blowing one of two bulbs which illuminated the instrument panel behind the steering wheel. At a regular service I blithely said "Oh, just replace it" only to get an extra item on the bill for nearly £100 (ex-VAT)
Apparently they had to remove the steering wheel, disarm the airbag etc etc.
The bulb cost about £2 but the really annoying thing was they didn't replace the other bulb whilst they were there!
I think Mr Wogan's phrase of 'Numpty' is applicable here.

I wish you good luck Rosaline and would be interested to see how you get on.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 8:01 am Post subject:

The alternative method involves a mechanic who has rather thin arms and the hands of a 5 year old, otherwise it is a minimum of 5 hours labour +. So take the suggestion about having all the bulbs renewed.

Nice looking cars but cause a lot of proctalgia fugax.

Robert Craven · Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 10:07 am Post subject:

When she was a little girl my niece was virtually double-jointed and would, if inclined, have made an excellent mechanic for jobs like the bulb or in particular working behind the instrument board of my 3 Litre. But her parents wouldn't have liked it and she's grown up now and not mechanically inclined.
Chimney sweeps come to mind.

James O'Neil · Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 11:26 am Post subject:

I remember hearing a few years ago that the cost of replacing a headlamp bulb in a one of the new Range Rovers was around £800. The exercise called for considerable dismantling of the front of the car. Not a good selling point.

James